Law and Public Policy Major | Arcadia University

Mr. Christopher Cerski, Law & Public Policy faculty member, stands as he teaches undergraduate students is a classroom. — Copyright Arcadia University.

Overview

Degree Level: Undergraduate
Degrees Offered: Bachelor of Arts

Department: Historical and Political Studies
school/college: College of Arts and Sciences

Bachelor of Arts in Law and Public Policy

The Law and Public Policy Major is designed to provide students expertise in how politics and law influence civic life and the institutions of American government. Our students not only learn substantive theory but applied skills such as political and policy analysis, legal reasoning, and approaches to critical thinking. This major prepares students to analyze and evaluate conflicting solutions to real-world problems and to communicate effectively by providing students with an opportunity to explore and critique contemporary legal and policy issues. Arcadia’s Law and Public Policy faculty develop authentic relationships with students through hands-on learning experiences, whether it be engaging in-class simulations or experiential learning outside of the classroom.

Our students are trained for careers in government, nonprofits, and the private sector. Many students seek admission to law school or a masters degree in public policy. This major is ideal for students interested in attending law school or graduate school because it provides students a preview into the type of course work and the rigorous academics associated with graduate study.

Students in this major also benefit from Arcadia’s vast global network of study abroad programs and experienced faculty who travel the globe with students. Additionally, Law and Public Policy majors have a clear path to the assured admissions program (4+3) or the accelerated admissions program (3+3) with Drexel University’s Thomas R. Kline School of Law.

Explore a Typical Course Path to Graduation

Law and Public Policy Abroad

Arcadia University is ranked in the top 10 in the country for study abroad. We encourage you to explore all your options.

LEARN MORE ABOUT STUDY ABROAD

Featured Courses

American Constitutional Law

Examine the constitutional foundations and development of America’s governmental institutions through analysis of leading Supreme Court cases. You will study the principles of constitutionalism, federalism, separation of powers, civil liberties, civil rights, and judicial review. Read, brief, and report on cases to the class.

U.S. Public Policy

Public policies in the U.S. are inherently political. They are defined through political processes: designed by elected and non-elected individuals, implemented in the context of American political institutions and they in turn shape the character of political and public life. Examine and evaluate various approaches to policy analysis, the consideration of various actors in shaping and implementing public policy, and the investigation of specific case-study policies. Study environmental policy, public health policy, immigration policy, gun control policy, and policies that promote mass incarceration.

Writing for Law and Public Policy

You will learn to apply serial writing to the mechanics of professional writing in law and government. Explore the writing method used in law school and the style preferred in government. Draft a practical legal letter, a predictive office memorandum, a persuasive court pleading, a piece of statutory legislation, and a public policy analysis. Learn research techniques and information gathering skills using Westlaw legal research service, as well as comply with the Bluebook citation system.

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