Undergraduate Programs


The University of Toledo’s bachelor’s degree program in Law and Social Thought (LST) is the only program of its kind at a state university in Ohio.

UToledo’s robust interdisciplinary LST major is rooted in the liberal arts. The program is based on the view that the study of law and justice cannot be done in a vacuum. Students need to appreciate the connections between law and morality, politics, language, history and power. This humanities and social science context helps UToledo students better understand modern democracy and law.

UToledo’s LST students are curious about the world and want to make a difference. Faculty emphasizes critical and creative thinking — skills that support graduates in a lifetime of work, service and study. Our students have high acceptance rates to graduate and law school.

LAW AND SOCIAL THOUGHT BACHELOR’S DEGREE CONCENTRATIONS

Top Reasons to Study Law and social thought at UToledo

  1. Groundbreaking program.
    The University of Toledo’s LST program is just one of two in Ohio. It is a founding member of the Consortium of Undergraduate Law and Justice Programs.
  2. Innovative curriculum.

    The LST program has led the way at UT and is ahead of most programs statewide with its curricular innovations. Our program is designed to enhance student participation in their learning.

    • LST students develop their leadership skills and cultivate democratic community by taking a proseminar three times during their undergraduate career. Proseminars meet weekly. UToledo students come to know one another and the co-directors of LST in a less formal setting. Meetings focus on professional development and intellectual inquiry. Students invite guest speakers and facilitate presentations about career paths and social issues.
    • Students are required to complete a full portfolio before they graduate. Portfolios include written work from courses, reflective essays and journal entries from field experiences.
    • UToledo’s LST majors choose from a broad range of courses from many disciplines. Faculty in other UT departments love LST students because they are self-directed and engaged.
    • Undergraduates help make decisions about the LST program — which courses are offered, which seminars should count for LST Senior Seminar credit, how to use our budget and which speakers to bring to campus.
  3. The Inside/Out Prison Exchange seminar.
    This class is a highlight of many LST students’ experience. UToledo undergraduates attend class at the Toledo Correctional Institution with incarcerated students. The goal: to open minds and hearts and come to new levels of understanding about social issues.
  4. Three credits of required field experience.
    The LST department considers learning outside the classroom a critical piece of a university education. Students engage in community activism and outreach as well as cross-cultural dialogue. They work in  community organizations, government offices and law practices. Many UToledo LST students get internships through the Washington Center or study abroad in Spain, England, Guatemala and other countries.
  5. Close partnerships with other UToledo departments.
    LST is a founding member of the School for Interdisciplinary Studies in UToledo’s College of Arts and Letters. LST students often minor in one of the other programs — women’s and gender studiesdisabilities studies and others —  and collaborate in class and on research and internship projects.
  6. A great pre-law track.

    LST’s strong liberal arts curriculum teaches students to be creative, critical thinkers and writers — valuable skills for attorneys. Our close ties with UToledo’s law school, alumni and members of the legal profession in Toledo help students network and plan a post-graduation path. LST majors can participate in UToledo’s 3+3 program and earn a bachelor’s degree and a law degree in six years instead of seven.

 

What jobs can I get with a law and social thought degree?

UToledo’s LST students are motivated and finely attuned to social justice. They think creatively and critically. Our LST graduates are accepted into top law and graduate schools. Others have been hired by nonprofit organizations, victim advocacy groups and international organizations such as an NGO doing work in the “trash communities” in Guatemala.

UToledo Law and Social Thought graduates pursue positions such as:

  • Attorney
  • Business manager
  • English as a second language teacher
  • Investment consultant
  • Research staff

Hands-On Learning Opportunities

At UToledo, we take you beyond the textbooks and the four walls of a classroom. These real-world experiences are what help our graduates gain professional skills and land jobs.

Internships

Finding an internship is easy thanks to UToledo’s robust community partnerships with companies and organizations around the region. Dive into unique opportunities that prepare you to launch your career.

Internships help you:

  • Gain practical experience
  • Build your resume
  • Refine your skills
  • Cultivate contacts

Internships often lead to full-time jobs after graduation!

Career Services can help you track down job opportunities. You also might be able to receive academic credit for your internship or job.

Research

UToledo is known for its undergraduate research opportunities. Start as early as your freshman year. Work with faculty who enjoy collaborating with students.

99
undergraduates received research funding (2022)
21,000+
hours spent by undergraduates on research

Our Office of Undergraduate Research can:

  • Connect you to faculty mentors and projects
  • Help you find funding
  • Help you present your research at conferences and other events

Study Abroad

Travel, experience new cultures and meet new people — all while earning college credit.

UToledo's Education Abroad Office can help you find the perfect opportunity. You can apply for grants, scholarships and financial aid to help fund study abroad.

  • Semester at Sea
  • Short-term, summer and faculty-led trips
  • Direct exchange programs with other universities
  • Teach English abroad
  • Global health program (med student clerkships)
  • Rocket Kids (work with youth around the world)

Rocket Kids Semester

The Rocket Kids program offers University students a fall, spring or summer semester internship providing recreational programming to U.S. military youth while experiencing the world in locations such as Germany, Italy, Belgium and The Netherlands.

Rocket Kids interns will gain practical experience in programming, leadership, health and wellness, creative arts, performing arts, cultural and literary arts, team and individual sports, adventure and outdoor recreation and STEM education.

Learn more

On-campus and Part-time Jobs

  • Learn skills that prepare you for a career after graduation.
  • Build your resume.
  • Earn money.

If you want to work, there are plenty of opportunities on campus and at businesses near campus. If you demonstrate financial need, you may qualify for the federal work-study program.

Student Organizations

Our most successful students get involved.

UToledo has 400+ student organizations that will help you:

  • Make friends.
  • Build your resume.
  • Network.
  • Be a leader.
  • Serve your community.
  • Have fun!

Tuition and Scholarships

Most new students don't pay full price. 94% of new UToledo students receive scholarships or other state and federal aid.

Keep in mind: Your cost will vary by college, program and a host of other options. This is the average amount full-time students pay per year.

A group of University of Toledo graduates at commencement
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Tuition and Fees

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Room and Meal Plan


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per year

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Honors College

The Jesup Scott Honors College at The University of Toledo offer our best and brightest the resources and opportunities needed to unlock your fullest potential. Whether you aspire following graduation to cure disease, innovate technology, advance statecraft, redefine markets, or express creatively, together we can fuel vibrant and promising tomorrows.

Honors students come from a variety of countries, backgrounds and cultures. While we may bond over a tough class, our differences make us blossom.

Honors students talking with an Honors professor on the steps of the Toledo Museum of Art

Benefits of Honors

The Honors College is a community of academically gifted students from all majors on campus. Students take unique Honors classes taught by dedicated Honors faculty and complete an Honors thesis or capstone project in their major, earning the Honors medallion at graduation within their normal program of study. Honors students are challenged to think more deeply and broadly about what they learn. With special academic, cultural, and professional development opportunities, their education extends beyond the classroom.

Honors students can also choose exclusive housing in the Honors Academic Village or the historic McKinnon, Scott and Tucker Halls.

Explore more about what the Honors College can offer you as a budding professional, inquisitive scholar, and engaged person.

 

 

 

 

 

Visit Campus

A campus visit is the best way to figure out if UToledo is a great fit for you.

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Last Updated: 3/8/24