Legal Studies Minor

Program Coordinator/Contact

Lisa Hager, Assistant Professor of Political Science and Legal Studies Coordinator
School of American and Global Studies
West Hall Room 216, Box 510
605-688-4311

Program Information

The purpose of the Legal Studies minor is to provide the student with foundational skills meant to better their performance on the LSAT and in law school. The curriculum is based off of the standards set forth by the American Bar Association. The minor pairs well with any major and law schools encourage a wide variety of backgrounds (e.g., political Science, global studies, etc), depending on the future career interests of the student. The formal academic training for law includes, with few exceptions, a bachelor’s degree and three years of study in law school to earn a Juris Doctorate.  

Law School Admissions Test

All law schools require the Law School Admissions Test, and most pre-law students take it in June between the junior and senior year or during the undergraduate senior year. It is a nationwide, half-day test of general aptitude for undertaking law studies and for writing ability. Students are encouraged to contact the Legal Studies Coordinator for more information on the LSAT and law schools of interest early in their academic career.

Student Learning Outcomes

Graduates with a minor in Legal Studies will be able to:

• demonstrate a basic familiarity with the American political and legal systems, especially the constitution.
• demonstrate proficiency in clear and persuasive speech and writing.
• understand the formal study of argumentation, including forms of logic, inductive and deductive reasoning, proofs, refutations and fallacies. 
• demonstrate an ability to think and read critically.
• demonstrate financial literacy, either basic economic concepts or basic accounting principles and procedures.
• demonstrate a familiarity with the law as it relates to one’s field of interest.
• demonstrate an understanding of social and ethical issues as well as the promotion of justice.

Academic Requirements

No grade below a “C” in political science courses may be used to fulfill requirements for the Legal Studies Minor.

Course Delivery Format

The program offers courses on campus.