Legal Studies
The Legal Studies major provides an excellent background for students interested in pursuing professional careers within the legal system. The Legal Studies major is uniquely prepared to conduct legal research and other professional work in government, the courts, agencies and businesses. Legal Studies students participate in a series of on-campus “mock trials.” Graduates receive a Bachelor of Arts degree from the Justice Studies Deparment.
The program also offers an introduction to the study of law for students interested in entering law school as many Legal Studies graduates pursue graduate or law school degrees.
Legal Studies Major Curriculum
Major Requirements
39 credits
| LS 101 | Foundations of the American Legal System AI (PS) | 3 |
| LS 202 | Legal Research and Analysis | 3 |
| LS 203 | Justice, Law and the Constitution | 3 |
| LS 301 | Legal Writing and Reasoning | 3 |
| LS 325 | Evidence | 3 |
| LS 441 | Senior Seminar: Selected Topics in Justice and Law I | 3 |
| LS 442 | Senior Seminar: Selected Topics in Justice and Law II | 3 |
| LS/CJ 443 | Justice Studies Internship and Seminar I | 3 |
| LS/CJ 444 | Justice Studies Internship and Seminar II | 3 |
Choose four additional Justice Studies (CJ, LS or POLS) courses, (not otherwise required for the major)
12 credits
Additional Requirements
15 credits
| SOC 101 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 |
| POLS 101 | American Government | 3 |
| POLS 201 | State and Local Government | 3 |
| POLS 210 | Political Theory | 3 |
Choose one of the following six:
| CJ 323 | Justice, Class, Race and Gender AI (MC) | 3 |
| POLS 202 | Issues in Contemporary Political Thought | 3 |
| PSYC 316 | Psychology of Diversity AI (MC) | 3 |
| SOC 221 | Contemporary Social Problems AI(ME) | 3 |
| SOC 301 | Race and Ethnic Relations AI(MC) | 3 |
| SOC 335 | Social Policy | 3 |
Minimum credits required for graduation - 120
General Education Core Requirements and remaining Unrestricted Electives*66 credits
* Courses marked with an AI code fulfill Area of Inquiry requirements in the General Education Core.
