Majors / Legal Studies

Legal Studies (B.A., B.S.)

Indiana State University

Description:

The University offers a bachelor of arts (B.A.) and a bachelor of science (B.S.) in legal studies.

The Legal Studies Program offers a specific curriculum for students planning to attend law school or pursue other law-related careers. This curriculum has been developed based on recommendations by the Pre-Law Committee of the American Bar Association's section on Legal Education and Admission to the Bar.

This interdisciplinary program is at the same time structured and flexible. Students work in consultation with an advisor to tailor the program to fit their particular needs.

The program emphasizes both the learning of substantive knowledge about the law and the development of important skills (oral and written communication, reading comprehension, logical and analytical thinking, and competence in conducting legal research) designed to prepare students for the LSAT—and to do well in law school.

Coursework includes study in constitutional law and judicial processes, a legal research course, and a culminating experience, during which students complete a major research project.

The department offers opportunities to participate in internships and study abroad—and also offers practice LSAT sessions each fall to help students going on to law school improve their performance on this test.

Other opportunities include:

  • As freshmen, students have the opportunity to be part of a student-centered learning community for political science and legal studies students. Throughout their college careers, students attend small- to medium-sized classes taught by full-time, award-winning faculty members.
  • Trips to Washington, D.C. to view oral arguments before the U.S. Supreme Court
  • An annual visit by the Indiana Court of Appeals to hear oral arguments on campus, plus lunch with the judges
  • Faculty-directed research opportunities on subject matters such as media and the law, gender and decision-making, women judges, and judicial selection
  • Pi Sigma Alpha, the national political science honor society

Required Courses:

[ list all ]

Careers:

The Legal Studies Program can pave the way for a career as an attorney.

In addition, the program offers the basis for alternative careers, including:

  • Affirmative action director/officer
  • Bank fraud investigator
  • City manager
  • Corporate counsel
  • Director of a nonprofit agency
  • Law professor
  • Legal advocate
  • Judge
  • Public defender

Accreditation:

The University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Financial Aid & Scholarships

Students have many sources of financial support for their studies, including financial aid, work-study programs, veterans' benefits, and special scholarships for entering freshmen and transfer students.

In addition, the department offers several scholarships and awards, including the James D. Acher Memorial Scholarship, the Wilson Naylor Cox Jr. Memorial Scholarship, the William Matthews Memorial Scholarship, and the R. Christopher Perry Memorial Award. For more information on these awards, contact the department.

Further Information

Department of Political Science
Indiana State University
812-237-2430
www.indstate.edu/polisci


Last updated: September 26, 2012



The Catalog of Indiana State University is the document of authority for all students. The requirements given in the catalog supersede information issued by any academic department, program, college, or school. The University reserves the right to change the requirements at any time.

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For assistance with admission, campus tours, credit transfer, financial aid, housing options, registration, scholarships, and veterans benefits, students should contact:

Office of Admissions
Indiana State University
318 North 6th St. (Welcome Center)
Terre Haute, Indiana 47809

1-800-GO-TO-ISU
www.indstate.edu/admissions
admissions@indstate.edu