The Department of Government, Legal Studies, and Philosophy offers programs of study leading to Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees in the areas of Political Science and Legal Studies, and a Bachelor of Science in General Studies. In addition, the department offers minor programs of study in Legal Studies, Philosophy, Political Science, and Public Policy. A certificate in Environmental Policy is also available.
Political Science
The department offers programs of study leading to a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science. These major programs of study will prepare graduates to engage civically at all levels of society and government. Graduates will think critically, write effectively, and research competently, using state of the art technology. Program topics include comparative methodology, international politics, political philosophy, and research methods. Students seeking a Bachelor of Arts degree take a 14-unit sequence in a foreign language of their choice, while students seeking a Bachelor of Science degree take an equivalent 14-unit sequence in mathematics and statistics. Students also select from a variety of elective options guided by their concentration. There are two concentrations in Political Science: the Accelerated concentration leading to the Masters of Public Administration and the Self-Designed concentration, which gives students maximum freedom to personalize their degree.
Program Competencies
Upon successful completion of the Political Science program, graduates will be able to:
- Analyze and evaluate political concepts and systems by using the major analytic and theoretical frameworks in several subfields of political science.
- Write effectively about significant political processes, events, and concepts; articulate diverse political ideas; and critique the arguments of others using appropriate logic and evidence.
- Exhibit a sense of political agency and be able to identify the specific ways in which an individual can participate meaningfully in politics.
- Engage competently with the basic tools underlying modern social science research.
Program Concentrations
Self-Designed concentration
The Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree with a Self-Designed concentration allows students the freedom of selecting from a wider variety of Political Science elective options. Students will take the same series of required field of major courses and then may choose an additional 7 or 8 Political Science courses from the 3000 and 4000 levels to expand their knowledge in all the subdisciplines within Political Science.
Accelerated to Non-Thesis MPA concentration
The Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree with the Accelerated concentration allows students to complete a Bachelor's degree in Political Science and a Master's degree in Public Administration in just five (5) years. Students will take two courses (6-credit hours) in the Master's in Public Administration during their senior year and then transition to the graduate program to complete the remaining 10 courses (30-credit hours). The graduate courses taken during the bachelor's degree will do double-duty, counting toward both the bachelor's degree and the master's degree credit requirements, saving the student time and money!
The Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science
The Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science
Additional Required Courses for Concentrations
Self-Designed
Accelerated (Non-Thesis Students Only)
| 15 |
| 6 |
| Public Administration | |
| Organizational Behavior in the Public Sector | |
| Human Resource Management in the Public Sector | |
| Budgeting and Financial Management for Public and Nonprofit Organizations | |
| Public Policy Formulation and Analysis | |
| 19 |
| 40 |
For more information, contact politicalscience@tarleton.edu.
The Bachelor of Science Degree in Political Science
The Bachelor of Science Degree in Political Science
Additional Required Courses for Concentrations
Self-Designed
Accelerated (Non-Thesis Students Only)
| 18 |
| 6 |
| Public Administration | |
| Organizational Behavior in the Public Sector | |
| Human Resource Management in the Public Sector | |
| Budgeting and Financial Management for Public and Nonprofit Organizations | |
| Public Policy Formulation and Analysis | |
| 20 |
Total Hours | 44 |
For more information, contact politicalscience@tarleton.edu.
Legal Studies
The department offers a program of study leading to a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree in Legal Studies. It is designed for students who want to work in the legal profession or in fields that require a deeper understanding of our legal system. As a result, this program is oriented around the critical job functions of competent and ethical professionals working in the legal services industry. Each course has been strategically selected and designed to deliver the knowledge, skills, and values necessary to enter the workforce upon graduation or to continue studies in graduate or law school.
Program Competencies
At the conclusion of the Legal Studies program, graduates will be able to:
- Prepare documents necessary for representation of clients in a legal matter, including correspondence, litigation, transactional, and advisory materials.
- Perform legal and factual research, utilizing appropriate resources for locating and communicating findings.
- Demonstrate an understanding of and appreciation for discipline-specific technology, including, but not limited to case management, time management and billing, legal research, and trial presentation.
- Demonstrate civic skills and appropriate civic dispositions and behaviors.
- Analyze personal and professional situations, and then evaluate and select the behavioral option which most closely conforms to the ethical rules regulating the legal profession.
Program Concentrations
Pre-Law concentration
Admission to law school is based primarily upon a student’s performance on the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) and cumulative grade point average (GPA). Students with any undergraduate major may be admitted to law school; however, the Pre-Law concentration provides a broad-based, interdisciplinary curriculum designed to develop logical reasoning, rhetoric, analysis, critical thinking, and writing skills, which are critical for students planning to pursue continuing studies in law or other graduate areas.
