Law and History Major

This major equips students to understand how law has functioned in a variety of historical settings and empowers them for citizenship and their future careers.

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BACHELOR OF ARTS

Law & History

Prepare for a future in the legal profession.

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Is This Program for Me?

If you are intellectually curious and thrive in a hands-on, problem-solving environment where you become a detective in pursuit of sources and answers, then our Law and History major is for you. It is an excellent choice for students interested in a career in law.

A nationally known Alabama lawyer once said, "History is the best preparation for law school.” We agree. Law and History provides first-rate training for a career in law by equipping you with the research, communication and logical skills necessary to serve as advocates in our judicial system.

What Will I Learn?

You will complete law-related history courses and can gain valuable work experience through our legal studies internship.

In this program, you will learn...

How law has shaped society, from Europe to the United States
The American Constitution and its role in American life.
Research skills that will sharpen your investigatory ability.
How to analyze and interpret your discoveries.
How to communicate clearly and effectively, orally and in writing.

What Makes Us Different?

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Experiential Learning

We know that many of the most important lessons are often learned outside the classroom. Our students have interned at several of the most prestigious law firms in the country, at in-house law departments at various business and non-profit organizations, and with local, state and federal judges.

One-On-One Mentoring

Our small class sizes make it possible for students to be mentored by our faculty on a personal and professional level. We provide personalized advising to explore careers and paths on how to get there. Faculty also carefully oversees internships.

Empowering Community

We have excellent teachers who have spent years honing their craft to help students learn. Our faculty members take seriously the role of advisors and mentors. We work closely with students to help them achieve personal, academic and career goals.

Career Preparation

To use the law intelligently and creatively, a good lawyer must not only know what the law is but where it came from and why it exists. With Samford ranked #10 in the nation for career preparation by the Wall Street Journal, we ensure you understand the historical context of developments in the legal system, producing a real advantage in law school applications and law school performance. Samford’s History Department has a long tradition of successfully placing graduates in some of the most prestigious law schools in the country.

Internships

The Legal Studies Internship is a cooperative effort between the Department of History and a public or private law-related office. This internship program gives students the opportunity to apply their education to real work experiences.