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Prospective students

Law plays an ever-growing role in our lives. Most of the controversial issues of today—whether stemming from political conflict, technological developments, economic inequality or other social changes—are expressed and mediated through law. The Legal Studies program at Ontario Tech University offers students the opportunity to critically explore the social roles of law and its connections with community, government and society from different theoretical perspectives.

The program emphasizes the development of critical thinking and analytical skills alongside a practical understanding of how to access and use legal materials. Our faculty’s commitment to interdisciplinary approaches to both formal and informal law equips students to address socio-legal and social justice issues in a variety of contexts.

Should hate speech be protected as a right to freedom of expression?
Do prostitution laws endanger sex workers?
What are the social impacts of Medical Assistance in Dying legislation?
Is meaningful access to justice possible?
Is law an effective tool for creating social change?

The first year of study is common to all Legal Studies students, however beginning in your second year you will have the opportunity to choose from three areas of specialization - Alternative Dispute Resolution, Human Rights Law, Information Law, or continue with the unspecialized program. 

The following courses are mandatory for first year:

  • LGLS 1000U Foundations of Legal Studies
  • SSCI 1910U Writing for the Social Sciences

Two of:

  • COMM 1100U Introduction to Communication Studies
  • CRMN 1000U Introduction to Criminal Justice
  • POSC 1000U Introduction to Political Science
  • PSYC 1000U Introductory Psychology

Please note: any course not taken from the above option block may be taken as a general elective.

A degree in Legal Studies will enable you to gain:​

  • An understanding of legal systems and legal sources.
  • The skill set for making oral and written arguments.
  • A capacity for analysis.
  • Critical perspectives on what law is for.
  • Citizenship skills and an ability to advocate.

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

Last year's cut-off 70 per cent
Expected cut-off Low 70s

For more information, please see the Legal Studies program information page.

To be eligible for the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree in Legal Studies, students must meet both the degree requirements and requirements of the major as outlined below for a total of 120 credits. Each year prior to course registration, the order and timing of course offerings will be released by the faculty and communicated to students.

Visit the Legal Studies page in the Academic Calendar for more information. 

Academic Calendar

College-to-university transfer programs are designed to transfer the credits earned in a college certificate or diploma program toward an undergraduate degree. The Legal Studies program has two transfer options:

A specialization is a focused area of study connected to a specific major, and is in addition to course requirements for the major.

Legal Studies has three specializations.

Alternative Dispute Resolution specialization

Alternative dispute resolution typically includes arbitration, mediation, early neutral evaluation, and conciliation and sentencing circles. It also offers a less-expensive and faster alternative to settling disputes and disagreements. In this specialization students will learn about the increasing importance placed on alternative ways of solving disputes outside the courtroom.

Courses include:

  • Canadian Human Rights Law
  • Law and Technology
  • Employment and Mediation
  • Mediation and Conflict Resolution

For more information, see Legal Studies major with Altnernative Dispute Resolution specialization in the Academic Calendar.

Human Rights Law specialization

One of the major components of Canadian and international law is human rights. This specialization will teach students the complex relationship between the laws, rights and the state, while being exposed to Canadian and human rights discourses and instruments.

Courses include:

  • International Law
  • Disability and the Law
  • Law and Power
  • Criminal Law

For more information, see Legal Studies major with Human Rights Law specialization in the Academic Calendar. 

Information Law specialization

Changing technology has brought about new challenges to the legal and social control systems in modern society. In the Information Law specialization you will examine a variety of emerging socio-legal issues that have resulted from rapid technological development, including law and technology, intellectual property, cybercrimes, privacy laws and economic espionage.

Courses include:

  • Information and Privacy Law
  • Canadian Human Rights Law
  • Race, ethnicity and the Law
  • Law and Globalization

For more information, see Legal Studies major with Information Law specialization in the Academic Calendar.

Ever thought about a career in mediation?

Take any two of the following Legal Studies courses at Ontario Tech University to fulfil the educational requirements for an Alternative Dispute Resolution Institute of Ontario (ADRIO) membership:

  • Human Rights Mediation
  • Employment and Mediation
  • Family Mediation
  • Criminal Justice Mediation

ADRIO is an organization that provides information about the profession, user access to mediators, and accreditation to practise mediation. Those who wish to provide mediation services in Ontario usually apply for ADRIO membership. The ADRIO website outlines membership requirements and benefits.

Legal Studies is an interdisciplinary field that opens up possibilities for careers with:

  • business
  • government
  • public organizations

Upon graduation, you will be well prepared to pursue a career in areas such as:

  • criminal justice system
  • federal and provincial government administration
  • human rights
  • international agencies
  • legal analysis
  • legal research and writing
  • mediation/dispute resolution
  • paralegal work
  • policy analysis
  • social services