Political Science - Law and Justice Concentration

Major requirements are 18 hours of core courses that cover major political science sub fields including, American government, comparative politics, international relations, political theory, public law and policy, and research methods; 15 hours of political science electives, 12 of which must be taken at the 300 level or above, and one of which must be a 400 level senior seminar, which includes a substantial research requirement. Grades of C- or better are required for courses applied towards the major. At graduation, a minimum GPA of 2.0 is required for all political science courses taken. For a semester-by-semester guide to the course requirements for the Bachelor of Arts curriculum, including all of the concentrations described below, see the departmental website.

Students who wish to focus their studies in the field of Law and Justice may elect this concentration within the Political Science Bachelor of Arts program:

Law and Justice

Students in this concentration will be directed to choose a series of elective courses in political science and other fields that build their knowledge about the judicial system, and the role of law in society, politics and public policy. This concentration develops skills that benefit students interested in graduate or professional school (particularly law school) , law enforcement, judicial administration, and careers with agencies involved in the administration of justice. Major requirements are: 18 hours of core courses and 15 hours of emphasis electives in the justice system, law and political theory.

Applicants attending school outside the U.S. must submit the following materials to complete their application:

• Official secondary school transcripts and English translations
• Proof of English Proficiency
• Proof of Financial Ability
• Optional SAT or ACT scores

Applicants attending school in the U.S. must submit the following materials to complete their application:

• Official high school transcripts
• Proof of English Proficiency
• Proof of Financial Ability (for F-1 or J-1 students)
• Optional SAT or ACT scores

A degree in political science is excellent preparation for a number of careers and graduate opportunities. Political science majors study critical issues surrounding such things as international security, public policy, and government practices. They develop real-world skills such as solving problems logically and systematically, working with others in vertically and horizontally organized arrangements, expressing a position and defending it with corroborating evidence, and writing clear and correct prose. They also develop citizenship and leadership competencies that include the personal obligation to participate in public life. Consequently, political science majors are well-positioned for careers in teaching, the legal profession, criminal justice agencies, state and local government, urban planning, the federal bureaucracy, journalism or in any of the organizations that seek to monitor political processes or to influence the content of public policy. Private firms also seek managers and public affairs specialists who have a knowledge of the functioning of the political system and of politics in general.

Choose to apply through one of our two applications – we do not have a preference which application you choose. A non-refundable application fee of $100 is required, and application fee waivers are not accepted.

• Common App
• Coalition on Scoir