Legal Studies
Laws affect every person, everywhere, every day. Laws structure the rights and responsibilities of citizens, the conduct of business, and the powers and obligations of governments. The minor in legal studies introduces students to a variety of perspectives on the law, its operation, and its effects in different contexts. This minor is an excellent complement to the major field of study for students who are interested in the broad ways that law touches citizens’ everyday lives as well as for students with more focused interests in the legal environment and consequences of their primary area of study.
Degree Types: Minor
Explore Interests Related to Legal Studies
Analyzes political systems, governance, and public policies. Prepares students to develop equitable legislation, advocate for justice reforms, and contribute to systemic social change through political action.
Analyzes government systems, policymaking, and power dynamics. Prepares students to work in advocacy, public administration, or law to create policies that address social injustices and promote equity.
Degree Options
Popular Double Majors or Minors
- Engineering
- Business
- Criminal Justice
- Communication
- Environmental/Resource Management and Sustainability
- Information Technology
About the Program
Why should I pursue this degree?
You might like this program if…
- You are interested in perspectives on the law, its operation, and its effects in different contexts
- You are interested in how laws are made, how they are put into practice, and how they affect the broader world
- You are interested in the broad ways that law touches citizens’ everyday lives
Transferable Skills
- Communication and Listening
- Critical Thinking
- Leadership and Initiative
- Analytical Skills
- Adaptability and Flexibility
Coursework
Opportunities to explore the following topics:
- American Constitutional Law
- Civil Liberties and Due Process
- Archaeological Ethics and Law
- Real Estate Law
- Rhetoric and Law
Out-of-Classroom Experiences
Internships
- Semester in Washington Program
- Geisinger Medical Center
- The Greater Washington Region Clean Cities Coalition
- Federal Reserve Bank of New York, General Services Administration
- Centre County Planning and Community Development
- Various law offices
- Political campaigns
- Representatives’ and senators’ offices
- Grant Thornton
- U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)
Education Abroad Destinations
France
Germany
Italy
Spain
United Kingdom
Career Paths
Continuing Education
- Law school
- MBA
- Graduate school to study public administration, political science, public policy, business administration, city planning, creative writing, history, human resources management, international affairs, management, organizational leadership, health service administration, aging and health, American government, paralegal, public affairs, sport administration, higher education administration, and quantitative methods in social science
Job Titles
- Activist or Organizer
- Campaign Officer
- Congressional Office Staffer
- Foreign Service Officer
- CIA Analyst or Agent
- Attorney
- Lobbyist or Activist
- Policy Analyst
Industries
Business Analysis, Consulting, Education, Law, Research
Employers
- Deloitte
- Amazon
- Vanguard
- Booze Allen Hamilton
- U.S. Military
- U.S. Department of State U.S.
- House of Representatives
Have questions about this program?
Future students, contact the Liberal Arts Recruitment Team.
Current students, contact your academic adviser.
This program is housed
in the Department of Political Science
at Penn State University Park.