Law in Liberal Arts

About the law in liberal arts major

The law in liberal arts major is designed to prepare you for a career as a paralegal in the legal profession. You'll learn practical legal skills, as well as a background in legal concepts, so that you can obtain jobs quickly in this rapidly expanding profession. This program prepares you specifically for paralegal positions, but will also provide foundational knowledge of law.

Skills and abilities this major develops: critical thinking, communicating effectively in a legal environment, and understanding legal principles (IU School of Liberal Arts, 2019).

Engaged learning experiences

Regardless of your major or future career, engaged learning is vital to your present and future. It makes you more marketable for jobs and professional schools upon graduation, it enables you to build deeper connections with faculty and staff in your field of study, and it makes your learning personal by connecting your interests and values with the curriculum from your classes. Check out the three ideas below for places to get started, or learn more at IU Indianapolis’s Institute for Engaged Learning website.

Service learning

We believe in our power and responsibility to help others. Each year, our students, faculty, and staff work to improve neighborhoods in Indianapolis and beyond through service learning courses, community-based research and service projects, and partnerships with local organizations. Join us if you want to make a difference.

Career services

The Office of Career Development prepares, supports, and advises students each step of their career paths—like finding internships and building your resume. They serve undergraduate students, graduate students, and alumni.

Study abroad

Choose among programs in over 50 countries and nearly 20 languages, including English. Both shorter and longer immersion programs are also available.

Opportunities after graduation

Employment of paralegals and legal assistants is projected to grow 4% from 2022 to 2032, about as fast as the average for all occupations. About 38,000 openings for paralegals and legal assistants are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as retirement (Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2023).

According to the IUPUI (now called IU Indianapolis) First Destination Survey in 2023, the average starting salary for liberal arts graduates with a bachelor's degree was $49,890, and the median salary was $47,420.

The national median salary for paralegals and legal assistants was $60,970 in 2023 (Occupational Outlook Handbook).

(This section is intended for informational purposes, not prediction of actual salary.)

Law in liberal arts majors often pursue advanced degrees in the following areas:

Business
Counseling
Education
Law
Medicine
Political science
Public affairs
Social work

Quick facts

Sample coursework

Advanced legal writing
American legal history
Family law for paralegals
Introduction to law
Legal research and writing for paralegals
Litigation for paralegals
Technology and the law

Possible careers

Claims adjuster
Hearing officer*
Lawyer*
Lobbyist
Paralegal
Project coordinator
Social worker*

*These careers require additional training or education.

Where could I work?

Anthem
Eli Lilly and Company
Law firms
Legal services
Liberty Mutual Insurance
State of Indiana

Complementing interests

CConventional

IInvestigative

EEnterprising

Get your interest code

Where to get more information

IU School of Liberal Arts

American Bar Association

National Federation of Paralegals

Arts, Humanities, and Human Services Cluster

This major is part of the Arts, Humanities, and Human Services (AHHS) cluster. The AHHS cluster is the academic home of University College students pursuing majors in art and design, education, general studies, journalism, liberal arts, and social work. The AHHS cluster partners with students on their academic advising and career plans to guide them into their degree-granting schools.

Learn about the AHHS cluster

Learn about other clusters

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