Paralegal Studies concentration
The Paralegal concentration is designed for students who have logical and analytical minds, possess organizational skills, and thrive on attention to detail. Paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public, except as permitted by law; however, working as part of a legal team under the supervision of an attorney, paralegals perform tasks vital to the success of a case, including drafting legal documents, interviewing witnesses and clients, preparing trial exhibits, and analyzing documents.
Program Policies
Students must have a minimum of 21-credits of legal specialty courses taken either at Tarleton State University or by approved credit transfer. A legal specialty course is a LEGL course that covers substantive law or legal procedures or process, has been developed for paralegals, emphasizes practical paralegal skills, and meets the American Bar Association's instructional methodology requirements. The following courses have been designated as legal specialties:
- LEGL 2330, Introduction to Legal Studies
- LEGL 3332, Legal Ethics
- LEGL 3340, Legal Research & Writing
- LEGL 3350, Professional Practices in Law
- LEGL 3388, Civil Procedure
- LEGL 4084/4382, Internship/Virtual Internship
- LEGL 4390, Legal Studies Capstone
Credit for equivalent LEGL courses considered legal specialties under the ABA Guidelines is accepted for students transferring from paralegal programs, whether the transferring institution is ABA-approved or not. If a student has earned credit from an institution that is not ABA-approved, the Legal Studies coordinator will review the course description, course syllabus, and contact the program coordinator of the transferring institution, if needed, before approving the credit transfer for equivalent LEGL courses. A maximum of 21-credit hours will be accepted for equivalent LEGL courses.
Bachelor of Arts Degree in Legal Studies
The Bachelor of Arts Degree in Legal Studies
ENGL 1301 [shared] [WI] | Composition I | |
ENGL 1302 [shared] [WI] | Composition II | |
| |
| Introduction to Speech Communication | |
| Public Speaking | |
| Business and Professional Speaking | |
| |
| College Algebra | |
| Math for Business & Social Sciences I (Finite Mathematics) | |
| Contemporary Mathematics I | |
| Elementary Statistical Methods | |
| Precalculus Math | |
| Calculus I | |
ECON 2301 [shared] | Principles of Macroeconomics | |
GOVT 2305 [shared] | Federal Government (Federal Constitution and Topics) | |
GOVT 2306 [shared] | Texas Government (Texas Constitution and Topics) | |
| 14 |
ENGL 3309 [WI] | Professional Writing | 3 |
LEGL 2330 | Introduction to Legal Studies | 3 |
LEGL 3332 | Legal Ethics | 3 |
LEGL 3340 [WI] | Legal Research & Writing | 3 |
LEGL 3388 | Civil Procedure | 3 |
LEGL 4301 [WI] | Constitutional Law | 3 |
LEGL 4390 [WI] | Legal Studies Capstone Course | 3 |
LEGL 3350 | Professional Practices in Law | 3 |
| 3 |
| Rules of Criminal Evidence | |
| Criminal Procedure | |
| Business Law II | |
| Employment Law | |
| International Business Law | |
| Tort Law | |
| Family Law | |
| Texas Wills, Estates, and Probate | |
| Sports and Entertainment Law | |
| Legislation | |
| The Judiciary | |
| Environmental Law | |
| 22 |
Total Hours | 105 |
Additional Required Courses for Concentrations
Pre-Law Concentration
Paralegal Studies Concentration
LEGL 4084 | Paralegal Internship | 3-6 |
or LEGL 4382 | Virtual Paralegal Internship |
| 12 |
| Rules of Criminal Evidence | |
| Criminal Procedure | |
| Business Law II | |
| Employment Law | |
| International Business Law | |
| Tort Law | |
| Texas Wills, Estates, and Probate | |
| Sports and Entertainment Law | |
| Family Law | |
| Legislation | |
| The Judiciary | |
| Environmental Law | |
Total Hours | 15 |
Bachelor of Science Degree in Legal Studies
Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies
ENGL 1301 [shared] [WI] | Composition I | |
ENGL 1302 [shared] [WI] | Composition II | |
| |
| Introduction to Speech Communication | |
| Public Speaking | |
| Business and Professional Speaking | |
ECON 2301 [shared] | Principles of Macroeconomics | |
GOVT 2305 [shared] | Federal Government (Federal Constitution and Topics) | |
GOVT 2306 [shared] | Texas Government (Texas Constitution and Topics) | |
| 10 |
| |
| Math for Business & Social Sciences I (Finite Mathematics) | |
| Math for Business & Social Sciences II (Business Calculus) | |
| Plane Trigonometry | |
