Legal Studies at University of Waterloo

Programme overview

Leads to the Bachelor of Arts in Legal Studies. Law touches virtually every aspect of society. That makes a degree in Legal Studies great preparation for a career in government, business, the non-profit sector, law enforcement, and (of course!) law itself. At Waterloo, you’ll enjoy small classes led by highly respected researchers, giving you lots of opportunity for discussion, and you'll also have the opportunity to gain work experience through co-op. Available in the regular system of study or the co-op system.

Faculty: Faculty of Arts | Study mode: full-time | Location: Waterloo, Ontario, Canada

What you will study

40% of the classes you’ll take will be Legal Studies courses. With your remaining classes, you can choose electives from many of the 100 subject areas at Waterloo. With so many options, you can choose the courses that match your interests. Sample upper-year courses include Women and the Law, Children’s Rights in Canada, Criminology, Punishment and Society, Transnational Organized Crime.

Career pathways

Graduates with a Legal Studies degree often find careers working in law firms, human resources, management, legal departments of companies and businesses, security services, retail, and education to name a variety.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Ontario applicants: Six Grade 12 U and/or M courses including any Grade 12 U English (minimum final grade of at least 70%); Admission average: High 70s; Search our admission requirements for Honours Arts or Honours Arts and Business. How to apply: Apply to Honours Arts or Honours Arts and Business and choose Legal Studies as your major at the end of first year. Related program Sociology

Tuition is charged per credit, so the total depends on the courses you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

First-year students are admitted for the September (fall) term only. Terms: fall (September to December), winter (January to April), spring (May to August). Part-time, online, post-degree and non-degree studies can start in the winter, spring or fall term.

Applications for September 2027 entry close on 1 February 2027 for programs other than Engineering (documents due 15 February 2027) and on 15 January 2027 for Engineering programs other than Architecture (documents due 1 February 2027). International students have the same deadlines. Full-time applicants apply through the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC).

Part-time, online, post-degree and non-degree studies: winter 2027 applications close 30 October 2026 for degree and non-degree (13 November 2026 for post-degree); spring 2027 applications close 26 February 2027 for degree and non-degree (12 March 2027 for post-degree). Optometry closes 12 November 2026 and Pharmacy closes 6 January 2027.

Apply through the official page: https://uwaterloo.ca/future-students/admissions/how-to-apply

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