Legal Pathways: Investigating Law, Justice, and Public Service

Badger Summer Scholars

How do laws shape society, protect individual rights, influence public policy, and address some of the most complex challenges facing our communities? This engaging course introduces students to the foundations of law, justice, government and public service, while exploring the academic pathways, fields of study and career opportunities that prepare professionals to make an impact in the legal and civic spheres. Through the lens of UW–Madison's diverse academic offerings, students will gain insight into how legal systems function and how professionals use the law to solve problems, advocate for change and serve the public. Designed as an introduction to legal studies, this course combines career exploration with hands-on learning to help students understand the role of law in everyday life. Through case studies, mock trials, debates, simulations, legal research activities and discussions of landmark legal cases, students will examine the principles that underpin the American legal system, including constitutional law, civil rights, criminal justice, public policy, ethics and the rule of law. Students will analyze how laws are created, interpreted, and applied while developing critical thinking, communication, argumentation and problem-solving skills.

As students explore legal pathways at UW–Madison, they will gain exposure to a wide range of undergraduate fields of study that can lead to careers in law, government and public service. These may include Political Science, Legal Studies, History, Economics, Sociology, Psychology, Communication Arts, International Studies, Public Policy, Journalism, Philosophy and related disciplines. Students will learn how these academic fields contribute to legal education and develop the analytical, research and communication skills valued in the legal profession. Throughout the course, students will investigate the broad range of careers connected to law and public service, including attorneys, judges, legislators, policy analysts, lobbyists, mediators, compliance officers, public administrators, government officials, law enforcement professionals and nonprofit advocates. By connecting legal theory to real-world applications and contemporary issues, students will gain a deeper understanding of the many ways legal professionals influence society and advance justice. By the end of the course, students will have developed a strong foundation in legal studies, gained exposure to UW–Madison academic pathways and law-related careers, and acquired practical experience applying legal reasoning and analysis to real-world questions. Whether interested in law school, government, public service, policy, advocacy, or civic leadership, students will leave with a clearer understanding of the educational and professional opportunities available within the world of law and justice.

Application deadlines

Application opens: Jan. 12, 2027
Deadline: Apply by May 1, 2027

Tuition deadlines

The first half of tuition is due by May 15. The second half of tuition is due by June 1.