Skip to main content
Ontario Tech acknowledges the lands and people of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation.

We are thankful to be welcome on these lands in friendship. The lands we are situated on are covered by the Williams Treaties and are the traditional territory of the Mississaugas, a branch of the greater Anishinaabeg Nation, including Algonquin, Ojibway, Odawa and Pottawatomi. These lands remain home to many Indigenous nations and peoples.

We acknowledge this land out of respect for the Indigenous nations who have cared for Turtle Island, also called North America, from before the arrival of settler peoples until this day. Most importantly, we acknowledge that the history of these lands has been tainted by poor treatment and a lack of friendship with the First Nations who call them home.

This history is something we are all affected by because we are all treaty people in Canada. We all have a shared history to reflect on, and each of us is affected by this history in different ways. Our past defines our present, but if we move forward as friends and allies, then it does not have to define our future.

Learn more about Indigenous Education and Cultural Services

Legal Studies

Program details

Faculty
Social Science and Humanities

Degree
Bachelor of Arts (Honours)

Experiential learning
Experiential work term
Internship
Practicum
Research study
Undergraduate thesis

Delivery method
In-class

Location
Ontario Tech University, Downtown Oshawa

Start dates
September

Length
Four years

Program load
Full-time

OUAC code
DAL

Overview

Students sitting outside. Satisfy the course requirements for applying to Law school in our Legal Studies program, studying the law's defining features, forms and functions.

Most of today’s controversial issues—whether stemming from political conflict, technological developments, economic inequality or other social changes—are expressed and mediated through law. The Legal Studies program offers you the opportunity to critically explore the social roles of law and its connections with community, government and society from different theoretical perspectives. The program demonstrates a commitment to promoting justice by cultivating active citizenship skills, critical reflection, and respect for diversity, pluralism, equality and equity. 

You will be stimulated to appreciate the law in its plural—formal and informal—forms and to evaluate it from diverse perspectives. You will be challenged to question whether law equally responds to the needs of all groups in society, including Indigenous peoples, racial minorities, immigrants, the poor, women, members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community and persons with disabilities. You will study law in relation to topical themes, including national security, globalization, technology and the environment. You will explore various ways of resolving social conflicts—from traditional court processes to alternative methods of dispute resolution such as mediation.

Legal Studies graduates have knowledge and skills suitable for careers requiring legal research and analysis, policy analysis, human rights advocacy, mediation and/or an understanding of privacy and information access issues. The program also offers preparation for graduate work in legal studies, law school, or paralegal and mediator certification programs.

You may pursue the comprehensive program or a specialization in:

  • Alternative Dispute Resolution
  • Human Rights Law
  • Information Law

Students also have the opportunity to complete a double major in Legal Studies and Political Science. This double major enables students to receive degrees in both Legal Studies and Political Science in four years. The two programs are especially complementary given law and politics are deeply intertwined. Students learn to navigate how legal systems affect governance, and how power impacts lawmaking and legal decision-making. You will acquire knowledge and skills that especially equip you to enter into the legal profession, including law school. 


Admissions

Admissions


Current Ontario secondary school students must complete the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) with six 4U or 4M courses, including English (ENG4U).

Note: Admission is competitive. The specific average or standing required for admission varies from year to year. Students are selected by taking into consideration a wide range of criteria including school marks, distribution of subjects taken and performance in subjects relevant to the academic program. Possession of the minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance. Preference will be given to applicants with the best qualifications. 


Last year's cut-off70 per cent
Expected cut-offLow 70s

Program details

Faculty
Social Science and Humanities

Degree
Bachelor of Arts (Honours)

Experiential learning
Experiential work term
Internship
Practicum
Research study
Undergraduate thesis

Delivery method
In-class

Location
Ontario Tech University, Downtown Oshawa

Start dates
September

Length
Four years

Program load
Full-time

OUAC code
DAL

Contact information

Career opportunities

  • Federal and Provincial Government Administrator
  • Human Rights Advocate
  • Legal or Policy Analyst
  • Legal Researcher
  • Mediator/Dispute Resolution Specialist
  • Social Services Worker

Experiential learning

A limited number of fourth-year students have an opportunity to participate in a learning experience with a community organization. The practicum is an experiential learning tool that provides students with opportunities to acquire workplace skills and knowledge, confront the relationship between theory and practice, and cultivate a sense of personal and professional development. The practicum course consists of 100 hours of fieldwork, several in-class seminars and a set of academic assignments.


Did you know?

organizations provide placement opportunities
of students are employed within six months of graduation
summer internship jobs to apply for
  • Sample courses
    • Loading...
    • Loading...
    • Loading...
    • Loading...
    • Loading...
    • Loading...
    • Loading...
    • Loading...
    • Loading...
    • Loading...
    • Loading...
    • Loading...
    • Loading...
    • Loading...
    • Loading...
    • Loading...
    • Loading...
    • Loading...
    • Loading...
    • Loading...
    • Loading...
    • Loading...
    • Loading...
    • Loading...
    • Loading...
    • Loading...
    • Loading...
    • Loading...
    • Loading...
    • Loading...
    • Loading...
    • Loading...
    • Loading...
    • Loading...
    • Loading...
    • Loading...
    • Loading...
    • Loading...
    • Loading...
    • Loading...
    • Loading...
    • Loading...
    • Loading...
    • Loading...
    • Loading...
    • Loading...
    • Loading...
    • Loading...