Legal Studies Concentration

This concentration is an integrated degree which combines coursework in communication, political systems, criminology, ethics and philosophy, history, and economics to prepare students for the rigors of graduate work in the area of law or the field of alternative dispute resolution.

Catalog Year: 2023-2024

Banner Code: LA-BA-INTS-LGLS

The Bachelor of Arts in Integrative Studies brings together research, theory and practice across numerous disciplines. Integrative studies majors select a multidisciplinary concentration or work with student services staff to develop their own concentration, uniquely suited to their academic and career goals. Integrative studies majors explore new topics and experiences while gaining the knowledge and skills needed to enter the workforce.  Required coursework is offered in small classes with ample room for discussion, collaborative learning, and experiential learning, including in-community projects, volunteer opportunities, field work, internships and work with faculty on research that directly engages current social and global challenges.

The University Catalog is the authoritative source for information on program requirements and courses. The Schedule of Classes is the authoritative source for information on classes scheduled for this semester. See the Schedule for the most up-to-date information and see Patriot web to register for classes. Requirements may be different for earlier catalog years. See the University Catalog archives.

Degree Requirements

Total credits: minimum 120

Students should be aware of the specific policies associated with this program, located on the Admissions & Policies tab.

Students pursuing a BA in Integrative Studies must complete a minimum of 30 credits of (INTS) coursework, with at least 15 credits at the 300 and 400 levels.

Integrative studies students complete INTS 391 Understanding Integrative Studies and INTS 491 Senior Capstone and choose a concentration from the options below. Before registering, students should see an advisor to help plan their degree program to meet Mason requirements. The advisor also can help students choose electives or a minor.

Required Course

INTS 391 Understanding Integrative Studies 1
INTS 491 Senior Capstone 3
Total Credits 4

Concentration in the Major

A concentration is the equivalent of a major in a traditional degree program. Concentration coursework combines integrative studies (INTS) classes with coursework from other Mason units (departments, schools, and colleges). While fulfilling the concentration requirements, students are also responsible for completing a minimum of 30 credits of INTS coursework. Any INTS courses required for the concentration will apply. Students must present a minimum GPA of 2.00 in courses applied to the concentration.

Concentration in Legal Studies (LGLS)

Combines coursework in communication, political systems, criminology, ethics and philosophy, history, and economics to prepare students for the rigors of careers and graduate work in the area of law or legal studies.  With advanced planning, students may be eligible for an accelerated law degree through Mason’s Scalia Law School

Required Courses
PHIL 173 Logic and Critical Thinking 3
INTS 300 Law and Justice (Mason Core) 3
CRIM 423 Constitutional Law: Civil Rights and Liberties 3
or GOVT 423 Constitutional Law: Civil Rights and Liberties
CRIM 424 Constitutional Law: Criminal Process and Rights 3
or CRIM 430 Criminal Law
Total Credits 12
Advanced Writing or Research Course
Select one course from the following: 3
Research Methods and Analysis in Criminology  
Introduction to Writing and Rhetoric  
Rhetoric of the Essay  
Professional and Technical Writing  
Forms of Nonfiction  
Research for Social Change  
Research Methods and Analysis (Mason Core)  
Qualitative Research Methods  
Total Credits 3
Additional Courses 
Select a minimum of 15 credits from the following: 15
Legal Environment of Business  
Roman Law and Society  
Case Studies in Persuasion  
Persuasion  
Journalism Law  
Mediating Conflict  
Introduction to Criminal Justice (Mason Core)  
Introduction to Law and Society  
Law and Justice around the World (Mason Core)  
Family Law and the Justice System  
Advanced Topics in Law and Society  
Controversial Legal Issues  
Public Law and the Judicial Process  
Public Law and the Judicial Process
Law and Economics  
Introduction to American Government (Mason Core)  
Law and Society  
Law and Ethics of War  
International Law and Organization  
Administrative Law and Procedures  
Healthcare Law  
Family Law and Public Policy  
Public Speaking and Critical Thinking Skills (Mason Core)  
Social Movements and Community Activism (Mason Core)  
Conflict Resolution and Transformation  
Social Justice and Human Rights (Mason Core)  
Poverty, Wealth and Inequality in the US (Mason Core)  
Refugee and Internal Displacement (Mason Core)  
Human Trafficking and Smuggling  
Philosophy of Law  
Religion and Law in the United States  
Criminology  
Sociology of Delinquency  
Other relevant courses with approval of advisor
 
Total Credits 15

Additional Electives

Any remaining credits may be completed with electives to bring the degree total to 120.