B.S. in Law, Policy, and Political Science

Program Overview

Wilmington University's Bachelor of Science in Law, Policy, and Political Science prepares students for careers in law, public policy, government, and related fields. The interdisciplinary program offers three concentrations: Legal Studies, Government and Public Policy, and Political Science. Students gain a solid foundation in the legal system, public policy, and political science, developing critical thinking, analytical, and communication skills. The program also provides experiential learning opportunities through internships and other practical experiences.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Bachelor of Science in Law, Policy, and Political Science from Wilmington University is an interdisciplinary program that prepares students for careers in law, public policy, government, and other related fields. The program offers a comprehensive curriculum that combines theoretical knowledge with practical experience, ensuring graduates are well-equipped for success in their chosen professions. The program's objectives include:

• Providing students with a solid foundation in the legal system, public policy, and political science.
• Developing critical thinking, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Enhancing students' communication and interpersonal skills.
• Preparing students for graduate-level study or professional careers in the legal, policy, or political fields.
• Instilling in students an understanding of the ethical and societal implications of law, policy, and politics.
The program requires 120 total credits, including a minimum of 33 credits in the major. Students can choose from three concentrations: Legal Studies, Government and Public Policy, or Political Science. In addition to coursework, students may participate in internships and other experiential learning opportunities to gain practical experience in their field of interest.
• Legal Studies: The Legal Studies concentration is designed for students who plan to pursue a career in law.
It provides a comprehensive overview of the legal system, including courses in constitutional law, torts, contracts, criminal law, and legal research and writing. Students in this concentration will also complete a six-course pre-law minor, which is approved by the American Bar Association (ABA).
• Government and Public Policy: The Government and Public Policy concentration is designed for students who plan to pursue careers in public service, policy analysis, or government relations.
It provides a broad understanding of the public policy process, including courses in public administration, public finance, and public policy analysis. Students in this concentration may also choose to pursue a minor in Public Administration, which is offered through the university's College of Business and Public Administration.
• Political Science: The Political Science concentration is designed for students who plan to pursue careers in politics, political science, or other related fields.
It provides a deep understanding of political theory, comparative politics, international relations, and American politics. Students in this concentration may also choose to pursue a minor in Political Science, which is offered through the university's College of Arts and Sciences.

Outline:

The program's curriculum includes courses in the following areas:

• American Government
• American Political Thought
• Civil Liberties
• Comparative Politics
• Constitutional Law
• Criminal Justice
• Environmental Policy
• International Relations
• Legal Research and Writing
• Public Administration
• Public Finance
• Public Policy Analysis
• Statistics for Social Sciences
The program is designed to be flexible to meet the needs of individual students. Students can choose to take courses on campus, online, or through a combination of both formats. The program also offers accelerated options for students who wish to complete their degree in less than four years.

Assessment:

Students in the program are assessed through a variety of methods, including:

• Exams
• Quizzes
• Papers
• Presentations
• Projects
• Internships
The program's faculty are committed to providing students with feedback on their progress and helping them to succeed in their studies.

Teaching:

The program is taught by a team of experienced and dedicated faculty members who are experts in their fields. The faculty use a variety of teaching methods to engage students in the learning process, including:

• Lectures
• Discussions
• Simulations
• Role-playing exercises
• Case studies
The program also offers a variety of experiential learning opportunities, such as:
• Internships
• Research projects
• Study abroad programs
These opportunities allow students to gain practical experience and apply their knowledge to real-world problems.

Careers:

Graduates of the program are prepared for a variety of careers in the legal, policy, and political fields. Some of the potential career paths include:

• Lawyer
• Public policy analyst
• Government relations specialist
• Political consultant
• Non-profit executive
• Journalist
• Teacher
The program also provides a strong foundation for students who wish to pursue graduate studies in law, public policy, political science, or other related fields.