Bachelor’s in Legal Studies Emphasis: BA in Government
Bachelor of Arts in Legal Studies Degree Emphasis Overview
Policy making and governance can be drivers of positive change that benefit communities, families and individuals. The Bachelor of Arts in Government with an Emphasis in Legal Studies at Grand Canyon University (GCU) offers a unique pathway, combining theoretical knowledge with hands-on application. Based in policy and politics, this bachelor of arts in legal studies emphasis provides an interdisciplinary approach that is rooted in a classical liberal arts education and examines the intersections of the following disciplines:
- Communication
- Justice studies
- Philosophy
- Business
- Theology
Offered by the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, this bachelor’s in legal studies emphasis can serve as a foundational framework for those interested in pursuing entry into law school or public service. As a student in this Bachelor of Arts in Government program, you are exposed to an intensive exploration in research and writing that challenges you to develop your critical reasoning capabilities, communication skills and sense of servant leadership. Study the founding principles of the American government, as well as its constitutional framework and governing institutions. Historical perspectives and contemporary legal issues are also examined in this dynamic on-campus and online legal studies emphasis program.
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What You’ll Learn With a Bachelor of Arts in Government and Legal Studies Emphasis Degree
This bachelor of arts in legal studies emphasis prepares you to take on challenges in the criminal or civil law fields. Led by expert faculty, you will acquire foundational knowledge and skills such as the following:
- Classic and contemporary expressions of political thought and processes
- Qualitative and quantitative political research methods
- Public policy in the federal government, and its impact on governing institutions, interest groups and public opinion
- Legal reasoning, analysis and practical legal research
- Diplomatic relations, international processes and governance in Western and non-Western countries
Career Opportunities for Bachelor’s in Legal Studies Degree Emphasis Graduates
The interdisciplinary nature of this legal studies emphasis program prepares you for success in a wide range of career fields. Some key industries to consider as a graduate of the bachelor’s in legal studies emphasis degree are:
- Government
- Education
- Healthcare
- Law Enforcement
- Consulting
- Real Estate
With its concentrated focus on the principles of a legal, ethical and constitutional society, this legal studies emphasis degree can prepare you to apply for entry into law school. Additionally, you will have a fundamental understanding of legal database research, writing skills and law school concepts that go beyond what is typically available from a two-year paralegal program.
BA in Government With Legal Studies Program Emphasis FAQs
If you are interested in learning more about the bachelor’s in legal studies emphasis degree, we have answered frequently asked questions about the program and related careers.
From a simple standpoint, legal studies examine the law from all viewpoints. It looks at the theory of how the law works and how it affects society. The curriculum in a legal studies degree can often be applied with a variety of law-related careers due to the breadth of the legal topics covered.
A legal studies emphasis degree is a valuable investment for anyone looking for a career in law, politics or any business-related profession. Legal studies cover a broad range of law topics that are applicable to many careers, so earning a legal studies degree can help propel you toward your ideal position.
No, legal studies is not the same as a paralegal. Legal studies covers many law topics and careers, paralegal being one example. A paralegal is the name for a specific career in law that assists lawyers and attorneys for any legal matter. Paralegals play an important role in the preparation and organization of a case and are sometimes the steppingstone job toward becoming a full-time lawyer or attorney.
Graduates with a bachelor’s in legal studies emphasis degree gain foundational knowledge and skills that can prepare them for careers in many different fields, including law. Other fields that may be of interest are government, education, business, healthcare, real estate, nonprofit and consulting.
While a bachelor’s degree is required to apply to law school, most schools do not require a specific undergraduate degree. However, if you are considering law school, earning a bachelor’s in legal studies emphasis degree can help prepare you by building your knowledge and skills in law processes and terms, ethics, research, writing, communication and analytical thinking.
General Education Requirements
General Education coursework prepares Grand Canyon University graduates to think critically, communicate clearly, live responsibly in a diverse world, and thoughtfully integrate their faith and ethical convictions into all dimensions of life. These competencies, essential to an effective and satisfying life, are outlined in the General Education Learner Outcomes. General Education courses embody the breadth of human understanding and creativity contained in the liberal arts and sciences tradition. Students take an array of foundational knowledge courses that promote expanded knowledge, insight, and the outcomes identified in the University’s General Education Competencies. The knowledge and skills students acquire through these courses serve as a foundation for successful careers and lifelong journeys of growing understanding and wisdom.
Requirements
Upon completion of the Grand Canyon University's University Foundation experience, students will be able to demonstrate competency in the areas of academic skills and self-leadership. They will be able to articulate the range of resources available to assist them, explore career options related to their area of study, and have knowledge of Grand Canyon's community. Students will be able to demonstrate foundational academic success skills, explore GCU resources (CLA, Library, Career Center, ADA office, etc), articulate strategies of self-leadership and management and recognize opportunities to engage in the GCU community.
