Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Law and Policy
Get a competitive edge in the job market with an internship at a law firm, government agency or non-profit organization.
The Law and Policy major is for students interested in law school, graduate studies in public policy or administration, or careers in legal and policy fields. It also provides insight into various legal areas relevant to both professional and personal lives.
Law and Policy Degree at a Glance
Program Type
Major
Mode of Study
On Campus
Internship
Guaranteed
Est. Time
4 Years
Start Terms
Fall, Spring
Cost
School
Accreditation
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Spring Open House
Tuesday, April 22, 2025
from 1:00 pm
to 4:00 pm
At our Spring Open House, you'll attend academic breakout sessions, connect with members of our community, and take a tour of our beautiful New England campus.
The Law and Policy Major
This program dives into law and policy topics, giving you the skills to think critically and analytically – it’s perfect for anyone considering law school or grad school. If you’re interested in pre law, the best majors for law school or grad school, or how to go to law school, the law and policy major offers invaluable insights into the legal system.
What You'll Study
Legal Research
International Law
Constitutional Law
Administrative Law
Public Policy Analysis
Social Justice
Ethics in Law and Policy
Environmental Policy
Skills You'll Learn
The B.A. in Law and Policy focuses on building skills that are super relevant in all kinds of jobs and industries. This means you’ll be of interest to employers when you graduate! Skills include:
Ability to Work in a Team
Written Communication
Policy Analysis
Strong Work Advocacy
Legal Knowledge
Flexibility and Adaptability
Negotiation
Leadership Skills
Law and Policy Courses You'll Take
law and society
pol 2122
This course is an introductory course in the law that examines the theoretical and practical aspects of the law and its impact on individuals and society. The course will cover the history and sources of U.S. law, the difference between substantive, procedural, criminal, and civil law, legal reasoning and more.
search and seizure
crm 2800
Search and Seizure focuses on the constitutional and evidentiary principles of the 4th, 5th, 6th, 8th and 14th Amendments, as well as Article 12 and 14 of the Massachusetts Declaration of Rights. Topics of focus will include expectation of privacy, valid and invalid search warrants, “stop and frisks”, and more.
political ethics
pol 2010
The course provides a foundation in ethics, ethical theory, and their application to political institutions and the political process. The course covers the ethical issues and implications faced by politicians, elected officials and government employees in the operation of the government and in making public policy decisions.
See All Courses & Options Available to Law and Policy Majors
Law and Policy Major Requirements
General Education Requirements
In addition to the major requirements below, you will also need to complete Merrimack’s general education requirements. To see more details about the major, please visit catalog.merrimack.edu.Sample Four-Year Law and Policy Major Schedule
Wondering when you’ll take certain courses? Use the Curriculum Guide—a sample four-year schedule—to get a sense of what your path to graduation looks like.
Why Choose the Bachelor of Arts in Law and Policy?
INTEGRATED STUDIES
This pre legal program combines elements of law, politics, and social science, providing a well-rounded understanding of how laws and policies shape society.
REAL WORLD SKILLS
Acquire essential skills in critical thinking, problem-solving and adaptability, preparing you for the job markets of tomorrow.
PERSONALIZED CAREER NETWORK
Engage with alumni and professionals in the field through events and internships while building connections for your future career.
Career Outlook: Where Can a Merrimack Degree Take You?
Career Outcomes Rate
94% of the undergraduate class of 2023 in Arts & Sciences were either employed, participating in voluntary service or continuing their education within nine months of graduation.
Experiential Learning
90% of the undergraduate class of 2023 participated in at least one internship, co-op, clinical, practicum or research opportunity while at Merrimack College.
Graduate School
Merrimack, New England School of Law, George Washington University and Boston College are just some of the graduate programs Arts & Sciences graduates are attending.
Jobs with a Law and Policy Degree
Upon completing our program, you’ll be well-equipped to pursue graduate study or a career in law3 and policy and related disciplines. Positions may include:
- Legal Analyst
- City Planner
- Mediator
- Public Policy Researcher
- Legal Consultant
- Public Affairs Specialist
Beyond the Classroom
Student Life
You’ll have endless opportunities to find your fit, get involved and pursue what makes you happy—all while making lifelong friends (and memories!).
Explore your passions alongside others with similar interests, whether that means a cappella singing or outdoor adventuring.
- 70+ student organizations
- Division I Athletics, club and intramural sports
- Beloved traditions like Homecoming, Block Party and Spring Concert
- Fraternities and sororities
Internships & Co-Ops
Our students gain valuable work experience and connections with leading companies through guaranteed internships and the Warriors at Work co-op program. Recent placements include:
- Interning with Homeland Security Investigations, shadowing special agents
- Interning at Delta Tech-Ops, working in components engineering
- Working as a tax intern at Baker Tilly
Research with Faculty
With access to cutting-edge tools, undergraduate student can collaborate with faculty on research projects that can lead to presentations and publications.
- Explore the complexities of the human mind in a state-of-the-art psychology lab.
- Understand the effect inflammation has on immune cell aging in our Shared Instrumentation and Research Facility.
- Build fully functional battle bots for competitions.
Study Abroad
Global Merrimack provides transformative, once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
Our 30+ study abroad programs include semesters abroad, faculty-led trips and international internships.
- Explore and study in the Dominican Republic or Iceland.
- Immerse yourself in cities like Dublin, Madrid or Rome.
- Experience a semester at sea or intern in vibrant cities like London or Paris.
Service Learning
Community and service are at the heart of our Augustinian mission.
Over 1,000 students work together to engage in hands-on service learning projects each year, supporting our communities and those in need.
- Participate in our campus-wide Mack Gives Back volunteer days.
- Spend your winter, spring, or summer break on an immersive SEND trip in the U.S. or abroad helping those in need.
- Tutor students in nearby school districts.
See for Yourself
Programs Related to the Law and Policy Major
Explore other areas and where they can take you.
Take the Next Step (We're Here to Help)
At Merrimack, we are ready to meet you where you are and get you where you want to go. And, we make the process simple along the way!
Upcoming Events
Info Session & Campus Tour
Monday-Friday & Most Saturdays
Attend a 20-minute info session led by an admission counselor and then take a student-led campus tour. Registration is required.
Merrimack College Awards & Recognition
U.S. News & World Report | Best Regional Universities North (2024)
- Most Innovative Schools (#5)
- Regional Universities North (#39)
- Best Undergraduate Teaching (#19)
- Best Colleges for Veterans (#15)
- Best Value Schools (#51)
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