Application for Winter 2027 are now open. Course registration for Winter is open for current Queen’s students and students currently registered in the program. Visit the student registration guide to learn how to
In today’s knowledge economy, success goes to those who can think critically and connect ideas across disciplines. Being able to anticipate change and understand how laws and regulations shape goals and strategies gives you an edge in any field.
The Certificate in Law gives you a closer look at case law, statutes, and policies. You’ll explore the historical, social, economic, and environmental forces that shape the law, learn how to think like a lawyer, and practice developing and defending your own positions. You’ll also see how current domestic and international trends influence legal decisions today.
Designed and optimized for online learning to meet your learning objectives anytime, anywhere!
The Certificate in Law is a fully online, part-time undergraduate program that allows students to take individual courses or work towards completion of the program. Although Law courses may be taken in any order, we strongly recommend beginning with Introduction to Canadian Law. This course provides a strong foundation in Canadian law and introduces key concepts that are explored throughout the other Law courses.
To satisfy requirements for the Certificate in Law, you must:
For current Queen's undergraduate students:
Two Law courses at the 200-level (I.e. Law 201-700)
Two Law courses at the 700-level (I.e. Law 701-700)
NEW: Current Queen’s students are now able to complete more than two 200-level Law courses as electives towards your degree. Students can self-enroll in the first two Law courses. Any additional courses must be added manually either the Certificate in Law Program Coordinator (lawcertificate@queensu.ca) or your home faculty.
NOTE: If you apply to the Certificate in Law at a later time, only two 200-level Law courses will be counted toward certificate requirements, even if more were completed.
One 200-level Law course can be substituted for either PHIL 318 or COMM 382 (current students only). To request that a substitution course be included on your academic record, email lawcertificate@queensu.ca.
Non-Queen's Interest Law students must complete all four courses at the 700-level (I.e. Law 701) and will be assessed tuition at the Faculty of Law rate.
The Certificate in Law can be completed within one year. However, there is no fixed timeline - you may complete the four required courses over two or three terms, depending on what works best for you. Please note that the Certificate in Law is not intended as a pathway to courses in other faculties. Students are only eligible to enroll in Law courses associated with the program.
Current Queen's students are assessed home faculty tuition fees for 200-level Law courses.
Below is a breakdown of the tuition fees for one 700-level Law course for current and non-Queen's interest students.
| Domestic Tuition Fees | $1,156.50 |
| Domestic Tuition Fees (outside of Ontario) | $1,446.96 |
| International Tuition Fees | $3,594.24 |
All students are assessed a $10.00 Student Assistance Levy (SAL) fee that is applied per course. Further information on tuition fees and policies are located here: Office of the University Registrar. Tuition is due September 1 for Fall term, January 10 for Winter term and May 1 for Summer term.
If you are thinking of dropping a course, please review the drop date schedule for undergraduate students to learn more about financial penalties.
The Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) is a financial aid program assisting students with the costs of post-secondary studies. For further information and to see if you are eligible for government student financial assistance, please visit Student Awards. NOTE: Non-Queen's Interest Law students are ineligible for financial assistance. If you want to apply, please contact the Law Certificate Program Coordinator at lawcertificate@queensu.ca.
To learn more and to see if you are eligible for government student financial assistance in other provinces or territories, go to Student Awards. Non-Queen's interest students are not eligible for financial assistance.
Law courses are offered throughout the academic year in Fall, Winter and Summer terms and may be subject to change.
Non-Queen's Interest Law students are not permitted to take the in-class version of Introduction to Canadian Law or any 200-level Law course.
Course Name | Course Number | Fall term (September) | Winter term (January) | Summer term (May) |
| Introduction to Canadian Law (In-class) | LAW 201 | X | X | |
| Introduction to Canadian Law | LAW 201/701 | X | X | X |
| Aboriginal Law | LAW 202/702 | X | X | |
| Workplace Law (This course will not be offered in Fall 2026 or Winter 2027 due to re-development) | LAW 203/703 | |||
| Corporate Law | LAW 204/704 | X | X | |
| Public & Constitutional Law | LAW 205/705 | X | X | |
| Intellectual Property Law | LAW 206/706 | X | X | |
| International Law | LAW 207/707 | X | ||
| Criminal Law | LAW 208/708 | X | X | |
| Environmental Law | LAW 209/709 | X | X | |
| Patent Law & Practice | LAW 711 | X | X |
If you do not meet academic progression in a Law course, you can either re-take or enroll in another Law course.
Current Queen's Students can take two 200-level Law courses without admission to the Certificate in Law program. To learn more on admission criteria, please visit the Apply page.
Law courses in the Certificate in Law are undergraduate-level and cannot be used for credit toward professional degrees like the Juris Doctor or Master’s programs.
Courses you’ve taken at other post-secondary institutions cannot be transferred for credit into the Certificate in Law.