Legal Studies and Political Science

Acting Chair: Victor R. Rodriguez, J.D., Columbia University

Professor Emeritus: James W. Dull, Ph.D., Columbia University

Professors: Natalie J. Ferringer, Ph.D., University of Virginia, Joshua Sandman, Ph.D., New York University

Assistant Professors: Donna Decker Morris, J.D., Yale University, Chris Haynes, Ph.D., University of California Riverside, Matthew Schmidt, Ph.D., Georgetown University

Visiting Assistant Professor: Victor R. Rodriguez, J.D., Columbia University

LEGAL STUDIES

From the principles in the U.S. Constitution to the regulation of the food we eat, law governs our society. With the impact of globalization as well as new forms of dispute resolution, legal policy will increasingly shape our future. Legal studies is a unique and exciting undergraduate degree program designed to prepare graduates to be part of that future - and to help shape it.

Students select a program of study depending on interests and career goals. Pre-law students or students interested in graduate school in other areas choose either the public affairs or dispute resolution bachelor degree concentrations. Students interested in careers as paralegals choose from the following American Bar Association approved options: the bachelor degree concentration in paralegal studies, the associate degree in legal studies, or the paralegal certificate program.

Students whose needs are best served by a mixture of legal studies and other field of study courses may construct an individualized minor, in consultation with a departmental adviser.

POLITICAL SCIENCE

Governments, non-governmental organizations, businesses, and change agents - at the local, state, and national and international level - powerfully impact our lives.

As a political science major at the University of New Haven, you will develop an understanding of our complex political system and its players, and explore how and where you can make an impact. You will have the opportunity to conduct data-driven projects with well-respected researchers, learn the craft of politics from real policymakers, become a part of the University's award-winning Model United Nations team, explore the world through our study abroad programs to France, Japan, Germany, and England, and pursue a variety of internships in Washington, D.C., Hartford, and the New Haven area. Studying political science can open up a wide range of job opportunities in government, business, the nonprofit sector, the legal system, and entrepreneurial occupations. The reason? The quality high-impact learning experiences our program provides will develop and sharpen your leadership, data analysis, writing, public speaking, intercultural competence, critical thinking, and networking skills.

Students whose needs are best served by a mixture of political science and other field of study courses may construct an individualized minor, in consultation with a departmental adviser, or a certification in campaign management.

All students pursuing degrees in legal studies and political science should discuss career goals and educational objectives with a department adviser within one month of entrance into the program.

Our department offers pre-law advising and tracking. The American Bar Association statement on preparation for legal education and for the LSAT (Law School Admission Test) serves as a guide for pre-law advising course selection.