| Precalculus Math | |
| |
| College Algebra | |
| Contemporary Mathematics I |
| Elementary Statistical Methods |
| Math for Business & Social Sciences I (Finite Mathematics) | |
| Math for Business & Social Sciences II (Business Calculus) | |
| Precalculus Math | |
ENGL 3309 [WI] | Professional Writing | 3 |
LEGL 2330 | Introduction to Legal Studies | 3 |
LEGL 3332 | Legal Ethics | 3 |
LEGL 3340 [WI] | Legal Research & Writing | 3 |
LEGL 3350 | Professional Practices in Law | 3 |
LEGL 3388 | Civil Procedure | 3 |
LEGL 4301 [WI] | Constitutional Law | 3 |
LEGL 4390 [WI] | Legal Studies Capstone Course | 3 |
| 3 |
| Rules of Criminal Evidence | |
| Criminal Procedure | |
| Business Law II | |
| Employment Law | |
| International Business Law | |
| Tort Law | |
| Texas Wills, Estates, and Probate | |
| Sports and Entertainment Law | |
| Family Law | |
| Legislation | |
| The Judiciary | |
| Environmental Law | |
| 26 |
Total Hours | 105 |
Additional Required Courses for Concentrations
Pre-Law Concentration
Paralegal Concentration
LEGL 4084 | Paralegal Internship | 3-6 |
or LEGL 4382 | Virtual Paralegal Internship |
1 | 9-12 |
| Rules of Criminal Evidence | |
| Criminal Procedure | |
| Business Law II | |
| Employment Law | |
| International Business Law | |
| Tort Law | |
| Texas Wills, Estates, and Probate | |
| Sports and Entertainment Law | |
| Family Law | |
| Legislation | |
| The Judiciary | |
| Environmental Law | |
Total Hours | 15 |
For more information, contact legalstudies@tarleton.edu.
General Studies
The Department of Government, Legal Studies, and Philosophy coordinates the Bachelor of Science in General Studies. This program is designed for students who seek a flexible degree program which will maximize credits already earned at Tarleton or at another institution. The general studies degree allows students to plan, with advisement, an individualized program with access to a wide range of academic disciplines and fields of professional study.
Program Competencies
Upon successful completion of the General Studies program, graduates will be able to:
- Write effectively in accordance with one of their concentration disciplines
- Apply interdisciplinary perspectives to real-world problems
- Conduct skillful interdisciplinary presentations
- Utilize interdisciplinary research methodologies
- Utilize spreadsheet graphing technology and discipline-specific research databases
- Analyze ethical dilemmas to make appropriate decisions
- Work in groups to research multidisciplinary perspectives
Program Concentrations
General studies provides students with the flexibility to pursue a variety of interests. Students may select two concentrations from disciplines across the university. Each concentration consists of 18-credit hours (at least six of which must be advanced) in the student's chosen field. Popular concentrations include education, mathematics, psychology, sociology, kinesiology, communication studies, English, and more!
Program Policies
Admission requirements vary depending upon the student's selected campus:
- Fort Worth, Midlothian, Waco, and Online students must have a minimum of 30 transferable credit hours, a 2.0 GPA, and be TSI complete.
- Stephenville students must have 60 credit hours of existing course work prior to submitting a degree plan for general studies (not including developmental courses).
Bachelor of Science in General Studies
Bachelor of Science in General Studies
for more information contact generalstudies@tarleton.edu
Minors
Minor in Legal Studies
The department also offers a minor in Legal Studies for students with a different major program of study. The minor in Legal Studies can add value to your degree by 1) supplementing studies in another discipline, 2) providing an introduction to the skills and knowledge needed in law school, and 3) enhancing your understanding about legal issues that impact our nation, state, and communities.
Minor in Legal Studies
PHIL 2303 | Introduction to Logic | 3 |
LEGL 2330 | Introduction to Legal Studies | 3 |
LEGL 3332 | Legal Ethics | 3 |
LEGL 3340 [WI] | Legal Research & Writing | 3 |
LEGL 3388 | Civil Procedure | 3 |
| 3 |
| Rules of Criminal Evidence | |
| Criminal Procedure | |
| Business Law II | |
| Employment Law | |
| International Business Law | |
| Legislation | |
| The Judiciary | |
| Constitutional Law II | |
| Environmental Law | |
Total Hours | 18 |
For more information, contact legalstudies@tarleton.edu.
