/academics/programs/_images/adobestock_629102532.jpegLegal texts on a desk with a Lady Justice statuette in the forgroundLegal Studies MinorDevelop key skills that lawyers need.The legal studies minor is designed to give students a foundation in the skills and concepts that law students and lawyers need. It is not a professional certification to work as a paralegal, but was created for students interested in attending law school.College of Liberal Arts & Social SciencesOffice of Pre-Law Advisinghttps://class.unt.edu/advising/pre-lawBusiness & Industry,Public ServiceUndergraduateMinorOn CampusDenton3-4 semesters18https://catalog.unt.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=37&poid=19535&returnto=4292https://admissions.unt.edu/Why Earn a Legal Studies Minor?A legal studies minor may be earned by students who have completed a concentration of academic work designed to prepare them for admission to and success in law school, regardless of major at UNT.

The Department of Political Science will award the certificate to students who have completed 18 hours of approved course work and maintained a 3.25 in the courses taken for the certificate as well as a 3.0 cumulative UNT GPA. The legal studies minor requires 18 credit hours, including 6 advanced hours.

You'll take courses in the following six areas:
  • Foundations
  • Analytical reasoning
  • Critical thinking
  • Oral and written advocacy
  • Applied legal studies
  • Practical legal applications
Available to all majors.Flexible enough for students from any major or college on campus.Allows students to complete internship or practicum gives students hands-on, real-world experience.Interdisciplinary certificate designed to provide the skills and experiences pre-law students need.Provides substantial overlap with majors in political science, philosophy, communication studies, business, and criminal justice.Allows students to flourish in their education.Argumentation and Debate (3 hrs)Theory, research and practice in developing and presenting arguments on public policy issues; reasoning, strategy and oral advocacy.Writing, Advocacy, and Communication (3 hrs)Students hone communication skills by creating written and oral projects related to careers in government affairs. Examples of topics include writing grants, white papers, model legislation, and legal briefs.The Constitution and the Rights of Criminal Defendants (3 hrs)An in-depth examination of the constitutional rights and liberties enjoyed by defendants in the criminal justice process. Explores the U.S. Supreme Court’s interpretation of constitutional guarantees as that interpretation has developed through the evolution of case law in a political and historical context.Jurisprudence (3 hrs)Law in the modern state, meaning and objects, sources and growth, and conceptions of rights and justice.The American Legal System (3 hrs)Institutions and processes; courts and judicial behavior.Practical Legal Applications (1-3 hrs)Practicum or legal internship at a law firm, government agency or law-related non-profit. Bridges coursework with the practical experience. Emphasizes career planning, reflection and professional development.FSVKGbPpc3M
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College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences

Political Science Minor (link to Minor program page)

Global Perspectives Certificate (link to Cert. program page)

Similar Majors (link to corresponding subject page)

 

Office of Pre-Law Advising

940-565-2276

Wendy.Watson@unt.edu

Wooten Hall, Room 153

Related Programs

Legal Studies Certificate
Political Science Degree
Political Science Minor

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