Program Details

Bachelor of Arts in Government with an Emphasis in Legal Studies

Offered By: College of Humanities and Social Sciences

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Total Program Credits & Course Length:

Total Program Credits: 120

Campus: 15 weeks

Online: 7 weeks [ More Info ]

Transfer Credits:

Up to 90 credits, only 84 can be lower division

Program Tuition Rate:

Campus: $8,250 per semester. [ More Info ]

Online: $470 per credit. [ More Info ]

As part of our commitment to keeping tuition rates competitive, GCU has kept campus tuition costs frozen since 2009. While the cost per credits are listed below, the average campus student pays only $8,600 per year* in tuition after institutional scholarships and grants. Speak with your university counselor for more information about estimating the costs of attending GCU.

Tuition	Credits	2018-19
Traditional Undergraduate	1-11	$687.50 per credit
Traditional Undergraduate	12-18 (block tuition)	$8,250 per semester
Traditional Undergraduate	19+ (semester rate +)	$8,250 + $687.50 per credit above 18 credits
Summer Traditional Undergraduate (Except pre-licensure nursing cohorts)*		$310 per credit

*Tuition rates for all courses beginning July 1, 2018

*No in-state/out-of-state rates

*Traditional campus undergraduate students taking courses in the online format will be charged the regular tuition rates.

*Traditional campus undergraduate students are required to take a minimum of nine (9) credits in the traditional campus format.

It is the policy of GCU to collect and remit sales, use, excise and/or gross receipts taxes in compliance with state and local taxing jurisdiction regulations, which require the university to remit tax where applicable. Regulations vary by student location. Payment of tax is ultimately the student's financial responsibility to the university regardless of financing arrangements. Per Hawaii requirements: It is hereby stated that students residing in the State of Hawaii will be charged Hawaii General Excise Tax on all transactions. Students living in the District of Oahu will be charged 4.712 percent. Students residing in other Hawaii districts will be charged 4.1666 percent.

*Fees subject to change.

GCU's non-traditional tuition rates are for students who are interested in pursuing an online degree program or taking evening classes. Speak with your university counselor to learn more about your opportunities for scholarships off tuition through GCU's educational alliances or to find out about options for continuing education for teachers.

Undergraduate Tuition	2018-19
Education Programs	$440 per credit
Theology Programs	$395 per credit
Applied Business Analytics / Applied Business Information Systems/ Business Information Systems/ Computer Programming / Information Technology Programs	$449 per credit
Business Administration with an Emphasis in Business Intelligence	$470 per credit
Online and Professional Studies (all programs other than those listed above)	$470 per credit
Active Duty and Active Reserve (online and professional studies)	$250 per credit

Graduate Tuition	2018-19
Education Programs	$530 per credit
Master of Divinity	$340 per credit
IT Programs	$505 per credit
Business Programs (Excludes Business Analytics / Information Systems and Technology Management)	$575 per credit
Nursing Programs	$500 per credit
Advanced Practice Nursing Programs	$670 per credit
Business Analytics / Information Systems and Technology Management Programs	$505 per credit
Online and Professional Studies (all programs other than those listed above)	$515 per credit
Active Duty and Active Reserve (online and professional studies)	$400 per credit
Doctoral Programs (includes DIS-966 through DIS-970)	$650 per credit
Doctoral Programs – Active Duty and Active Reserve (online and professional studies)	$617.50 per credit

Continuing Education (CTE) Tuition	2018-19
Online	$150 per credit

*Fees subject to change.

