Mar 29, 2024  
2021-2022 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2021-2022 Undergraduate Catalog [Archived Catalog]

Legal Studies (B.A., B.S.)


33 Major Hours, 120 Degree Hours


Students in this major must also complete requirements for a degree in the College of Arts & Sciences .

The interdisciplinary major in Legal Studies allows students to explore the history and impact of the law, its underlying theoretical and philosophical framework, and the political, economic, and cultural forces that affect its development. Graduates with a B.A. or B.S. in legal studies are prepared to pursue graduate or professional study in law, the humanities, or other disciplines, and to begin careers in business, human resources, journalism, public policy, social work, and other fields.

Nondepartmental Requirements (12 hours)


Four-Year Program Guides and Costs


USD encourages students to take 15 credits per semester or 30 credits within the year in order to graduate in 4 years. To help students complete their academic degree program in four years, we provide a sample academic plan. Please work with your academic advisor to confirm your plan.

 

MASTER OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION FAST-TRACK PROGRAM


Political Science, Criminal Justice, International Studies, or Legal Studies faculty will nominate high achieving students who are interested in public service careers to the fast-track to the Master of Public Administration program. Students would apply to the USD Graduate School during the spring of their junior year and be admitted to the USD Graduate School contingent on receipt of their undergraduate degree. After completing 90 hours (senior status), students may take 12 graduate hours that will count toward their undergraduate degree and also count toward the NASPAA accredited Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree. After receiving their undergraduate degree and satisfactory progress in the four graduate courses, students would continue to pursue coursework leading to the MPA degree.

State Authorization - It Matters Where You Live


If your learning placement course (internship, externship, clinical, rotation, practicum, independent study, study away, etc.) or your online course will be taken outside South Dakota, please reference USD’s State Authorization webpage.

State Authorization