The Legal Studies major is a 12-course program with 4 core legal studies courses, and 8 approved electives taught in legal studies or drawn from other departments.

Admission to the major is by application only; see the program website for application details. Before applying, students must complete or be in the process of completing LEGAL_ST 206-0 Law and Society and at least 1 approved elective. Students typically apply for the major in the first or second year.

All legal studies majors complete the advanced research seminar sequence (LEGAL_ST 398-1 and LEGAL_ST 398-2) and prepare a thesis as part of the course requirements. LEGAL_ST 398-1 and LEGAL_ST 398-2 must be taken in consecutive quarters, and are typically taken in the third or fourth year (as a junior or senior).

Students must also complete the Undergraduate Registration Requirement and the degree requirements of their home school.

NOTE: This Catalog describes Weinberg College BA requirements that pertain to students who matriculated at Northwestern after spring quarter 2023. Refer to the Archives if you are following BA requirements described in the 2018-2019 through 2022-2023 editions.

• Approved electives are listed on the program website each quarter.
• POLI_SCI 230-0 Introduction to Law in the Political Arena is strongly recommended.
• At most 2 Chicago Field Studies credits may be counted with permission of the legal studies adviser.

Honors in Legal Studies

Those whose theses and grades meet program criteria are recommended to the college for graduation with honors; students do not need to formally apply for consideration. For more information consult the program director and see Honors in the Major.