As a Law, Politics and Society major, you’ll gain the knowledge and analytical skills needed to understand legal systems, political institutions,
and issues of social justice.
What You’ll Study
Law, Politics, and Society is an interdisciplinary program that examines the dynamic connections between law, government, and society. Drawing from Political Science, Sociology, History, and Criminal Justice, students gain the knowledge and analytical skills needed to understand legal systems, political institutions, and issues of social justice. Through both theoretical study and practical application, the program develops critical thinking, ethical decision-making, and effective communication skills.
Graduates are well prepared for law school and careers in law, public policy, government, and nonprofit organizations, as well as advanced studies in fields such as public administration, public policy, and legal studies.
Faculty & Staff
Email any of our advisors with any questions you have about completing this program.
Jarrod Kelly, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Political Science/Associate Provost for Institutional Effectiveness and Accreditation
Jarrod Kelly, Ph.D.
Young Hun Kim, Ph.D.
Law, Politics & Society Program Overview
The Law, Politics, and Society program explores the relationship between legal systems, government, and the communities they serve. Combining perspectives from political science, sociology, history, and criminal justice, students develop a strong understanding of public institutions, law, policy, and social issues.
Through critical analysis, research, writing, and real-world application, students build the skills needed to evaluate complex issues, communicate effectively, and make informed decisions. Coursework examines topics such as American government, global politics, public policy, political theory, and social justice.
Graduates are prepared for a wide range of career paths in law, government, public service, public policy, nonprofit leadership, and related fields. The program also provides an excellent foundation for law school and graduate study in areas such as public administration, public policy, legal studies, and political science.
Here are some highlighted courses included in the Law, Politics & Society Major:
Students in the Political Science program will develop a detailed education in American Politics, Comparative Politics, International Relations, and Political Theory. These courses are designed to prepare students for service in the public and private sectors. Students are expected to develop strong critical thinking and analytical reasoning skills through a vigorous exploration of political issues, ideas, and topics. The courses stress writing and speaking skills as the means to communicate information and analysis.
Example Courses that you will take:
American Political System (POL 112)
This course introduces students to the structure and development of the American political system, from the Constitution to the present. Students explore democratic institutions, political participation, and the ongoing challenges and debates that shape public life in the United States.
Constitutional Law (POL 410)
This course introduces students to major constitutional questions and the role of the Supreme Court in American politics. Students study how constitutional interpretation influences government power, individual rights, and key legal and political debates.
Judicial Politics (POL 301)
This is an introductory course on judicial politics in the United States. It is designed to provide the student with an understanding of the organization of courts (federal and state), judicial process in civil and criminal law, judicial decision-making, and judicial policy making. Particular attention will be given to the role of judges as political actors as well as racial disparities within the criminal justice system.
Race, Gender & Crime (JUS 402)
This course will provide exploration into three interrelated domains: race, gender and crime as we focus on the criminal justice system in American society. The class emphasizes perspectives from areas of social and legal research as well as focus on refereed journal articles that explore, describe and examine race, gender and crime as social constructs.
What are the courses like in Law, Politics & Society at NCWU?
Check out our latest university catalog for learning goals, course descriptions and suggested plans of study for NC Wesleyan University’s Law, Politics & Society Program.
How does this degree prepare students for a career?
A degree in Law, Politics & Society can prepare you for an infinite number of careers spanning many fields. Your courses in Law, Politics & Society will challenge you to think critically, analyze complex problems, and to communicate effectively. You will also learn how to be an engaged and responsible citizen capable of enacting positive change in your communities. Some common career paths include:
A Law, Politics, and Society major provides a strong foundation for careers in law, public service, policy, advocacy, and related fields. Possible career paths include:
Legal and Law-Related Careers
- Attorney (with law school)
- Paralegal
- Legal Assistant
- Court Administrator
- Compliance Officer
- Victim Advocate
- Legal Researcher
- Mediator or Conflict Resolution Specialist
Government and Public Service
- Legislative Aide
- Congressional or State Legislative Staff Member
- Public Administrator
- City or County Manager (with advanced study)
- Policy Analyst
- Government Relations Specialist
- Public Affairs Officer
- Foreign Service Officer
Criminal Justice and Public Safety
- Law Enforcement Officer
- Federal Agent
- Probation or Parole Officer
- Intelligence Analyst
- Corrections Administrator
- Criminal Investigator
Nonprofit and Advocacy Organizations
- Advocacy Coordinator
- Community Outreach Director
- Program Manager
- Public Interest Advocate
- Social Justice Organizer
- Grant Writer
Business and Corporate Careers
- Compliance Analyst
- Human Resources Specialist
- Corporate Relations Coordinator
- Risk Management Analyst
- Ethics and Compliance Officer
Graduate and Professional Study
- Law School (J.D.)
- Master of Public Administration (MPA)
- Master of Public Policy (MPP)
- Legal Studies
- Political Science
- Criminal Justice
- Sociology
- Public Affairs
Wondering what you can do with a degree from NCWU’s Law, Politics & Society major? Check out these resources from NCWU Career Development & Leadership and the Occupational Information Network (O*NET).
Wesleyan is dedicated to assisting students in their professional development offering resources and guidance for hands-on learning experiences through internships, assignments within the courses and job search resources. Let us help you focus on your education and career at the same time!
Upon completion of the Law, Politics, and Society program, students will be able to:
- Analyze the relationships among law, political institutions, and society and explain how each influences public policy, social change, and governance.
- Demonstrate knowledge of legal systems, constitutional principles, and political processes at the local, state, national, and global levels.
- Evaluate social, political, and legal issues using interdisciplinary perspectives drawn from Political Science, Sociology, Criminal Justice, History, and related fields.
- Apply critical thinking and analytical reasoning skills to interpret legal cases, public policies, and social problems.
- Conduct research using qualitative and quantitative methods, legal sources, and scholarly literature to support evidence-based conclusions.
- Communicate effectively in written, oral, and professional formats, constructing clear and persuasive arguments on legal, political, and social issues.
- Assess ethical dimensions of legal and public policy decisions and articulate reasoned positions on questions of justice, equity, and civic responsibility.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the causes and consequences of social inequality and issues of social justice within legal and political systems.
- Interpret and evaluate public policies by examining their development, implementation, and impact on diverse communities.
- Apply legal and policy concepts to real-world challenges through case studies, simulations, internships, community engagement, or other experiential learning opportunities.
- Exhibit civic and professional competencies necessary for careers in law, government, public service, nonprofit organizations, and advocacy.
- Demonstrate preparedness for advanced study, including law school and graduate programs in public administration, public policy, legal studies, political science, criminal justice, and related fields.
“To Be Great is to stand in the face of those who thought you could not be.”
“When compelled by history, make sure to tell His-Story.”Emmanuel Agoh ’23
24/7 Tutoring Services. Free & Easy.
North Carolina Wesleyan University is partnered with Brainfuse, a complimentary online tutoring service, provided to all Wesleyan students. This service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and features live tutoring in the subjects of writing, reading, math, computer and technology, science and business.
Student Organizations
Be engaged at NCWU!
Choose from 30+ student-led clubs and organizations to connect with other students who share your academic interests or… create your own.
Transfer Articulation Agreements
To simplify the transfer process, NC Wesleyan University has a number of partnerships with other community colleges, universities and institutions that allow students to enroll at NCWU with simple pathways. These agreements outline the courses you should take to prepare for transferring to NCWU. Review the full list of transfer articulation agreements to see if your institution is listed.
