Directors: Drs. Richard Buck (Philosophy) and Marcia McKinley (Psychology)

The minor in legal studies provides students from any major with an interdisciplinary understanding of the law, which is a fundamental aspect of life and the world. It is applicable for students interested in graduate school in anthropology, criminal justice, economics, history, international relations, philosophy, sociology or women’s studies; and it would be appropriate for students who plan to work in government, politics, social policy or private industry.

In addition, students who complete the program will gain skills necessary for competency in law school and the legal profession. According to the American Bar Association this requires:

• Analytical and problem-solving skills
• Critical reading skills
• Writing skills
• Oral communication and listening skills
• General research skills
• Task organization and management skills

The legal studies minor requires students to complete six courses with no more than two of them from the same discipline. All minors must have a course combination approved by the codirectors of the Legal Studies Program.

Students must take two of the following three-credit courses from the list below, at least one of which must be PHIL 326, SOC 240, PSCI 315 or PSYCH 375.

BUS 301 Business Law I
CJUST 317 Criminal Law
PHIL 326 Philosophy of Law
PSCI 315 The Supreme Court and Constitutional Law
PSYCH 375 Psychology and Law
SOC 240 Law and Society

Students also must take four electives.   In addition, relevant independent studies (including mock trial), internships and special topics courses may be counted toward the minor, with the prior approval of the codirectors. 

BUS 302 Business Law II
CJUST 110 Intro to Criminal Justice
CJUST 318 Criminology
PHIL 101 Logic
PHIL 323 Political Philosophy
PSCI 310 Public Policy
PSCI 311 Social Welfare Policy
PSCI 332 Politics of the Human Body
PSCI 333 International Law and Organization
COMM 230 Public Speaking
COMM 303 Argument
COMM 335 Communications Law and Ethics