2018-19

Residence Hall Rates Students are required to carry at least a Canyon $1,350 meal plan.
Prescott / Camelback / Sedona / Chaparral / Saguaro / Ocotillo	Triple Occupancy	$3,550 per academic year
The Grove: Acacia / Ironwood / Juniper / Willow	Triple Occupancy	$3,550 per academic year
Cypress	Double Occupancy	$4,400 per academic year
Prescott / Camelback / Sedona / Chaparral / Saguaro / Ocotillo	Double Occupancy	$5,000 per academic year
The Grove: Acacia / Ironwood / Juniper / Willow	Double Occupancy	$5,000 per academic year

Apartment Rates Students are required to carry at least a Canyon $750 meal plan.
North Rim	Double Occupancy	$5,500 per academic year
North Rim	Single Occupancy	$6,000 per academic year
Papago Studio (two bedrooms, one bathroom, no kitchen or living room)	Single Occupancy	$5,500 per academic year
Papago / Agave / Roadrunner / Diamondback / Encanto (four bedrooms, two bathrooms, with kitchen and living room)	Single Occupancy	$6,100 per academic year

Summer Room Rates
Active student (actively enrolled in at least one course)		$1,200
Working student (on-campus job, but not taking courses)		$1,600

All residents (including all on-campus and remote housing residents) commit to housing reservations as an academic year-long lease (both fall and spring semesters) and are charged for housing by the academic year (both fall and spring semesters).
All housing charges, including room and board, are billed to the student's account.
For payment methods and deadlines contact your university counselor or student services counselor.
All rates include parking (summer only), rent, water, electricity, basic cable and Internet. Rates above DO NOT include tax.

Meal Plans Meal plans for 2017-18 are Dining Dollars only and do not include meal swipes.
Plans	Details	Price
Canyon $750 Dining Dollars	Exclusive to apartment residents or commuter students.	$1,500 per academic year
Canyon $1,350 Dining Dollars	Minimum requirement for residence hall residents.	$2,700 per academic year
Canyon $1,800 Dining Dollars		$3,500 per academic year
Canyon $2,100 Dining Dollars		$4,000 per academic year
Canyon $2,700 Dining Dollars		$5,100 per academic year

*Fees subject to change.

2018-19

Residence Hall Rates Students are required to carry at least a Canyon $1,350 meal plan.
Prescott / Camelback / Sedona / Chaparral / Saguaro / Ocotillo	Triple Occupancy	$3,550 per academic year
The Grove: Acacia / Ironwood / Juniper / Willow	Triple Occupancy	$3,550 per academic year
Canyon	Double Occupancy	$4,400 per academic year
Prescott / Camelback / Sedona / Chaparral / Saguaro / Ocotillo	Double Occupancy	$5,000 per academic year
The Grove: Acacia / Ironwood / Juniper / Willow	Double Occupancy	$5,000 per academic year

Apartment Rates Students are required to carry at least a Canyon $750 meal plan.
North Rim	Double Occupancy	$5,500 per academic year
North Rim	Single Occupancy	$6,000 per academic year
Papago Studio (two bedrooms, one bathroom, no kitchen or living room)	Single Occupancy	$5,500 per academic year
Papago / Agave / Roadrunner / Diamondback / Encanto / Jerome / Cactus (four bedrooms, two bathrooms, with kitchen and living room)	Single Occupancy	$6,100 per academic year

Summer Room Rates
Active student (actively enrolled in at least one course)		$1,200
Working student (on-campus job, but not taking courses)		$1,600

All residents (including all on-campus and remote housing residents) commit to housing reservations as an academic year-long lease (both fall and spring semesters) and are charged for housing by the academic year (both fall and spring semesters).
All housing charges, including room and board, are billed to the student's account.
For payment methods and deadlines contact your university counselor or student services counselor.
All rates include parking (summer only), rent, water, electricity, basic cable and Internet. Rates above DO NOT include tax.

Meal Plans Meal plans for 2018-19 are Dining Dollars only and do not include meal swipes.
Plans	Details	Price
Canyon $250 Dining Dollars	Exclusive to commuter students.	$500 per academic year
Canyon $750 Dining Dollars	Exclusive to apartment residents or commuter students.	$1,500 per academic year
Canyon $1,350 Dining Dollars	Minimum requirement for residence hall residents.	$2,700 per academic year
Canyon $1,800 Dining Dollars		$3,500 per academic year
Canyon $2,100 Dining Dollars		$4,000 per academic year
Canyon $2,700 Dining Dollars		$5,100 per academic year

*Fees subject to change.

