Frequently Asked Questions
How do I declare the Legal Studies major?
Students
wishing to declare the Legal Studies Major can schedule an appointment at:
https://tools.wisccal.wisc.edu/available/public/profiles/rqGGzIBy.html
May I earn major credit for taking a statistics or research methods course in a department other than those listed in the Legal Studies requirements?
The Legal Studies Program generally does not grant major credit for statistics or research methods courses other than the ones listed in our requirements.
May I earn major credit for a topics course not listed in the Legal Studies requirements?
Legal Studies grants credit for topics courses other than the ones listed in our permanent requirements on a case-by-case basis. Whether you will receive major credit for a topics course depends on: (1) which course you plan to take; and (2) how that course fits into your overall academic goals. You should discuss this with the Legal Studies Program advisor prior to enrolling.
What are the advantages of writing a Senior Thesis?
There are a variety of benefits you will receive from writing a Senior Thesis. Most importantly, you likely will improve your research and writing skills. These are vital skills if you plan to pursue graduate work. Additionally, you will gain knowledge in a particular subject area. This also will make you a more attractive job and graduate school candidate. Finally, since you will work closely with your supervising professor for an entire year, it is likely the faculty member will be able to speak specifically to your skills as a student and researcher when you are in need of a reference.
How do I request a DARS?
To print a Legal Studies DARS:
- Log onto: MyUW
- Enter the Student Center and select "DARS - View My Report" under the Academics drop-down list.
- For more details,
go to the Registrar's
DARS site.
How do I determine whether I can take a class "pass/fail"?
Courses that count toward the major -- or any L&S breadth requirement -- may not be taken pass/fail.
Read about the pass/fail rule here: http://www.wisc.edu/pubs/ug/10lettsci/geninfo.html#passfail
Use caution!! A number of restrictions apply:
- Continuing students must have a GPA or 2.5 or better;
- Students must earn a grade of C or better to receive credit for the course and to earn an "S" in a pass/fail course;
- A grade of "U" shall be recorded by the registrar in place of the instructor's grade of D or F;
- Students may take only one course pass/fail per semester, including the summer term. Seniors, however, may carry two courses pass/fail per semester;
- Students may carry a maximum of ten courses pass fail;
- Only elective work may be carried on a pass/fail basis:
- Courses carried on a pass/fail basis cannot fulfill any L&S college requirements, including, but not limited to, breadth requirements: "Humanities," "Social Science," "Science," and so forth (they can be used to fulfill the 60-, 80-, and 100-Credit Rules and the total credits needed to graduate);
- Students may not carry work in their major department on a pass/fail basis, even though they do not intend to use this course work in partial satisfaction of the requirements of the major;
- Pass/fail work may not be used as part of the course work offered in satisfaction of the Individual Major.
If a course meets these eligibility requirements, then go to The Office of Registrar's Student Forms Page and follow the directions to complete and submit the Pass/Fail Privilege Form.
What must I do to add/drop a credit in a course?
Go to The
Office of Registrar's Student Forms Page and complete and submit
the Course
Change Form.
May I earn credit toward the Legal Studies major for completing an internship?
Legal Studies does not grant academic credit for internships.
For information about non-credit internship opportunities, visit the Letters and Sciences Career Services Center located at 1305 Linden Avenue (262-3921).
Will I be able to double major and still graduate in four years?
Many students complete two majors and graduate in four years, but this will take good planning. To accomplish this goal, see the Legal Studies advisor regularly. Commonly, students majoring in the Legal Studies also major in Political Science, Psychology, or Sociology; however, you are not limited to these majors.
What can I do with a major in the Legal Studies Program?
The Legal Studies major provides a general background for a number of careers. The interdisciplinary nature of the major prepares students for jobs in fields such as business, law enforcement, and government. Many students have also found that the major has prepared them well for law school and graduate programs in social work, criminal justice, public policy, government, and business.
Will the Legal Studies major prepare me for law school?
Legal Studies is not a pre-law program. "Pre-law" is neither a major nor a specific program of study; it is more a route to developing skills through coursework that will prepare you for success in law school. There are, for example, no course requirements that law schools require undertgraduates to take (contrast this to medical school admission requirements). The best preparation for law school is a broad liberal education background that includes courses that strengthen your command of English; develop your ability to think clearly, concisely, and logically; develop the self-discipline to handle an extremely demanding educational experience; and increase your broad understanding of social issues. (Information partially drawn from the L&S Advising Center).
The Legal Studies major is designed to be a liberal education program organized around the themes of law and legal institutions. As such, the courses in the major cover many facets of the law and legal institutions as a social, political, and cultural phenomenon. Many courses are drawn from traditional academic disciplines; others are designed specifically to be interdisciplinary. The goal throughout the curriculum is to challenge you to think more critically about the law -- whether or not you decide to pursue law school.
Where should I go for advice and pre-law planning?
Visit the Pre-Law Advising Center in B12 Bascom Hall.