Legal Studies, Dispute Resolution Concentration, B.S.

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B.S., Legal Studies

The legal studies major provides students with an understanding of fundamental principles of law and analyzes the role and function of the American legal system within a societal and political context. The interdisciplinary course of study develops critical thinking and writing skills and prepares students for law-related careers, law school or graduate school. Three concentration options allow students to focus on particular career aspirations and interests.

The legal studies international track provides an opportunity for students to study abroad for a semester, expanding their experience and knowledge of global legal and policy issues, while directly furthering requirements for their bachelor’s degree. In partnership with universities in England, Ireland, Scotland, and Australia, legal studies students with a minimum 3.0 GPA may study abroad in either the spring semester of their sophomore year or fall semester of their junior year.

A two-semester internship in the final year of study combines classroom learning with on-the-job experience, enhancing employment opportunities after graduation. Placements are geared to the student’s area of concentration.

Students earning a B.S. degree in legal studies must complete a minimum of 125 credits, including the University Core Curriculum, common courses for legal studies majors, and designated courses for a legal studies concentration.

Following are common courses required for the major in legal studies:

Required Courses

Restricted Electives

Legal Studies majors are also required to take the following courses as restricted electives, some of which may be used to satisfy University Core Curriculum requirements:

Plus one of the following sequences:

Concentrations

Students select an area of concentration for the elective portion of the program. The concentrations consist of five courses that focus on a specific approach to the field of legal studies. Course selection is made with the assistance of the program adviser. Only the paralegal studies concentration is designed to prepare students to become paralegals.

Concentration in Dispute Resolution

Students in the dispute resolution concentration will explore alternative methods for resolving disputes traditionally resolved through the civil or criminal legal systems. This concentration provides students with an understanding of conflict management theories and alternative dispute resolution practices, and an introduction to practical skills in negotiation, mediation, and facilitation. Graduates are prepared for law-related, alternative dispute resolution careers in the judicial system, government agencies, and the private sector, or for further education in law school or graduate school.

Concentration Requirements

LSTD 4401 - Altern Disp Resol:Models & Practice
Plus eight electives

Plus four of the following, or related courses, as approved by program adviser:

Note(s):

*Must be in addition to course selected to fulfill common course requirement for the major