Traditional On-Campus Fees

2018-19

Fees indicated are effective for all students enrolling for 2018-19 academic year. Please contact your university counselor with any questions.

Canyon Connect	Undergraduate courses	$95 per class
Registration Deposit	Non-refundable	$50
Student Activity Fee	Traditional undergraduate and graduate campus students (except those in the nursing pre-licensure program)	$275 per semester (excluding summer)
Colter Surface Parking (2018-19)	Green Lot - For campus residents only. Secure parking for student vehicles near or adjacent to campus. Limited spaces are available.	$50
Grove Garage Resident Parking (2018-19)	Red Lot - For Grove residents only. Covered parking for student vehicles near Willow, Acacia, Juniper and Ironwood residence halls.	$150 per academic year
29th Avenue Parking Garage (2018-19)	Black Lot - For campus residents only. Covered parking on the perimeter of campus on floors 2, 3, 4 and 5.	$150 per academic year
Halo Parking Garage (2018-19)	Purple Lot - For commuter students only. Covered parking on the perimeter of campus on floors 2, 3, 4 and 5.	$150 per academic year
Lot D – Formerly Missouri Avenue Surface Parking (2018-19)	Orange Lot - For commuter students only. Secure parking for student vehicles near or adjacent to campus.	$20 per academic year
Housing Application Fee	Traditional undergraduate campus students and non-refundable	$250
Housing Prepayment	Returning residents only and non-refundable	$200
Returned Check Fee	All returned checks	$25
Health Insurance		$2,439 per academic year
Transcript Fee		$5
Graduation Fee		$150
Health Fee		$70 per semester
Health Center Visit Fee		$25
Schedule Change Fee		$25
Late Payment Fee		$25
Global Studies Portfolio Fee		$90
Hospitality Management Premium		$100 per semester
Tennis Management Premium		$250 per semester
Golf Management Premium		$500 per semester
Computer Science, Computer Programming, Engineering and Information Technology Program Premium 2018-19		$800 per semester
Nursing Program Premium 2018-19 (effective summer 2018)	Pre-Licensure program	$1,000 per semester
Worship Arts Premium	Includes minors	$250 per semester
Special Course Fees		Refer to the University Policy Handbook

*Fees subject to change.

Non-Traditional Online and Evening Fees

2018-19

Fees indicated are effective for all students enrolling starting on July 1, 2018, unless otherwise specified.

Canyon Connect	Undergraduate courses	$95
Canyon Connect	Graduate courses	$105
Canyon Connect	Doctoral courses	$115
RN to BSN Program Course Material Fee	5-week courses with an NRS- prefix and HLT-362V	$120 per course
Course Material Fee	NUR-634	Refer to the University Policy Handbook
Learning Management Service Fee	New online and professional studies students	$400
Doctoral Residencies	Including MDiv	$795-$1,195 per Residency
Doctoral Programs	Dissertation continuation - optional zero-credit course	$500
Accordance Bible Software	New MDiv students only	$285
Credential Evaluation (International)	Basic evaluation	$175
Credential Evaluation (International)	Course-by-course evaluation	$250
Returned Check Fee	All returned checks	$25
Transcript Fee		$5
Graduation Fee		$150
Special Course Fees		Refer to the University Policy Handbook

*Fees subject to change.

Get Your Bachelor of Arts in Government – Emphasis in Legal Studies

Policy-making and governance can be drivers of positive change that benefit communities, families and individuals. Grand Canyon University’s Bachelor of Arts in Government with an Emphasis in Legal Studies offers a unique pathway for students because it combines theoretical knowledge with hands-on application. Based in policy and politics, this legal studies degree emphasizes an interdisciplinary approach that is rooted in a classical liberal arts education. It examines the intersections of disciplines such as communication, justice studies, philosophy, business and theology.

