Legal Studies, Emphasis

The Legal Studies Area of Emphasis provides a strong foundation in the legal system, legal processes, and the relationship between law and the administration of justice. This track is well‑suited for students who are interested in law‑related careers, advocacy, court administration, or who may be considering law school. Through coursework that emphasizes legal concepts, research, analysis, and the functioning of courts and legal institutions, students develop critical skills in legal reasoning, communication, and understanding of legal frameworks that influence policy and practice. Graduates with this emphasis may pursue careers as paralegals, court administrators, legal assistants, victim advocates, compliance specialists, or other roles that require a nuanced understanding of the law; many also use it as preparation for further study in law or related graduate programs. While an area of emphasis is not required for the Criminal Justice degree, it is beneficial for students aiming toward law‑oriented professions. Students who declare this emphasis will also have it noted on their official transcript upon graduation.

Course Requirements

Bison image - General Education Course

Cap graduation image - Milestone course: a key success marker for your major. See your advisor to discuss the importance of this course in your plan of study.

Course List
Code	Title	Credit Hours
CJ 221	Intro to Criminal Courts	3
Select five of the following:		15
CJ 223	Introduction to Legal Research
CJ 400	Applied Ethics in CJ
CJ 403	Understanding Cybercrime
CJ 417	CJ Decision Making
CJ 422	Law of Evidence
CJ 426	Civil Liability Issues CJ
CJ 427	Environmental Criminology
CJ 490	Internship
Other options that may be used with permission from the department chair may include, but are not limited to:
CJ 325	Juvenile Justice
CJ 341	Victims of Crime
CJ 405	Women & the CJS
CJ 415	Rural Criminology
CJ 460	Miscarriages of Justice
CJ 406	Race, Ethnicity, Class & Crime
CJ 416	Terrorism
CJ 440	CJ Response to Dom Violence
Total Credit Hours		18

18 hours (CJ 200 Intro to Criminal Justice, CJ 302 CJ Research Methods, CJ 322 Criminal Law & Procedure, CJ 404 Theoretical Criminology and CJ 492 Senior Seminar do not count toward the 18 AoE electives.)