The minor in legal studies program at UNC Asheville helps students understand the nature of law and its role and functions from different disciplinary perspectives.
Why Pursue a Minor in Legal Studies at UNC Asheville?
Build a Robust Skill Set
In today’s society, understanding the legal system is valuable not only for those pursuing careers directly related to law but also for informed citizenship. Our legal studies courses often require students to analyze complex issues, think critically, and argue persuasively. These skills are transferable to many professions and can be advantageous in roles that require problem-solving and analytical thinking.
Want to Prepare for Law School?
Even though the legal studies minor is not intended as a pre-law program or as a preparation for law school, UNC Asheville offers other courses to help you reach your goal.
If you are interested in a pre-law course of study, please contact the Pre-Law Program Coordinator.
Outside the Classroom
Your education knows no bounds at UNC Asheville. We emphasize hands-on, engaged learning beyond the traditional classroom setting. You can put your legal knowledge into practice through research projects, student clubs and organizations, study abroad, and community engagement.
Study Abroad
Want to gain a global perspective and broaden your understanding of global law and policy? Consider one of our many study abroad experiences in Europe, Asia, Central or South America, Australia, the Pacific Islands, and Africa.
Community Engagement
The Key Center for Community Engaged Learning serves as a central hub for local involvement, fostering connections between students, staff, faculty, and the wider community to tackle societal issues through transformative relationships.
We encourage students and other members of the UNC Asheville community to engage in various initiatives, from one-time projects to academic service-learning courses. Our goal is to support individuals as they cultivate meaningful relationships on campus and across Western North Carolina, the nation, and globally.
Faculty
Committed to providing students with a rigorous and engaging educational experience, UNC Asheville faculty guide legal studies minors through interdisciplinary collaboration and critical inquiry. Our faculty foster an inclusive learning environment where students feel encouraged to explore complex legal issues and challenge assumptions as they develop the analytical skills necessary for success in their future professions.
Amanda Wray, Ph.D.
Director of Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies; Associate Professor of Interdisciplinary Studies
| Office: 213 Karpen Hall |
| Phone: (828) 251-6412 |
| Email: awray1@unca.edu |
Renuka Gusain, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Interdisciplinary; International Studies and Humanities; HUM 214 Coordinator; CTL Faculty Fellow, 2021-24
| Office: 214 Zeis Hall |
| Phone: (828) 251-3952 |
| Email: rgusain@unca.edu |
Trey Adcock, Ph.D.
ᏣᎳᎩᎯ ᎠᏰᎵ, Cherokee Nation; Associate Professor, Director of American Indian & Indigenous Studies; International Studies
| Office: 214 Zeis Hall |
| Phone: (828) 251-6961 |
| Email: ladcock1@unca.edu |
Laura Bond, M.F.A.
Professor of Interdisciplinary Studies
| Office: 120 Whitesides Hall |
| Phone: (828) 232-2992 |
| Email: lbond@unca.edu |
Anne Jansen, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Interdisciplinary, International Studies and English; Director of US Ethnic Studies; Diversity Intensive Committee Chair
| Office: 212 Karpen Hall |
| Phone: (828) 251-6582 |
| Email: ajansen@unca.edu |
Legal Studies Careers & Outcomes
A minor in legal studies can broaden career opportunities in various fields. While students demonstrate a wide range of highly transferable skills, the program is particularly beneficial for careers in public policy, government, law enforcement, advocacy, human resources, and business — industries that highly value the knowledge of legal principles and regulations.
Many of our students also pursue graduate study in law, business, or other fields at local and national institutions.
Related Programs
Ethics and Social Institutions
International Studies
Explore the Intersection of Law and Society in UNC Asheville’s Legal Studies Minor
The interdisciplinary approach of the minor in legal studies program equips you with a comprehensive understanding of legal theory, ethics, and practices and prepares you to navigate the challenges of the modern legal landscape.
Whether you aspire to pursue a career in law, advocate for social change, or simply seek a more nuanced understanding of the legal world, UNC Asheville’s minor program offers a dynamic and enriching experience.
Contact Us
| Interdisciplinary Studies |
| Phone: 828.250.3955 |
| Email: interdisciplinary@unca.edu |