Course Options
- UNV-103, University Success: 4
- UNV-303, University Success: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to construct rhetorically effective communications appropriate to diverse audiences, purposes, and occasions (English composition, communication, critical reading, foreign language, sign language, etc.). Students are required to take 3 credits of English grammar or composition.
Course Options
- ENG-105, English Composition I: 4
- UNV-104, 21st Century Skills: Communication and Information Literacy: 4
- ENG-106, English Composition II: 4
- COM-263, Elements of Intercultural Communication: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to express aspects of Christian heritage and worldview. Students are required to take CWV-101/CWV-301.
Course Options
- CWV-101, Christian Worldview: 4
- CWV-301, Christian Worldview: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to use various analytic and problem-solving skills to examine, evaluate, and/or challenge ideas and arguments. Students are required to take 3 credits of college mathematics or higher.
Course Options
- MAT-144, College Mathematics: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to demonstrate awareness and appreciation of and empathy for differences in arts and culture, values, experiences, historical perspectives, and other aspects of life (psychology, sociology, government, Christian studies, Bible, geography, anthropology, economics, political science, child and family studies, law, ethics, cross-cultural studies, history, art, music, dance, theater, applied arts, literature, health, etc.). If the predefined course is a part of the major, students need to take an additional course.
Course Options
- PSY-102, General Psychology: 4
- INT-244, World Religions: 4
- SOC-100, Everyday Sociology: 4
Core Courses
Course Description
This course is an introduction to American government and politics. It covers the constitutional foundations and governing institutions of the federal government. Throughout the course, students address common political themes, such as the nature and scope of governance, democracy, citizenship, and patterns of political behavior.
Course Description
This course compares and contrasts various systems of government in Western and non-Western countries, and explores political and diplomatic processes and how they affect international relations, nations, and localities.
Course Description
This writing intensive course surveys the development of the American Constitution from colonial origins to the present. Constitutional law in the broader framework of political philosophy is discussed. Major themes in this course are federalism, the doctrine of separation of powers, and the impact of Supreme Court decisions on society. Prerequisite: GOV-140.
Course Description
This course is an introduction to topics in legal philosophy, including but not limited to the foundations of law, the relation of law and morality, law and ethics, whether persons have a duty to obey the law, the nature of property, the reasonableness of punishment, and the role of constitutions in law. Readings will be drawn from both historical and contemporary sources.
Course Description
This course introduces the qualitative and quantitative methods used to research and study politics including hypothesis testing, inference, and causal reasoning. Prerequisite: GOV-140.
Course Description
This course covers public policymaking in American federal government. It focuses on the impact of policy on public opinion, the media, interest groups, and governing institutions within the executive, the legislative, and the judicial branches. Prerequisite: GOV-140.
Course Description
This course examines the political processes that determine who gets what, when, and how in society, and explores the issues and concepts that are used to develop and critique political theories. The classics as well as the more contemporary expressions of political thought are introduced.
Course Description
This course provides an overview of the broad field of civil law, giving students a contemporary, practical understanding of the different fields of civil law. The course also provides analytical techniques for resolving legal problems.
Course Description
This course provides an introduction to criminal liability with an emphasis on the elements of a crime and governmental sanctions of individual conduct as formulated by the legislature and the court system.
Course Description
This course focuses on three major areas of success required to become a successful legal practitioner: legal reasoning and analysis, practical legal research and writing, and "soft" skills of the legal profession such as the ability to gather information from persons and to communicate with persons in the legal arena. Prerequisite: GOV-357.
Course Description
This writing intensive course provides a broad overview of careers at the federal, state, and local levels of governing bodies and agencies. The course explores the role of a bureaucrat, legislative aid, lobbyist, or campaign worker. Issues that are unique to legislatures that make the law, and to public agencies that implement and enforce the law are also explored. This course examines selected theoretical and empirical topics in government. This course represents the culmination of undergraduate study within government. This capstone course needs to be completed at the end of program. This capstone course needs to be completed at the end of program. Prerequisites: GOV-364, GOV-307, GOV-358, GOV-378, GOV-140, and GOV-210.
Join Grand Canyon University’s vibrant and growing campus community, with daytime classes designed for traditional students. Immerse yourself in a full undergraduate experience, complete with curriculum designed within the context of our Christian worldview.
Pursue a next-generation education with an online degree from Grand Canyon University. Earn your degree with convenience and flexibility with online courses that let you study anytime, anywhere.
Grand Canyon University’s evening programs cater to the demands of working professionals who prefer an in-person learning environment. Our night classes meet just once per week and offer the interaction and discussion of a typical college classroom.
* Please note that this list may contain programs and courses not presently offered, as availability may vary depending on class size, enrollment and other contributing factors. If you are interested in a program or course listed herein please first contact your University Counselor for the most current information regarding availability.
* Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Programs or courses subject to change.