Â鶹´«Ã½ÔÚÏß

Academics

Jurisprudence, Law and Society

BA • Major

A student takes notes in a lecture hall with other students in the foreground and background.

Thinking about law school or a career in politics? Learn how the law functions, improve your critical-thinking skills, and prepare for your post-graduation professional career by majoring in Jurisprudence, Law and Society.

The interdisciplinary BA in Jurisprudence, Law and Society provides a solid foundation for students aspiring to law school and other graduate study, as well as for work in many other careers that require analytic, conceptual and communications skills. The major represents the meeting of law, theories of justice, humanistic studies and social issues.

Through this program, you will have the opportunity to acquire the fundamental knowledge essential to understanding legal institutions and processes. You will develop intellectual skills necessary to evaluate policies, practices and philosophies within the context of nation and legal systems.

The capstone experience of the major is a rigorous Senior Research Seminar. This two-part, year-long course involves intensive research and writing in a seminar setting. You will prepare a scholarly, interdisciplinary, law-related, research paper, developed in consultation with a faculty advisor and designed to enhance your understanding of the field. Many law schools find the Senior Seminar particularly advantageous in student preparation. .


Program Admission Criteria

Admission into the BA in Jurisprudence, Law and Society program is selective. In addition to the general criteria for admission to Â鶹´«Ã½ÔÚÏß, all students must apply to and be admitted into the Jurisprudence, Law and Society major. For entry into the program students must meet one of the following criteria:

  • Be in the top 20% of your high school graduating class.
  • Have an overall minimum GPA of 3.0 at the completion of a minimum of 24 credits at Â鶹´«Ã½ÔÚÏß or transfer institution.
  • Have an overall minimum GPA of 3.0 in your first three courses in the Jurisprudence major.

Career Opportunities

  • Lawyer
  • Judge
  • Politician
  • Public Policy Maker
  • Legal Policy Analyst
  • Lobbyist
  • Researcher
  • Policy Coordinator

Combined Programs

A Combined Degree program enables undergraduate students to enroll in graduate courses in their senior year, which can be counted toward the completion of both their bachelor’s and master’s degree requirements. The ability to take these “swing courses” allows students to earn both their bachelor’s and master’s degrees in a shortened period of time, typically within five years.

BA in Jurisprudence, Law and Society/MA in Law and Governance

This dual degree is an accelerated program for undergraduate students with a major in either Political Science or Jurisprudence, Law and Society and are interested in the combined BA/MA program can take four master’s-level courses within the MA in Law and Governance program during their senior year.

.

Featured Faculty


Related Programs

Questions? We’re Here to Help.

Office of Undergraduate Admissions

The office of Undergraduate Admissions will guide you every step of the way on your journey from learning about the University and its offerings, to applying for a program through to acceptance and enrollment.

Political Science and Law

The Political Science and Law Department educates about both politics and law within the context of a thorough liberal arts education. The various curricula are pathways to student knowledge of government, politics, public affairs and the legal process emphasizing the responsibilities of participatory citizenship.

Next Steps

Wherever you learn—on campus or online—Â鶹´«Ã½ÔÚÏß offers the programs, community and support to help you reach your goals. Take the next step today.

Apply NowRequest Information

Learn on Campus

Immersive classes, vibrant campus life and hands-on experiences that put you at the center of it all.

Explore Majors & Minors The Campus Experience

Learn Online

Â鶹´«Ã½ÔÚÏß Online offers the same nationally recognized faculty, engaging coursework and supportive community as our on-campus classes - designed to fit your life. With multiple start dates each year, you can begin when the time is right for you.

Explore Majors & MinorsThe Online Experience