Degrees
The Department of Political Science and Legal Studies offers two related programs: a minor in political science and a minor in criminal justice and legal studies.
The political science curriculum emphasizes critical thinking and written and oral communication skills. Classes are typically discussion-based and active learning techniques are often employed.
The criminal justice and legal studies program is more applied, teaching skills that will be applicable in the legal environment, such as legal business applications and knowledge of specialty law subjects. Most classes are based on lectures and focused projects.
Both programs study the connection between law and politics and are popular avenues to law school. They also provide students with opportunities to develop specific skills of value to a wide variety of prospective employers, including data analysis, communication, decisionmaking, and research competencies. Those minors are an excellent complement to any major at Southwestern College, including business, communication, English, history, and psychology.
