Minor in Legal Studies

Overview

The minor in legal studies focuses on the constitutional foundations, interpretation, processes, and functions of domestic and international law.

Opportunities

All students have opportunities to

  • conduct independent research
  • engage in globally-related activities through coursework and language study at Mason and abroad
  • participate in many forms of public service
  • prepare for their future careers through internships, career-focused minors and other college-to-career activities

Minor Requirements (Catalog Year 2018-2019)

In addition to meeting the following requirements, students must meet the university requirements for all minors.

Students pursuing this minor must complete 18 credits in government with a minimum grade of 2.0 in each course. Eight credits of course work must be unique to the minor.

Two core courses (6 credits)

GOVT 103 – Introduction to American Government (Mason Core)
GOVT 301 – Public Law and the Judicial Process

Four elective courses (12 credits) chosen from:

GOVT 480 – Internship (when relevant, may be used to partially meet this requirement with prior written approval of the minor advisor.)
GOVT 307 – Legislative Behavior
GOVT 414 – Politics of Race and Gender
GOVT 420 – American Political Thought
GOVT 422 – Constitutional Interpretation
GOVT 423 – Constitutional Law: Civil Rights and Liberties
GOVT 446 – International Law and Organization
GOVT 452 – Administrative Law and Procedures
CRIM 424 – Constitutional Law: Criminal Process and Rights

Total: 18 credits
Requirements may be different for earlier catalog years. See the University Catalog archives.