This minor provides students with a strong foundation in law, legal institutions, and constitutional governance while supporting a range of academic and professional goals. Also a part of the Schar School’s pre‑law program, the minor offers a structured pathway for students considering law school and preparation for law‑adjacent careers in public policy, government, advocacy, international affairs, and business.
Students study the U.S. legal system, constitutional law, public and administrative law, and legal theory, with attention to both domestic and international contexts. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, analytical writing, and legal reasoning—skills essential for success in law school and valuable across many professions. Designed to complement majors across the university, the minor helps students understand the structures that shape legal systems, and how law in turn shapes institutions, policy, and society.
Contact the minor advisor through Patriot Connect.
This minor has been designated as a "Workforce-Ready Minor," meaning it is aligned with at least one of Virginia's high-demand career fields and includes career-relevant assignments as well as the opportunity to earn academic credit through an internship.
Policies
Eight credits of coursework must be unique to the minor and students must earn a minimum grade of 2.00 (grade of C or better) in all courses applied to the minor. For policies governing all minors, see AP.5.3.4 Minors.
Minor Requirements
Total credits: 18
Core Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| GOVT 103 | Introduction to American Government (Mason Core) | 3 |
| GOVT 301 | Public Law and the Judicial Process | 3 |
| Total Credits | 6 | |
Electives
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select four from the following: | 12 | |
| Legislative Behavior | ||
| Issues in Political Theories and Values (when topic is relevant, with approval of Schar School advisor) | ||
| Law and Society | ||
| Politics of Race and Gender | ||
| American Political Thought | ||
| Constitutional Interpretation | ||
| Constitutional Law: Civil Rights and Liberties | ||
| Constitutional Law: Criminal Process and Rights | ||
| International Law and Organization | ||
| Administrative Law and Procedures | ||
| Artificial Intelligence: Technological and Societal Implications | ||
| Philosophy of Law | ||
| Religion and Politics: Foundations | ||
| Religion and Law in the United States | ||
| Internship/Experiential Learning | ||
| Internship (when relevant, up to 3 credits of internship may be applied to electives with approval of Schar School advisor) | ||
| Total Credits | 12 | |