Legal and Social Studies

Program Statement

This program provides students an opportunity to explore the Social Sciences and Legal Studies programs available at the College.  These programs prepare students for positions in the criminal justice and social services system or for transfer into a baccalaureate degree-granting institution in their chosen social sciences or legal discipline.  Developing and practicing helping relationships are emphasized in these programs.  It can also prepare current practitioners for career advancement.

Program Information

• Students should take any required developmental courses in their first semester.
• The skills developed provide excellent job mobility in some of the fastest growing professions in America.  Students can work in general positions or specialize in a wide variety of fields within business, professional, and government entities.  
• The faculty represent all of the major fields of the criminal justice, legal and social services systems, and students benefit from their years of formal study and professional experience. 
• Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) is available to students for some program and general education courses.
• • Students should consider completing certificates that contain required program courses that will complement their degree. 

After Bristol

• This program is designed for students to explore other academic programs at the college.  It is not designed for transfer.
• Students are encouraged to select a specific social and legal studies program, including Criminal Justice, CIS-Computer Forensics, Human Services, Deaf Studies-Human Services, OFC-Legal Office Concentration, Paralegal or a Certificate(s) in these disciplines. Some of these programs are designed for transfer. 

• Bristol participates in the statewide MassTransfer program and has developed many program-to-program transfer articulation agreements which guarantee admission and credit transfer. For a complete listing of eligible MassTransfer programs, current Bristol articulation agreements, and to complete an A2B Program Search, visit the Transfer Services website to review which credits will be transferred and applied to your degree.