Fact Sheets

Law is the tool used by social engineers and reformers to erect and sustain the basic framework of social structures that define who we are as a society. The values which underlie the legal process are capable of a variety of different analyses. “Free market” economists analyze law in a very different way than do Marxists. Critical legal philosophers question the legitimacy of law in complex societies. In other words, there are many different perspectives on what we term, “law.”

The Curriculum

The legal studies major at Minnesota State University Moorhead provides undergraduates the opportunity to explore the concept of law from many different traditions and perspectives. Students in this program are not confined to learning about law through the narrow prism of one particular discipline. MSUM students will study law by reading history, philosophy, political science, economics, sociology, business and criminal justice. The program’s goal is to let students sample from a variety of courses and instructors and to pursue specific interests within a broad organizing framework—the law.

Students who major in Legal Studies choose one of six emphasis areas:
•    Emphasis in the American Legal System
•    Emphasis in Economics and Business
•    Emphasis in History
•    Emphasis in Human Rights
•    Emphasis in Philosophy
•    Emphasis in Sociology and Criminal Justice

Preparation for Law School
The Pre-Law Committee of the American Bar Association gives this advice on undergraduate education to those students thinking about attending law school:
“Students who are successful in law school and who become accomplished lawyers come to their legal education from widely differing educational backgrounds. Therefore, the ABA does not formally recommend any particular undergraduate major for those wishing to prepare for a legal education. However, there are important skills and significant bodies of knowledge that can and should be acquired prior to attending law school that will provide a sound foundation for a sophisticated legal education.”

Most essential would include the following:
• A broad understanding of history, particularly American history.
• A fundamental understanding of political thought and theory.
• A basic understanding of ethical theory and theories of justice.
• A grounding in economics, particularly economic theory and public policy.
• Basic financial skills including the ability to analyze basic financial data.
• An understanding of diverse cultures within and beyond the United States.

The legal studies major was created with these recommendations in mind. Our program provides a broad background of knowledge in history, philosophy, political science, economics, business, sociology and criminal justice, while allowing students to select a major emphasis in one of those fields. Therefore, the legal studies major should provide students interested in attending law school with the skills and knowledge necessary to maximize the efficiency of their law school education.

Program Benefits
•    The Pre-Law Society invites speakers to campus to discuss legal careers, sponsors social events throughout the year and invites admissions counselors from throughout the Upper Midwest to meet with interested students.
•    Students are encouraged to pursue mentored research projects that are presented at local and regional conferences.