Offered by the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, this bachelor’s in legal studies can serve as a foundational framework for students interested in pursuing entry into law school or public service. The program is an intensive exploration in research and writing that challenges students to develop their critical reasoning capabilities, communication skills and sense of servant leadership. Examine the founding principles of the American government, as well as its constitutional framework and governing institutions. Historical perspectives and contemporary legal issues are examined in this dynamic legal studies degree.

Why Earn Your Government Legal Studies BA Degree at GCU?

GCU is a private Christian school that integrates the Christian worldview into each curriculum. In the government legal studies Bachelor of Arts degree program, there is an emphasis on the value of servant leadership. Students explore the theories and application of Christian ethics into the decision-making process.

Students are encouraged to practice critical analysis while exploring the negotiation and resolution of legal issues. You will examine the growth of American democracy from its colonial roots to the development of the Constitution to contemporary topics. Explore the foundations of the law and legal philosophy, and examine how these time-tested concepts are applicable to modern legal and governance decisions.

A total of 120 credits are required for completion of this bachelor’s in legal studies. This degree is available through on-campus and online classes. Most online courses are seven weeks in length.

What You’ll Learn with a Legal Studies Bachelor of Arts in Government Degree

This government bachelor’s degree with a legal studies emphasis prepares you to take on challenges in the criminal or civil law fields. Fully qualified faculty members teach courses such as Introduction to Political Theory, Philosophy of Law and Introduction to Comparative Government and International Politics. During your studies, 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 in Government and Legal Studies

The interdisciplinary nature of this government legal studies Bachelor of Arts degree program prepares students for success in a wide range of career fields. Some of the jobs related to this degree may include the following:

Legislative aid
Policy analyst
Policy and quality analyst
Compliance analyst
Regulatory affairs manager
Manager of government affairs policy

With its concentrated focus on the principles of a legal, ethical and constitutional society, this program can prepare students to apply for entry into law school. Additionally, graduates 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.

Program Domains

Course List

The programs offered at Grand Canyon University may vary by content and course length. You are currently viewing the program version available in Arizona. For information about specific course content, credit length and VA approval in your state, please contact a counselor at 1-855-GCU-LOPE or click here to request more information.

General Education Requirements:

34-40 credits

Major:

44 credits

Open Elective Credits:

36-42 credits

Total Degree Requirements:

120 credits

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.

Competency: University Foundations Total Credits: 4

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 credits
UNV-303, University Success: 4 credits

Competency: Effective Communication Total Credits: 13-16

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 credits
UNV-104, 21st Century Skills: Communication and Information Literacy: 4 credits
ENG-106, English Composition II: 4 credits
COM-263, Elements of Intercultural Communication: 4 credits

Competency: Christian Worldview Total Credits: 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 credits
CWV-301, Christian Worldview: 4 credits

Competency: Critical Thinking Total Credits: 3-4

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 credits

Competency: Global Awareness, Perspective and Ethics Total Credits: 10-12

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, crosscultural 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 credits
INT-244, World Religions: 4 credits
SOC-100, Everyday Sociology: 4 credits

Program Core Courses

GOV-140: American Government and Politics Total Credits: 4 credits

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.

GOV-210: Introduction to Comparative Government and International Politics Total Credits: 4 credits

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.

GOV-378: American Constitution Total Credits: 4 credits

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.

GOV-357: Philosophy of Law Total Credits: 4 credits

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.

GOV-358: Research Methods in Government and Politics Total Credits: 4 credits

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.

GOV-364: Public Policy Analysis Total Credits: 4 credits

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.

GOV-307: Introduction to Political Theory Total Credits: 4 credits

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.

GOV-360: Civil Law Total Credits: 4 credits

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.

JUS-430: Criminal Law Total Credits: 4 credits

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.

GOV-455: Practice of Law Total Credits: 4 credits

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.

GOV-459: Government Capstone Total Credits: 4 credits

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. Prerequisites: Successful completion of all courses in Program of Study and content area.

