Mar 28, 2024  
2022-2023 General Catalog 
    
2022-2023 General Catalog ARCHIVED CATALOG: To search archives, MUST use search box to left. Current catalog: catalog.usu.edu.

Law and Constitutional Studies - BA, BS


Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Programs by College and Department

College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Department of Political Science

Navigation Help:

The blue highlighted text  indicates additional details are available. Simply click on it to view details such as course name, description, prerequisites, or to be linked to another website with additional information. The back arrow button may be used to return to this page if you leave it through a link.

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

First Year

 Fall Semester
Credits
General Education Info and Notes:

 

Spring Semester
Credits
General Education Info and Notes:
ENGL 1010: Introduction to Writing: Academic Prose (CL1)   3     POLS 2300: Introduction to Political Theory   3    
POLS 1100: United States Government and Politics (BAI)   3     Breadth Requirement 3  
Quantitative Literacy (QL) Course   3   Breadth Requirement 3  
Breadth Requirement 3   Breadth Requirement  3  
Breadth Requirement 3   Elective Course 3  
TOTAL CREDITS: 15   TOTAL CREDITS: 15  

Comments

Comments

Second Year

 Fall Semester
Credits
General Education Info and Notes:

 

Spring Semester
Credits
General Education Info and Notes:
ENGL 2010: Intermediate Writing: Research Writing in a Persuasive Mode (CL2)   3     POLS 3120: Law and Politics (DSS)   3    
Breadth Requirement 3   Communications Intensive (CI) Course   3  
Elective Course 3   Elective Course 3  
Elective Course 3   Elective Course 3  
Elective Course 3   Elective Course 3  
TOTAL CREDITS: 15   TOTAL CREDITS: 15  

Comments

Comments

Third Year

 Fall Semester
Credits
General Education Info and Notes:

 

Spring Semester
Credits
General Education Info and Notes:
POLS 4120: American Constitutional Law   3     POLS 3310: American Political Thought (DSS)  or POLS 3320: The Foundations of American Constitutionalism  or POLS 4130: Constitutional Theory   3  or 3  or 3    
   
   
POLS Upper-Division Course 3   POLS Upper-Division Course 3  
Quantitative Intensive (QI) Course   3   Depth Life and Physical Sciences (DSC) Course   3  
Depth Humanities and Creative Arts (DHA) Course   3   Elective Course 3  
Elective Course 3   Elective Course 3  
TOTAL CREDITS: 15   TOTAL CREDITS: 15  

Comments

Comments

Fourth Year

 Fall Semester
Credits
General Education Info and Notes:

 

Spring Semester
Credits
General Education Info and Notes:
POLS 3310: American Political Thought (DSS)  or POLS 3320: The Foundations of American Constitutionalism  or POLS 4130: Constitutional Theory   3  or 3  or 3  
 
   
  
POLS Upper-Division U.S. Area Course 3  
POLS 5130: Law and Policy  or POLS 5140: Law, Politics, and War   3  or 3     POLS Upper-Division U.S. Area Course 3  
Communications Intensive (CI) Course   3   POLS Upper-Division Course 3  
Elective Course 3   Elective Course 3  
Elective Course 3   Elective Course 3  
TOTAL CREDITS: 15   TOTAL CREDITS: 15  

Comments

Comments


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 

Law and Constitutional Studies Pre-Major Requirements


Students who wish to become Law and Constitutional Studies majors must apply for admission after completing the department’s pre-major program. New freshmen in good standing are eligible to declare the pre-major. Continuing students and transfer students with a 3.0 GPA are eligible to declare the pre-major. When the pre-major courses are completed with a GPA of 3.0, the student will be able to declare the Law and Constitutional Studies major. A student must be declared as a Law and Constitutional Studies major in order to apply for graduation.

Complete two additional General Education courses chosen with undergraduate advisor (6 credits)


Careful selection of general education classes can enhance a student’s undergraduate experience. The following are examples of recommendations to help students enhance their experience in the social sciences and foster critical and creative thinking skills of inquiry, analysis, and evaluation. 

Students who wish to emphasize if the areas below are encouraged to consider the following courses:

U.S. Government and Policy Analysis:

Law School candidates:

Environmental Policy issues:

International Relations and Foreign Service:

Political Theory:

Law and Constitutional Studies Major Requirements (36 credits)


Minimum GPA for Admission: 3.0, USU; 3.0, Career
Minimum GPA for Graduation: 3.0, major courses; 3.0, USU; 3.0, Career
Minimum Grade Accepted: in major courses

Please note that none of the courses can be taken pass/fail; all Political Science courses must be taken for a letter grade. Also, all courses must be attended in their entirety. Students cannot take these courses during an internship.

A. Required Courses (21 credits)


B. Course Sequencing


Law and Constitutional Studies majors are required to complete POLS 1100  as a prerequisite to all 3000-and 4000-level Political Science courses. It is advised that Law and Constitutional Studies majors take POLS 3120  prior to POLS 4120 POLS 4130 POLS 5130 , or POLS 5140 .

C. Area Requirements (6 credits minimum)


Students must take a minimum of six upper-division credits in U.S. Government and Policy in addition to courses required for this major.

D. Electives (9 credits)


Any Political Science upper-division courses can be used to complete the major and fulfill this requirement, with two exceptions:

  1. Not more than three credits in Directed Readings courses (POLS 4910 ) can apply to this requirement.
  2. Not more than three credits in the following courses can apply to this requirement:

Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Programs by College and Department