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Available programs

There are several ways to advance your bachelor’s degree in Criminology, Law & Society, whether that be in a paralegal certification, Master’s Degree in Forensic Psychology/Criminal Justice/Accounting, a PhD, or law school based on your passions and career interests.  

Law School (J.D.)

For students aiming to become attorneys, judges, or legal counsel, the Juris Doctor (J.D.) is the standard path. The application process is centralized but rigorous.

  • The Application Cycle
    • Applications open in September and typically operate on a "rolling" basis. This means that applying early (September/October) often gives you a significant advantage over applying later in the cycle. Try to apply at the earliest point that you have the strongest application.
    • Work backwards when applying. For example, if the deadline is December 1st, you should have your LSAT scores and Letters of Recommendation secured well before November.
    • Don't be afraid to take a gap year! Many competitive law schools value maturity and professional experience. Taking a year or two to work in a legal setting or a completely different field can strengthen your application.
  • Navigating the Logistics (LSAC & CAS)
    • LSAC (Law School Admission Council) is the central hub where you will submit all applications. Familiarize yourself with their website early.
    • CAS (Credential Assembly Service) is where you will send your transcripts. CAS calculates a standardized GPA for law schools to review.
    • The LSAT is the standardized test for Law School and a critical component of your application. Plan to take it before you apply. Treat studying for the LSAT as if it were a 4-unit course.
    • Check out this Law School application checklist to ensure you have all the necessary materials.
  • Building Your Pre-Law Profile
    • Katie Osterkamp, the UCI Division of Career Pathways pre-law advisor, offers specialized advising for specific questions.
    • Consider joining Phi Alpha Delta (Pre-Law Fraternity) or the Pre-Law Society at UCI to network with peers and join a pre-law community.
    • The Pre-Law Outreach Program at UCI is another great resource that helps students from disadvantaged backgrounds prepare for and apply to law school.

Other Graduate Programs

If your goal is policy analysis, high-level research, forensic psychology, or administration, a traditional graduate degree may be a better fit.

  • Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) is best for careers in academia, high-level research, or directing policy institutes.
    • Most Ph.D. programs are fully funded (tuition + stipend), but they are highly competitive.
  • Master's Programs (M.A./M.S.) are best for practical careers in Criminal Justice Management, Crime Analysis, Federal Law Enforcement (FBI/CIA), or Nonprofit Management.
    • Look for programs that match your niche, such as Forensic Psychology, Cybercrime, Corrections, Public Administration (MPA), etc.
  • Paralegal Certifications are great for fast entry into the legal field. They are often less than one year and do not have the cost or time commitment of law school.

Application Differences Between Law School and Grad School

Statement of Purpose vs. Personal Statement
  • For Grad School (SOP), focus on your research interests and professional goals. Admissions committees want to know what you want to study (e.g., "The impact of bail reform on recidivism") and why you are prepared to study it.
  • For Law School (Personal Statement), focus on your narrative and character. Admissions committees want to know who you are and the experiences that motivated you to pursue law.
Letters of Recommendation
  • For Law School, prioritize professors who can vouch for your critical thinking, reading comprehension, and writing abilities
  • For Grad School, prioritize professors or research supervisors who can vouch for your potential as a researcher or data analyst.

Improving Your Candidacy

Regardless of which track you choose, use your time at UCI to build your portfolio. Here are some practical tips for improving your application:

  • Use the Social Ecology Field Study Catalog to find legal services sites that are looking for experience. This can serve as proof of your interest in the field.
  • For grad school tracks, quantitative skills are highly valued. Proficiency in Excel, SPSS, or R (for crime analysis) or strong writing samples (for policy) will help you stand out.
  • Conduct research and informational interviews with legal professionals.
  • Research available resources and figure out how you’re going to pay for law school
    • JD recruitment events will often have QR codes to waive the application fee if you talk to a recruiter (this includes on-campus events)
  • Use The Anteater Network to "match" with alumni who are already working in legal services or law enforcement.
  • Contact and visit local law schools
  • Prepare academically and develop relationships with faculty.
    • Some professors have JD/PhD dual degrees that you can talk to them about.
    • Attend their office hours or reach out to them! Building connections helps with networking and letters of recommendation.