Do you want to learn about the U.S. legal system as well as legal and social issues? If so, Walden University's B.S. in Political Science and Public Administration program with a concentration in Law and Legal Studies may be right for you. Read on to learn more about this online bachelor's degree program here.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What Kind of Program Is It?

    Walden University's B.S. in Political Science and Public Administration program with a concentration in Law and Legal Studies is designed to teach you about the U.S. legal system, criminal law, immigration, intellectual property, and the relevance of civil law to certain occupations. The curriculum also includes core courses on topics such as political controversies, American government, constitutional law, ethics in public leadership, and global issues in politics. A capstone course is required. The capstone project allows you to synthesize the knowledge and skills learned from this degree program and complete a written paper or participate in community service or a field experience.

    What Are the Prerequisites?

    If you apply to Walden University's B.S. in Political Science and Public Administration program with a concentration in Law and Legal Studies, you should have strong analytical and problem-solving skills and a strong interest in the U.S. legal system and laws. Applicants to Walden University's bachelor's degree programs must be at least 24 years old and have a high school diploma or equivalent; be an active member of the military or a veteran; be between the ages of 21 and 23 and have earned at least 12 transferable college credit hours; or have already earned at least 90 quarter hours of credit. Applicants may need to complete additional requirements.

    What Are the Program Requirements?

    Degree program curriculum and credits are subject to change, and you should contact Walden University for the most current information before enrolling in a program. To earn Walden University's B.S. in Political Science and Public Administration with a concentration in Law and Legal Studies, you must complete 181 credits. The degree program is divided into a foundation course, general education courses, core courses, concentration courses, elective courses, and a capstone course. Elective courses can be taken from any political science and public administration concentration or any related bachelor's program.

    Foundation and Political Science and Public Administration Core Courses

    • Dynamics of Walden Success: Learning Lab
    • American Government
    • Global Issues in Politics
    • Political Controversies
    • Principles of Public Administration
    • The Making of Public Policy
    • Constitutional Law
    • Ethics in Public Leadership
    • Capstone

    Concentration Courses

    • Criminal Law
    • Civil Law
    • Courts and Judicial Process
    • Contemporary Legal Debates
    • One course of your choice from any B.S. in Political Science and Public Administration concentration

    What Could I Do After I Graduate?

    Career Opportunities

    Once you have completed Walden University's B.S. in Political Science and Public Administration program with a concentration in Law and Legal Studies, you have an opportunity to pursue careers with corporate compliance offices, law firms, and state and federal courts. A law degree is required in order to practice, but there are other career opportunities within the field. These jobs often require candidates to have strong decision-making and problem-solving skills and be effective communicators. Possible job titles include:

    • Paralegal
    • Litigation support professional
    • Legal secretary
    • Jury consultant

    Advanced Degrees

    In addition to pursuing career opportunities, you have the opportunity to apply to master's degree programs in the field after completing Walden University's B.S. in Political Science and Public Administration program with a concentration in Law and Legal Studies. A master's degree program in the law and legal studies field may include courses on the theories of justice, the American legal system, public advocacy, legal writing and analysis, and legal research and citation. A thesis may also be required in order to complete the degree program. Degrees listed are not institution-specific but constitute a sampling of continuing education options for graduates. Degrees you could pursue include:

    • Master of Arts in Legal Studies
    • Master of Criminal Justice
    • Master of Professional Studies in Paralegal Studies
    • Master of Science in Criminal Justice Administration