Legal Studies Major
Description
The Legal Studies major provides a liberal arts education centered on the study of law as a social, moral, and political institution. Courses explore how legal systems develop, how they shape civil life, and how they reflect evolving ideas about equity, justice, and human rights.
Legal studies prepares students to be active, informed citizens in a democratic society by strengthening their logical reasoning, critical thinking, and source-evaluation skills. Through analyzing laws, institutions, and legal processes, students learn how to assess evidence, understand differing viewpoints, and make well-supported decisions. The curriculum also develops an understanding of both the benefits and limitations of alternative dispute resolution and restorative justice. Together, these skills equip students to engage constructively in civic life and contribute to fair, effective problem-solving in their communities.
Legal Studies majors gain the analytical and communication skills necessary for effective citizenship, public service, and legal or graduate study. The program prepares graduates to interpret and apply complex ideas, navigate systems or power, and contribute thoughtfully to discussions about law, justice, and the common good.
Legal Studies programs offer students two options for majors: a 35-36 credit major in Legal Studies, which is be complemented by a minor of the student's choice, or a 54-credit comprehensive major in Legal Studies with an emphasis in Criminal Justice, which does not require a minor. Additionally, this program offers a 21-credit minor in Criminal Justice. The criminal justice concentration builds on the Legal Studies curriculum to offer both social science perspectives and professional development in the study of justice through the lenses of police, courses, corrections, offenders, and victims.
Legal Studies Major Requirements
35-36 total credits
Completion of 35 or 36 credits is required, including 24 credits in required courses, 2 or 3 credits in Substantive Law, and 3 credits from each of the three groups (9 credits total).
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Requirements | ||
| LSTU 115 | Law and Human Behavior | 3.00 |
| LSTU 212 | Criminal Procedure | 3.00 |
| LSTU 233 | Law, Citizenship and Democracy | 3.00 |
| LSTU 261 | Contemporary Issues in Law and Society | 3.00 |
| LSTU 305 | Methods of Legal Research and Writing | 3.00 |
| LSTU 354 | Legal Theory | 3.00 |
| LSTU 450 | U.S. Constitutional Law | 3.00 |
| LSTU 493 | Senior Capstone | 3.00 |
| Substantive Law Courses | ||
| Select one of the following: (students are strongly encouraged to take more of these courses as electives) | 2.00-3.00 | |
| Business Law I | ||
| Criminal Law | ||
| Administrative Law | ||
| Family Law | ||
| Litigation | ||
| Contract Law | ||
| Environmental Law and Regulation | ||
| Family Law Mediation | ||
| Civil Law Mediation | ||
| Groups | ||
| Select one course from each of the following Groups: | 9.00 | |
| Group 1: Legal Theory and Practice | ||
| Great Legal Trials: Stories That Changed Law | ||
| Legal Theory | ||
| Comparative Law and Courts | ||
| Group 2: Legal Process and Systems | ||
| Crime, Corrections and Punishment | ||
| Victimology | ||
| Environmental Law and Regulation | ||
| Civil Procedure | ||
| Alternative Dispute Resolution | ||
| Group 3: Diversity and Multicultural Issues | ||
| Tribal Sovereignty | ||
| Race, Ethnicity, and Justice | ||
| Gender, Crime, and Justice | ||
| Total Hours | 35.00-36.00 | |
For students planning to attend law school or graduate school, a preparatory course in the LSAT or GRE examination is highly recommended.