The minor in Law and Legal Systems offers students the opportunity to prepare themselves for a law school education by emphasizing the interdisciplinary nature of law and legal practices around the globe.
The minor program is a concentration in political science, with a requirement that students take at least three primary courses in public law, as well as three electives that emphasize some facet of legal culture from Media & Communication, Criminal Justice, and others programs as well as the School of Business. Pre-law students would be specifically advised to take abroad range of difficult courses from demanding instructors in preparation for legal education. Students would be encouraged to pursue an area of study that is engaging and interesting to them, by also pushed to take advantage of courses that specifically develop strong research and writing skills.
Learn More About This Program
Shenandoah University’s College of Arts & Sciences is your direct connection to a classic, broad-based education to satisfy both your intellectual curiosity and career goals. With a 10:1 student-faculty ratio, small classes and individualized learning opportunities, we put students at the center of all our decisions and events.
We blend the liberal arts with pre-professional courses and hands-on learning to prepare you for careers in the natural sciences, the social sciences and the humanities. You’ll learn through small, engaging classes and relationships with faculty mentors; hone your skills to solve problems; and learn to use creativity and critical thinking to make informed decisions.
Minor in This Program
Declaring A Minor
Shenandoah students work with their Academic Advisor to declare a minor. Academic Advisors will continue to work with students to ensure that they fulfill all of the requirements to complete the minor.
Incoming students should not indicate their intended minor on their Shenandoah application. Applications are for intended majors only.
Internship Possibilities
Career & Professional Development helps Shenandoah students search and apply for internships related to their major and career goals. Internships differentiate you as an applicant in your future job searches, provide hands on experience in your field, allow you to sample different career paths for your major, and help you find a specific position that fits your passion before graduation.
Career and Salary Possibilities
Your versatile set of skills gained from studying political science are applicable to a variety of careers in federal, state and local governments; law, business, international organizations, nonprofit associations and organizations, campaign management and polling, journalism, electoral politics and research. You can also pursue teaching at the college level.
Career and Salary Examples for Law and Legal Systems Minors:
- Attorney/Lawyer: $72,500
- Legal Assistant: $34,500
- Paralegal: $33,838 – $74,382
Career & Professional Development provides a comprehensive range of services and resources to assist Shenandoah students in their career search. Services offered include resume and cover letter building, mock interviews, and professional dining etiquette workshops.
Classes
Required Courses
PSCI 210 – American Legal Systems and Practices
PSCI 360 – Constitutional Law I
PSCI 361 – Constitutional Law II
Three from the following*:
BA 471 – Healthcare Law
BA 457 – Entrepreneurial Law
BA 453 – Human Resources Management and Business Ethics
BA 303 – Legal Environment of Business
CJ 343 – Law for the Criminal Justice Professional
CJ 360 – Criminal Procedure
CJ 390 – History of Criminal Law
SM 450 – Sports Law
MCOM 411 – Media Law
* Most electives require prerequisite courses in their respective fields of study.
Learning support services are available to all students in every course at Shenandoah. Free peer tutoring with a student who has previously succeeded in the course is available for any course across the university. The Writing Center is available for every stage of the writing process from thesis development to proofreading and bibliography assistance. The Math Enrichment Center is available for math and science assistance. Professors and Academic Advisors across the university also have office hours and open door policies to ensure Shenandoah students succeed academically.
Faculty
You will enjoy a small faculty-to-student ratio with faculty who are experienced professionals.
Imagine participating in interesting conversations led by engaging professors who’ve already done what you dream of doing. You’ll be in a small class — the average class size is approximately 12 students — with professors who know your name, care about your success and provide advice as you pursue your academic and career goals.
I started classes this week at University of Richmond Law School and would like to immediately take the time to thank Dr. Eric Leonard… your entire method of assigning reading on the topic to be covered before the next class and engaging the entire class in a discussion to cover the material rather than straight lecturing has given me a clear advantage over my classmates coming from larger schools. I surprisingly feel more prepared for the Socratic case-based learning style of the law school from having participated in so many of your classes. I just wanted you to know that your thoughtful approach to teaching and efforts to prepare your students for future success is appreciated beyond words.”
Jacob Newton ’17 | Political Science major