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.
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.
Program Details
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.
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.
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!
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.
Blugold Stories
Ever since he was 5 years old, Sgt. Cliff Hayes had his sights set for the military. Soon after joining the Wisconsin Army National Guard, Hayes enrolled at UW-Eau Claire to pursue a career in criminal justice. Being the first in his family to go to college, he needed some guidance on understanding his roles and duties as a veteran and full-time student. He turned to the Veterans Center at UW-Eau Claire and received resources and support to guide his educational needs.
Not only did I have one-on-one time with professors and so many more opportunities here than anywhere else you could possibly go, but it's also just a great environment and community to be a part of. I'm 100% convinced that if I had gone anywhere else, I wouldn't have been able to do all of the things that I've been able to do at UW-Eau Claire.
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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
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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