Program Contact: Michelle D. Miller 203-582-3231
A humanities-based approach to law exposes students to different methodologies and distinct approaches to understanding the law in our society. Our comprehensive curriculum introduces students to the foundational aspects of the field of law before challenging them to explore how the law shapes — and is shaped by — particular perspectives, historical contexts and actual practice.
As students navigate both required and elective courses, they master different methods of approaching and solving complex legal problems. Throughout the program, students will investigate the complexities of our legal systems; discover how civil and constitutional systems work; and learn to research, reason and write about the law. These skills will be sharpened beyond the classroom as students complete a professional internship and gain hands-on experience in a law setting.
The Law in Society major culminates in a senior capstone course, which provides the opportunity for students to complete independent research on a legal topic of their choosing and develop a thesis that draws from their coursework and their internship experience. Through this integration of humanities, practical skills and experiential learning, the major has been approved by the American Bar Association as a paralegal program.
Graduates from the program are extraordinarily well prepared for a variety of careers in law and other related fields. Our graduates have excelled in roles spanning policy, compliance, government and politics, social services, criminal justice and conflict resolution. Many students continue their studies in law school, but career prospects don’t end at the courtroom or law office. The skills of legal reasoning and critical thinking translate into fields as diverse as policy, mediation, local law enforcement, social services, education and human relations.
BA in Law in Society Curriculum
Students majoring in Law in Society must meet the following requirements for graduation:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| University Curriculum 1 | 46 | |
| Modern Language Requirement | 3-6 | |
| Law in Society Core Requirements | ||
| Students must earn a grade of C or better in all Law in Society core requirements at the 200 level or above to move to the next required courses. | ||
| LE 101 | Introduction to the American Legal System | 3 |
| LE 211 | Legal Reasoning, Research and Writing I | 3 |
| LE 212 | Legal Reasoning, Research and Writing II | 3 |
| LE 305 | Civil Procedures | 3 |
| LE 340 | American Constitutional Law (PO353) | 3 |
| LE 485 | Legal Internship Seminar | 3 |
| LE 490 | Senior Seminar in Law in Society | 3 |
| Law in Society Elective Courses | ||
| At least 9 credits must be at the 300 level: | ||
| Legal Practice Electives | ||
| Select two courses of the following: | 6 | |
| Family Law | ||
| Wills, Probate and Estate Administration | ||
| Land Transfer and Closing Procedures | ||
| Employment Law | ||
| Law of Business Entities | ||
| Intellectual Property | ||
| Environmental Law (ENV 355) | ||
| Mediation | ||
| Negotiation | ||
| Alternative Perspectives in the Law Electives | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Gender and the Law (WGS 250) | ||
| International Law (PO 317) | ||
| International Law and the Individual | ||
| European Union Law | ||
| Immigration Law | ||
| Comparative Constitutional Law (PO 342) | ||
| International Environmental Law (ENV 356) | ||
| Additional Legal Studies Electives | ||
| Criminal Law | ||
| Introduction to Mock Trial | ||
| Competitive Mock Trial (may be taken up to three times, or twice if LE 150 was taken) | ||
| Special Topics | ||
| Sports Law (SPS 224) | ||
| Law for Everyday Life | ||
| Special Topics | ||
| Family Law | ||
| Health Care Law (HSC 322) | ||
| Three additional courses chosen from any LE elective, including those in Legal Practice and Alternative Perspectives | 9 | |
| Additional Requirements | ||
| SO 101 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 |
| Select a 200-level English course | 3 | |
| Select an American History course | 3 | |
| Free Electives | 5-8 | |
| Total Credits | 102-108 | |
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All students must complete the University Curriculum requirements.
Students also must complete a minor in any other department within the university. All Legal Specialty transfer courses will be evaluated by the program director to determine their equivalencies and to ensure that the quality and integrity of the program are maintained if such credit is granted. At least nine credits of Legal Specialty courses, including the Internship experience, must be taken at Quinnipiac University. A maximum of nine credits of Legal Specialty courses may be transferred. Quinnipiac does not award Legal Specialty credit by examination or portfolio.
Modern Language Requirement
All CAS students (both bachelor of science and bachelor of arts) must complete one modern language through the 102 level. Modern language courses may also count toward the UC Personal Inquiry II requirement. Students who have taken a language in high school should take the modern language placement test for that language. Students with placement scores at the 201 level or higher have demonstrated language competency and thus have passed out of the language requirement.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the program, students will demonstrate the following competencies:
- Understand and critically assess how law is made, interpreted and applied in different contexts within the United States and abroad.
- Research, analyze and write a scholarly paper on a chosen topic related to law, incorporating humanities-based inquiry.
- Formulate and present a coherent, well-supported legal argument in both written and oral form to diverse audiences.
- Apply their legal skills and knowledge of the humanities in a professional law-related setting, consistent with ethical standards governing the legal profession.
- Understand the political, historical and social conditions underlying and affecting the law.
Admission Requirements: College of Arts and Sciences
The requirements for admission into the undergraduate College of Arts and Sciences programs are the same as those for admission to Quinnipiac University.
Admission to the university is competitive, and applicants are expected to present a strong college prep program in high school. Prospective first-year students are strongly encouraged to file an application as early in the senior year as possible, and arrange to have first quarter grades sent from their high school counselor as soon as they are available.
For detailed admission requirements, including required documents, please visit the Admissions page of this catalog.