Meet Nyah Webb, a junior legal studies and sociology student here at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. With aspirations to work in law enforcement, here is how UMass Amherst is helping prepare her to reach her goals.

Why did you decide to come to UMass Amherst?

I came to UMass Amherst because I simply could not see myself anywhere else. Being a transfer student, I knew this time around I had to make the smartest decision. After weighing all my options, UMass felt like my home away from home, leading me to commit to the university.

Why did you choose your major?

I chose my major because I want to help others in need. I could do that without being a legal studies major, but I want to serve and fight for other people's justice that they deserve. I picked up sociology as my secondary major because I enjoy talking to people and helping them through their problems. I consider myself a people person; it is easy for me to be relatable to other people's circumstances and just give my honest opinion. With this, I feel as though pursuing both of these majors is the right path for me.

What are your classes like? Do you have any favorites?

My classes are fun! They are very hands-on and give you a sense of what it would be like doing what you do in class as a career. My favorite legal studies class would have to be Law, Crime, and Society. This class helped me to not only understand the law, but how it relates to real-world problems.

What are the professors like?

My professors are great for the most part. They want to see you do well. They are good at structuring the legal studies courses to reflect what it would be like in the real world. You are taking what you learn in class and can apply it to cases happening currently.

How do you plan to use your degree? How have you prepared for this path?

I plan to go into law enforcement. My goal is to help the legal system be fair for all. After undergrad, I plan to go to the national guard to help jumpstart my career in law enforcement. 

Any tips for incoming students within the major?

My advice would be to just keep an open mind. Going into legal studies, at first I thought my options were limited, and that I had to go to law school. I soon came to realize all the endless possibilities that I have being a legal studies major. I do not just have to be a lawyer, but having a legal background can help me in many ways.

Have questions about majors and life as a UMass Amherst student? Contact Nyah and our other student tour guides by emailing tours@umass.edu.