Examine
You will examine the law from multiple perspectives across the university throughout your undergraduate career in our program.
Legal Studies
The law is complicated. A minor in legal studies at the University of St. Thomas examines how the law governs human action and interactions from an interdisciplinary lens. You graduate prepared to engage with the legal system as a compassionate citizen and professional.
Why Study Legal Studies at St. Thomas?
Our interdisciplinary approach to law will allow you to examine the law from numerous angles to see multiple arguments and opinions. We will teach you to understand how the legal system functions in order to see how the law influences public and private affairs within society. Our students often pursue advanced degrees in law, public policy and business, as well as careers in a variety of industries after graduating from St. Thomas.
Program Overview
Course Requirements
You complete 20 credits for the minor with courses in business law, communication and journalism, economics, English, history, philosophy, political science and theology. Whether you are studying political philosophy or media law, you will find there are a diverse array of courses to choose from throughout your undergraduate career at St. Thomas.
Four-Year Plan
Legal studies is a flexible minor which means you can pair it with a number of other programs at the university. We recommend connecting with the program director early in your undergraduate career to put yourself on track to graduate in a timely fashion.
Degrees Awarded
Minor in Legal Studies
Course Requirements
Course Requirements
You complete 20 credits for the minor with courses in business law, communication and journalism, economics, English, history, philosophy, political science and theology. Whether you are studying political philosophy or media law, you will find there are a diverse array of courses to choose from throughout your undergraduate career at St. Thomas.
Four-Year Plan
Four-Year Plan
Legal studies is a flexible minor which means you can pair it with a number of other programs at the university. We recommend connecting with the program director early in your undergraduate career to put yourself on track to graduate in a timely fashion.
Degrees Awarded
Degrees Awarded
Minor in Legal Studies
Gaining a Unique Skillset
Faculty provide unique perspectives on the law in their courses. Alumni use their training and knowledge to work every day. You will have access to a close-knit community of scholars during your time at St. Thomas.
Dr. Caleb Goltz
Dr. Goltz is an Assistant Professor of Political Science and the Director of the Legal Studies program. He teaches courses focusing on law and the judiciary, and is especially interested in animal law. He is currently writing a book regarding the legal and political foundations of colony collapse disorder in honeybees.
Nicholas Bruno ‘18
Nicholas began law school at Hofstra University after graduating from St. Thomas. He credits his experiences at St. Thomas for providing a solid foundation for his professional education with his legal studies minor in particular imparting strong writing and research skills that have served him well thus far in his program. He feels very comfortable identifying issues, finding quality pieces of research and synthesizing his findings into strong arguments.
Career Paths
We equip you with tools and knowledge that are valuable in a variety of fields after graduation.
- Law
- Policy
- Entrepreneurship
- Legislature
- Law enforcement
Prepare for What's Next
Legal studies students graduate with a unique perspective of the law and its impact on our society today. They enter the next chapter of their lives as compassionate professionals and citizens.
Understand
You will understand how the law influences your life every day.
Prepare
You will prepare for your professional future and the complex legal landscape through your interdisciplinary coursework and interactions with faculty and your peers.
Your Teachers and Mentors
Dr. Susan Marsnik
Dr. Marsnik teaches courses on business law and ethics.
Dr. Caleb Goltz
Dr. Goltz focuses on law and the judicial process, and is interested in animal law.
Contact Dr. Goltz for more information.
Dr. Dale Thompson
Dr. Thompson researches business policies, and teaches ethics and business law.
Take the Next Step
There is more to learn about St. Thomas; including our ranking as a Best Value School by U.S. News & World Report, the many classroom and extracurricular activities that will be part of your student experience and so much more. Schedule a visit to see our beautiful campus or start your application today.