Legal Studies Minor / Legal Studies Department

Why a Legal Studies Minor?
While professional legal training in the United States is reserved for American law schools, the study of law as a part of society and its culture is an important component of a liberal arts education. At PLU, Legal Studies is an interdisciplinary program of study focusing on the nature of law and the judicial process. Consistent with the purposes of the American Legal Studies Association, a Minor in Legal Studies provides alternative approaches to the study of law drawn from classes in social sciences, humanities, the arts, business and education.

Your professors emphasize the development of a critical understanding of the functions of law, the sources of the legal tradition and the mutual impacts of law and society. You will pursue these objectives through courses, directed research and internships in offices and agencies involved in making, enforcing, interpreting and communicating "the law" in contemporary American civil society.
» Contact Professor Richard Jobst, Department of Sociology and Chair of Legal Studies at jobstrj@plu.edu with questions and for more information.

Why Legal Studies at Pacific Lutheran University?
PLU offers the only undergraduate program in Legal Studies in the Pacific Northwest. The interdisciplinary nature of its curriculum encourages students to draw from a wide array of perspectives on law. The Legal Studies Program at PLU follows the guidelines of the American Legal Studies Association -- an Association whose primary function is to bring together schools, programs, and faculty offering undergraduate students the opportunity to examine the law within a liberal arts curriculum and from an interdisciplinary perspective.

Legal Studies Courses

PLU Pre Law Program
Through the Department of Political Science and its Pre Law Program, PLU offers an advising program to students who are planning to attend law school after graduation. Admissions committees at American law schools recommend that successful applicants be well and broadly educated, literate and numerate, and that they be critical thinkers and articulate communicators. In other words, exactly what a sound liberal arts education provides! Additionally, if you are interested in a postgraduate legal education, you are encouraged to consult with a Pre-Law Adviser for assistance in selecting courses which will help you identify, develop and explore perspectives on the nature of American law and its professions. Many resources are available through PLU's Pre Law Program, including information on LSAT/LSDAS registration, catalogs from law schools, opportunities for field trips.

» Contact Dr. Susan Dwyer-Shick, Department of Political Science and Pre Law Advisor at dwyerssa@plu.edu with questions and for more information.

Internship Opportunities
The Legal Studies program offers students internship opportunities in public and private agencies in the Puget Sound area, providing practical experience in a professional environment. In consultation with, and under the supervision of, the Program's Chair, you may seek internships in a variety of areas, such as dispute resolution; investigation; defense or prosecution; juvenile law; and providing assistance to citizens needing housing, legal or financial help. Such opportunities are available with government offices, profit and non-profit organizations.

» Contact Dr. Susan Dwyer-Shick, Department of Political Science and Pre Law Advisor at dwyerssa@plu.edu with questions and for more information.

Career and Post-Graduate Opportunities
Legal Studies offers opportunities for careers in many fields. Many positions in both the public and private sectors require some knowledge of law or may require interaction with legal professionals. Additionally, the research, writing and analytical skills developed in the classroom and during internships are valuable tools in any job market. In recent years Legal Studies students have pursued their interests in law by attending law and business schools and by choosing positions in:

        * banking
        * corporations and small businesses
        * court administration
        * criminal justice
        * federal, state and local government
        * insurance
        * law enforcement
        * non-profit organizations
        * politics
        * probation and parole
        * religious organizations