Program Locations

Campus

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. New modern classrooms, suite-style residence halls, popular dining options, resort-style swimming pools and a focus on creating a dynamic student life make GCU a top choice for high school graduates and transfer students. Exciting events, well-known guest speakers and Division I athletics round out the traditional student experience. Our welcoming campus community is the perfect place to find your purpose.

Online

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. GCU offers the most experienced leadership in delivering online degree programs. Full-time faculty members and fully trained adjunct instructors, equipped with strong academic backgrounds and practical experience in their fields, support you every step of the way. Designed with the career-oriented professional in mind, our online classes provide an intimate environment that stimulates engaging and challenging discussions. Choose from programs across our distinct colleges, in high-demand employment areas. Classes begin frequently.

Evening

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. Night classes are designed for a specific number of students, providing a warm and nurturing environment that supports an engaging experience. In an evening cohort, you will progress through your degree program with the same career-minded classmates, providing an opportunity to network and forge relationships that go beyond the classroom. Classes begin frequently at various locations, including our main campus.

* Please note that this list may contain programs that are not presently offered as program availability may vary depending on class size, enrollment and other contributing factors. If you are interested in a program listed herein please first contact your University Counselor for the most current information regarding availability of the program.

* The Department of Education defines how an institution must calculate a program's On-Time Completion rate for federal disclosure purposes. The On-Time Completion rate is based on a program's published required number of months to complete all degree requirements as provided in the institution's catalog. Completion statistics are updated every January and are based on the cohort of students who started the program in the same year and then graduated within the published program length.

Online and Evening program disclosures (48 months) Online and Evening program disclosures (48 months) On-campus program disclosures (48 months)

American Government
- Evaluate federalism in both theory and practice.
- Assess the role of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches in the governing and policy-making process.
- Examine the impact and function of administrative agencies on public policy.
- Analyze the foundations of the United States Constitution and its impact on American democracy.
- Examine the theoretical underpinnings of American political development in historical and contemporary contexts.
- Trace the evolution of civil liberties and civil rights in the United States.
- Analyze the role Christianity played in the formation of the American Republic.
Political Behavior
- Analyze political behavior and citizenship in the United States.
- Explain the role and influence of various participants in the policy-making process.
- Assess political processes such as campaigns, elections, lobbying, and political appointments in the United States.
- Evaluate the ethical duties associated with citizenship in the United States.
International Politics
- Compare and contrast various political systems from around the world.
- Explain how nonstate actors and governments around the world influence each other.
- Analyze how globalization influences domestic politics.
- Compare and contrast various historical and contemporary political theories.
- Assess the role of conflict in historical and contemporary international politics.
Government Skills
- Locate, analyze, and interpret data using qualitative and quantitative methodologies.
- Evaluate government-related research sources.
- Compose government-related written artifacts.
- Assess ethical issues common to the administration of government.
Legal Studies
- Explain the legal reasoning for laws and how laws affect society.
- Assess the social influences that govern how we structure our laws.
- Analyze the legal principles of civil law.
- Analyze the legal principles of criminal law.
- Use legal communication skills appropriate for a specific audience and intended purpose.

* Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Program subject to change.

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Bachelor of Arts in Government with an Emphasis in Legal Studies

Traditional On-Campus Tuition

Non-Traditional Tuition (Online and Evening Students)

Housing and Meal Costs

2018-19

2018-19

Other Fees

Traditional On-Campus Fees

2018-19

Non-Traditional Online and Evening Fees

2018-19

Get Your Bachelor of Arts in Government – Emphasis in Legal Studies

Why Earn Your Government Legal Studies BA Degree at GCU?

What You’ll Learn with a Legal Studies Bachelor of Arts in Government Degree

Career Opportunities in Government and Legal Studies

Course List

General Education Requirements

Requirements

Course Options

Requirements

Course Options

Requirements

Course Options

Requirements

Course Options

Requirements

Course Options

Program Core Courses

Course Description

Course Description

Course Description

Course Description

Course Description

Course Description

Course Description

Course Description

Course Description

Course Description

Course Description

Program Locations

Campus

Online

Evening

Program Domains