INDS B.A.: Law and Technology
Fall 2026 Capstone
My INDS Degree
My degree integrates multiple disciplines to create a robust and versatile educational foundation. First, core legal studies will thoroughly emphasize constitutional law, legal theory, ethics, and the procedural frameworks essential for litigation and policymaking. This foundation is critical for any future legal career, including law school and beyond. Next, incorporating network engineering and cybersecurity courses will build on my professional-level expertise in advanced technical concepts. Through hands-on learning and technical problem-solving, I will deepen my understanding of digital infrastructures, cybersecurity protocols, and network vulnerabilities—knowledge increasingly vital in a world where digital crimes and cyber threats are rising. In addition, complementary studies in criminal justice and forensic science will equip me with analytical tools to interpret and apply legal principles within real-world investigations. This interdisciplinary approach ensures that I learn the theory behind laws and gain insight into how modern technology challenges and reshapes legal practices, particularly in areas such as digital privacy, cybercrime, and evidence collection in electronic environments.
Degree Mentors
- Molly Timko| UMBC Pre-Law Academic Advisor, Adjunct Instructor Political Science
- Shawn M Thompson, Esq.| Global Head of Insider Risk at BNY
- Steven McAlpine, Individualized Study
Post Graduation Plans
My career aspiration is to eventually serve as a special agent with the FBI—a role uniquely demanding legal acumen and technical proficiency. Initially, I plan to accumulate practical experience in roles such as a police officer, prosecutor, or a related legal position. These roles will allow me to apply my academic insights in a tangible environment, making the transition to a specialized federal agency more seamless. My objective is to become an expert who can effectively navigate complex cyber-related cases, bridging the gap between traditional legal enforcement and modern digital challenges.
Courses In My INDS Degree
✅ Law: This concentration covers core legal disciplines, including constitutional, technology, and business law, as well as legal analysis, providing a comprehensive overview of essential legal principles and methodologies. It blends theoretical learning with practical applications, preparing me to address the multifaceted challenges of a digital legal landscape. The coursework builds a nuanced understanding of legal frameworks vital for effective legal practice. By grounding my studies in these foundational areas, this concentration directly supports my academic plan and enhances my ability to engage with complex legal issues critically.
(POLI 230H, 233, 431, MGMT 360, IS 473)
✅ Computer Science and Information Systems : This concentration explores the technological underpinnings of modern law through hands-on learning in computer security, networks, and cybersecurity. Courses in this area build a solid technical foundation by emphasizing practical problem-solving in digital communications and cyber defense. This training is crucial for effectively addressing modern cyber threats while engaging with evolving legal frameworks. Ultimately, these courses form a vital part of my academic plan, equipping me with the technical insight to navigate the intersection of law and technology.
(CYBR 620, PHIL 252, IS 202, 300, 474)
✅ Philosophy/Sociology : This concentration interrogates the ethical, philosophical, and sociological dimensions that shape the legal landscape, focusing on how cultural values and social norms influence legal decision-making. By studying ethical theory, the philosophy of law, criminology, and sociology, I will build a robust analytical toolkit to assess the broader societal consequences of legal practices. These courses not only refine my critical thinking but also ensure my legal arguments are rooted in a deep commitment to social justice and the equal application of law. Within my academic plan, this concentration is indispensable as it provides the intellectual foundation needed to approach legal challenges with nuance and insight. Ultimately, it directly supports my goal of becoming a well-rounded legal professional who can adeptly bridge theory and practice.
(PHIL 252, 350, 356, SOCY 370, POLI 431)
✅Rhetoric: This concentration sharpens advanced communication skills essential for crafting logical, persuasive legal arguments and delivering them effectively—arguably the most critical skill set in the legal field and a cornerstone of my academic and career goals. Courses in this area focus on refining written, oral, and technical communication, specifically tailored to legal and technical contexts. This training will empower me to articulate complex ideas clearly and strategically, forming the robust foundation I need to achieve my long-term aspirations.
(MLL 305, POLI 301, 435, PHIL 240)
✅Individualized Study: The core curriculum acts as a cohesive framework, sharpening my critical thinking, practical skills, and interdisciplinary perspective. Through experiential learning—via writing seminars, applied projects, and capstone experiences—it weaves the specialized concentrations into a unified educational journey. This integrated foundation allows me to synthesize diverse viewpoints and skills, empowering me to navigate complex challenges at the intersection of law and technology while directly supporting my academic pursuits. (INDS 330, 335, 430, 480, 490)