College of Humanities and Social Sciences
Department of Political Science
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- For more information about Law and Constitutional Studies, see the Department of Political Science website.
- Following is a sample four-year plan. Please note that student-specific plans may differ.
- Admitted students must meet with an academic advisor. Current students should also meet with an academic advisor and log on to Degree Works to check student-specific program progress.
Bachelor of Science Degree
Students desiring a (BS) Bachelor of Science degree must complete all requirements listed in the sample four-year plan below:
Bachelor of Arts Degree
In addition to completing the Bachelor of Science (BS) degree requirements, students desiring a (BA) Bachelor of Arts degree must also complete the language proficiency requirements in one of the following ways:
- Demonstration of proficiency in one foreign language by successful completion of one course at the 2020-level or higher (or its equivalent) OR
- Demonstration of proficiency in American Sign Language by successful completion of American Sign Language IV (COMD 4920 ) and Socio-Cultural Aspects of Deafness (COMD 4780 ), and by passing an exit interview OR
- Demonstration of proficiency in two foreign languages by successful completion of the 1020 course level in one language and the 2010 course level in the second language (or its equivalent) OR
- Completion of an upper-division (3000-level or higher) foreign language grammar or literature course requiring the 2020 course level (or its equivalent) as a prerequisite. Conversation courses cannot be considered for satisfying this requirement.
For nonnative English-speaking students only, the following options are available:
- Successful completion of the Intensive English Language Institute (IELI) program for international students OR
- TOEFL, Michigan, or IELI placement scores high enough to meet the University admission criteria.
Minimum University Requirements
|
| Total Credits |
120 |
|
Grade Point Average (most majors require higher GPA)
|
2.00 GPA |
| Credits of C- or better |
100 |
Credits of upper-division courses (#3000 or above) |
40 |
| Total USU Credits |
30 |
Upper-division USU Credits |
20 |
| USU Credits within the Major |
10 |
Credits in Minor (if required) |
12 |
| Credits in Major |
see below |
Credits in American Institutions |
3 |
| General Education Requirements |
see link |
University Studies Depth Requirements |
see link |
| NOTES: The highest math requirement for this degree is Quantitative Literacy (QL) course of the student’s choice. |
Admissions Requirements for this Program
|
| New freshmen |
Admitted to USU in Good Standing |
|
Transfer students from other institutions or other programs at USU |
3.0 GPA Overall and 3.0 USU GPA |
Overview
The law and constitutional studies major is the only major of its kind in the Intermountain West. This is a rigorous program designed for students interested in leadership roles in business, public communications, government, education, or the study or practice of law. The program is intended to introduce students to the study of law and politics, with an emphasis on the American Constitution, and it focuses on how constitutional rules affect political and economic processes. Students study the theory, history, economics, and development of constitutional thought. They also learn about natural and civil rights, a market economy, a self-governing citizenry, voluntary associations, and the rule of law. Through an intensive program of constitutional study, this major equips students with the intellectual tools and understanding of constitutional principles necessary to enter graduate study or law school, as well as a variety of other professions. The program hosts prominent experts on law and the Constitution, with guest speakers such as Justice Antonin Scalia of the U.S. Supreme Court. Students also have ample opportunities for internships in federal and state legislatures, regulatory agencies, lobbying firms, think tanks, corporations and international organizations.
Departmental Honors
Students who would like to experience greater academic depth within their major are encouraged to enroll in departmental honors. Through original, independent work, Honors students enjoy the benefits of close supervision and mentoring, as they work one-on-one with faculty in select upper-division departmental courses. Honors students also complete a senior project, which provides another opportunity to collaborate with faculty on a problem that is significant, both personally and in the student’s discipline. Participating in departmental honors enhances students’ chances for obtaining fellowships and admission to graduate school. Minimum GPA requirements for participation in departmental honors vary by department, but usually fall within the range of 3.30-3.50. Students may enter the Honors Program at almost any stage in their academic career, including at the junior (and sometimes senior) level. The campus-wide Honors Program, which is open to all qualified students regardless of major, offers a rich array of cultural and social activities, special classes, and the benefit of Honors early registration. Interested students should contact the Honors Program, LLC Bldg. A, Room 112, (435) 797-2715, honors@usu.edu. Additional information can be found online at honors.usu.edu.
Additional Information
For detailed information about requirements for the Law and Constitutional Studies major, see the major requirement sheet, which can be obtained from the Political Science Department.
Students must complete the General Education Requirements .
Students must also complete the University Studies Depth Requirements .
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