ID
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Political Science - Legal Studies Emphasis

Gain a foundation in political science and prepare for law school or graduate school with a bachelor's degree in legal studies from UW-Eau Claire.

Available as
Certificate or Major
Description

The First Step of Your Political Career

Housed in the rigorous political science department, the program will encourage you to explore topics in American politics, government, judicial politics, and so much more.

The legal studies degree takes an interdisciplinary approach, allowing you to choose complementary courses that interest you and further your career goals. Take courses in history, economics, philosophy, communication, and anthropology. Through unique projects and group discussions, you'll learn about lawmaking, how politics affect our media and even film, public administration, and countless other facets of political science. Curriculum is designed to keep classes small, encouraging thoughtful conversations, with classes taught by expert faculty who are passionate about legal studies and creating a personalized education.

While pursuing your degree, you'll have countless opportunities to expand upon your education. Study abroad and immersion experiences give you the chance to study the world and its politics outside the classroom. Internships can help you network while creating an impressive resume. Or maybe you'll work with a faculty member on a groundbreaking research project that sparks your interest.

No matter how you choose to design your degree and build upon it, we are here to help. Our comprehensive, experiential education will leave you well-prepared for the future and all the success you'll find in it. 

Degree Types

Program Details

Degree Types
Bachelor of Arts (BA)
Bachelor of Science (BS)
Degree Level undergraduate
Available asCertificate or Major
Program Length 4 years
Campus
Eau Claire
Offered
On Campus
Requires a minor No
Authored on
Hallmarks
Cornel West as guest to Center of Constitutional Studies
Innovative Facilities

UW-Eau Claire is home to three incredible resource centers — the Center for Global Politics, the Political Research Institute and the Center for Constitutional Studies — each with the goal of supporting you as you work toward your degree. The Center for Constitutional Studies, for example, is a nonpartisan organization that promotes research, education and community outreach on matters related to the Wisconsin Constitution and the United States Constitution.

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Unique Internship Opportunities

An advanced internship program within the political science department offers opportunities for on-the-job experience in an executive or legislative office, a nongovernmental agency, an Eau Claire city or county office, a political campaign for president, Congress, city council, or with interest groups. Not only do internships provide you with real-world learning and valuable connections — but you'll also earn up to six college credits.

Door to Kerry Kincaid Research lab
Research Collaboration and Real-World Experience

Limitless research opportunities await you at UW-Eau Claire. The political science department's student-faculty research program has given students a chance to work on projects studying topics like cyberbullying, digital teen dating violence, and globalization and Islam. This strong education and valuable out-of-classroom experience has helped the political science department produce four Fulbright Award winners — and you could be next!

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Relevant Student Organizations

As a legal studies major, you'll have access to valuable and fun student organizations that can help take your learning to the next level. Many legal studies students find interest in the Pre-Law Club, an organization that sponsors speakers from various law-related occupations, organizes trips to law schools and law school fairs, and provides practice tests for the Law School Admission Test.

Facts List

Just
the
facts

100% Employed or Continuing Education
Every 2022-2023 graduate from this major is currently employed or continuing their education.
4 Majors, 3 Minors, 3 Certificates
With 10 programs to explore, we will help you find the path you need to make the difference you want.
Outcomes Image
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What can I do

Where can the political science - legal studies program lead me after graduation?

Many of our graduates go on to pursue law school or graduate school, becoming attorneys, government employees, political analysts, and more. 

Example Careers

  • Paralegal
  • Political analyst
  • Law enforcement officer
  • Nonprofit advocate
Courses information
SampleCourses

Grounded in a strong foundation of political science, the legal studies degree will help you become more than well-prepared for law school or graduate school. Coursework throughout the program will help you gain thorough and critical knowledge of U.S. constitutional studies, political analysis, and American national politics.

Here are a few courses in Political Science - Legal Studies Emphasis at UW-Eau Claire.

POLS 290

Introduction to Political Analysis

Examines the nature and design of scientific research; raises philosophical and methodological issues regarding the logic, theory, and empirical analysis of political research; explores reasoning, causality, and data analysis in scientific research.

POLS 338

Judicial Politics

A study of the judicial system and judicial policy-making, emphasizing the U.S. Supreme Court and lower federal judiciary.

POLS 342

Public Opinion and Political Behavior

Development, nature and impact of political attitudes and opinions; white and minority opinion compared; political role of the mass media; personality and opinions; political participation; behavioral techniques of analysis; all in an American politics context.

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Meet the Faculty

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Political Science and Criminal Justice Department
Assistant Professor
What's Next

What's Next?

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