Law and Society
The law & society program at the University of Kansas Edwards Campus explores social movements, government practice and reform. This interdisciplinary field examines how law works in practice in public administration, courts, the non-profit sector, policy, policing and the justice system.
Law and Society Department website
Sample of Related Skills
- Analyze and explain key public issues and their impact on the public at large
- Define ethical leadership and evaluate its importance in contemporary government and public administration
- Explain how public policy is formulated and implemented
- Analyze how law works in public administration, courts, non-profits, policy, policing, and the justice system as a whole
- Examine all facets of the legal system and how they interact
- Examine legal policy, legal institutions, social movements, psychological attitudes and perceptions, managerial processes, and social structures
Popular Career Paths
Public Service: Includes jobs within local, state, and federal government, which could include law enforcement and corrections.
Education and Communication: Involves helping the public gain a deeper understanding of how policies and laws impact communities and environments at the local, state, and federal levels.
Law: Paths include becoming a lawyer, paralegal, clerk, or policy maker at all levels of government or in non-profit initiatives.
Policy: Includes advocating, lobbying, and influencing to change policies, as well as researching the impacts of proposed and enacted laws and policies.
Jobs to Consider
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Places to Seek Employment
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Museums Court Houses Public Parks Homeland Security |
Think Tanks Law Offices Police Departments Detention Centers |
Fire Stations City Government Offices Federal Government Offices Private Corporations |
View specific employers by state.
Employment Strategies
- Identify specific areas of interest within public administration, such as federal/state/local government, politics, non-profit, international relations, etc. so you can focus your academics and experiences towards these fields.
- Gain direct experience within the areas that interest you most through research projects, independent study, internships, part-time jobs, student organization involvement, or volunteering.
- Register for KU Career Connections and subscribe to the Internship Newsletter to receive automated weekly emails with specific internship information.
- Consider joining a professional organization related to your area of interest in public administration, and, if possible, attend local and/or regional conferences to make connections with professionals working in your field.
- Become familiar with the required professional qualifications associated with careers that interest you (i.e., advanced degrees, licensure, and/or certifications).
- Earn a minor or take additional coursework outside your major when relevant.
- Maintain a strong GPA if you are considering pursuing graduate or professional school.
- Consider getting involved with a student organization at KU related to your area of interest such as the Graduate Students of Public Administration.
Job and Internship Search Resources
- Bureau of Labor Statistics - learn about the career opportunities available with the BLS
- CampusGov - explore entry level jobs and internships that are available with local, state, or federal government
- Council on Foreign Relations - think tank and publisher that offers jobs, internships, and fellowships in foreign relations
- Foreign Policy Research Institute - non-profit devoted to research and public education on international affairs; includes jobs, internships, and a think tank directory
- Government & Non-Profit Resources - more resources from career.ku.edu
- GovLoop - social network for government connecting over 30,000 federal, state, and local employees, contractors, and academics
- Greater Kansas City Community Foundation - searchable directory of Kansas City non-profit organizations
- International City/County Management Association – membership association with job search function and career related information
- Internships-USA - internship listings in international affairs, law & policy, and human rights
- Kansas Civil Service Jobs - job board of current employment opportunities with the state of Kansas
- Making the Difference - provides federal career guides by interest area, searchable federal internship directory, and application tips for federal job seekers
- National Academy of Public Administration - various internship and job opportunity postings available at NAPA
- National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration (NASPAA) - provides links to job resources, salary information, internship information, and helpful tips on obtaining a job with the federal government
- National Forum for Black Public Administrators - an independent non-profit organization that offers a useful job search function, leadership program, and other career related information
- Non-Profit Connect - full-time, part-time, internship, and volunteer listings with non-profits in the KC-metro area
- Nonprofit Sector Careers – career resource with helpful information on a job search, as well as job, volunteer and internship opportunities
- Partnership for Public Service – nonprofit organization supporting civil service, offers professional development information and job opportunities
- Public Management Research Association (PMRA) - non-profit academic membership association that emphasizes the links between the study of public institutions and their management and the study of public policy
- Public Service Careers.org - helpful hints on finding internships in public service, career advice, job listing resources, and salary information (service provided by the American Society for Public Administration)
- State & Local Government Directory - online directory of state and local government websites; search sites for employment information and job listings
- United Nations - explore UN career paths and current job and internship openings; Connect with KU's Model UN group
- US General Accounting Office - job and internship opportunities with the GAO
- USAJOBS - application system for full-time, part-time, and internship opportunities with the US federal government
- Working Abroad Resources - more resources from career.ku.edu
The quick link for this page is career.ku.edu/lawandsociety.
Go back to Careers & KU Majors homepage.
