Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies - Dispute Resolution Concentration

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 LSTD 1100 - Introduction to Legal Concepts PSCI 1122 - State & Local Govt LSTD 2240 - Legal Research and Writing I LSTD 2241 - Legal Research and Writing II LSTD 2201 - Legal Ethics & Prof Responsibility LSTD 2238 - Civil Procedure I LSTD 3330 - Legal Investigation PSCI 3332 - Constitutional Law LSTD 3301 - Administrative Law and Regulation LSTD 4500 - Pre-Internship LSTD 4501 - Legal Studies Internship I LSTD 4502 - Legal Studies Internship II 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: COMM 1100 - Human Communication or ENGL 2230 - Public Speaking & Group Discussion ENGL 2220 - Writing for Business and Industry or ENGL 2225 - Technical Writing and Presentation or ENGL 2251 - Narrative Nonfiction PSYC 1111 - Introduction to Psychology PHIL 2222 - Ethics PSCI 1121 - American Government and Politics Plus one of the following sequences: PSYC 3301 - Statistics for Behavioral Sciences and PSYC 3305 - Experimental Methods in Psychology or CJST 2250 - Scientific Methods in CJ and CJST 2251 - Quantitative Applications in CJ