Minor in Political Science
The department also offers a minor in Political Science for students with a different major program of study. A minor in Political Science can compliment many types of majors with additional knowledge about the ways in which governments and political processes affect such subjects. Students can also develop valuable analytical skills and enhance their abilities to be knowledgeable and politically engaged citizens at the local, State, and Federal levels.
Minor in Political Science
GOVT 2305 | Federal Government (Federal Constitution and Topics) | 3 |
GOVT 2306 | Texas Government (Texas Constitution and Topics) | 3 |
| 12 |
Total Hours | 18 |
For more information, contact politicalscience@tarleton.edu.
Minor in Philosophy
Philosophy courses foster improved analysis and problem solving skills while teaching clear writing and critical thought. Philosophy focuses on training students to ask the right questions, and some philosophy courses will satisfy the Language, Philosophy, and Culture or Social and Behavioral Sciences components of the core curriculum.
The minor in Philosophy is designed for students who want to supplement their academic major with a program that develops breadth of understanding and clarity of thought. Made up of 18-credit hours of philosophy (PHIL) course work, this minor makes an excellent supplement for students interested in the humanities or those seeking careers in law, medicine, military service, and pastoral ministry.
Minor in Philosophy
PHIL 1301 | Introduction to Philosophy | 3 |
PHIL 2303 | Introduction to Logic | 3 |
| Ethics in the Professions | |
| Philosophy of World Religions | |
| History of Christianity and Christian Thought to the Reformation | |
| Political Philosophy I | |
| Political Philosophy II | |
| Problems in Philosophy | |
| Environmental Ethics | |
| Philosophy Seminar | |
Total Hours | 18 |
For more information, contact philosophy@tarleton.edu.
Minor in Public Policy
The study of public policy is about understanding the coordination of laws, regulations, programs, and funding priorities utilized by governmental entitles and other bodies to achieve goals and better the lives of citizens. Having this critical knowledge will allow students to engage more effectively with the issues that impact them and their communities.
The minor in Public Policy is an 18-credit hour course of study for students who are interested in the public policy facets of their chosen major, prospective vocation, and career. Students have access to a wide-range of policy and policy-related courses taught across all colleges and programs at Tarleton State University.
Minor in Public Policy
POLS 4340 | US Public Policy | 3 |
1 | 15 |
| Correctional Systems and Practices | |
| Comparative Criminal Justice | |
| Community Corrections | |
| Homeland Security | |
| Crime, Justice, and Social Diversity | |
| Social Welfare in America | |
| Social Welfare Policy | |
| Social Work with Aging Populations | |
| International Social Work | |
| Child Welfare | |
| Human Rights | |
| Women's Issues | |
| Environmental Policy | |
| International Environmental Issues | |
| Environmental Law | |
| Religion and Politics | |
| Foreign Policy | |
| Money And Banking | |
| Environmental Economics | |
| Economics of Financial Markets | |
| Political Economy | |
| International Economics | |
| Race and Ethnic Relations | |
| Criminology | |
| Rural Sociology | |
| Social Stratification and Inequality | |
| Gender in Society | |
| Medical and Health Care Policy | |
| Age and Ethnic Stratification | |
| Migration and Society | |
| Employee and Labor Relations | |
| Business Law I | |
| Business Law II | |
| Employment Law | |
| International Business Law | |
| Communication Law | |
| Public Agricultural Food Programs | |
| International Trade and Agriculture | |
| Commodity Futures Markets | |
| Recreation and Tourism Economics | |
| Formulation of Agriculture & Food Policy | |
| Mexican Agricultural Relations | |
| Principles of Wildlife Conservation and Management | |
| Sustainability | |
| Population, Pollution, and Resource Depletion | |
| Fish and Wildlife Laws and Administration | |
| Water Resources Policy and Management | |
| Introduction to Health Management and Policy | |
| Public Health Policy | |
| Policy, Politics, and Ethics | |
| Occupational Safety and Health | |
| Policies and Ethical Standards | |
Total Hours | 18 |
For more information, contact Dr. Nathaniel Cogley at cogley@tarleton.edu.
Certificate in Environmental Policy
The Certificate in Environmental Policy will help students establish their readiness to work in jobs dealing with environmental law and policy, including advocacy. It also allows students to develop their own worldview and ethics relating to environmental sustainability.
Certificate in Environmental Policy
ECON 3304 | Environmental Economics | 3 |
POLS 3310 [WI] | Environmental Policy | 3 |
GEOL 1407 | Introduction to Environmental Science | 4 |
| 3 |
| Environmental Communication | |
| Environmental Ethics | |
| International Environmental Issues | |
| Environmental Law | |
| Environmental Sociology | |
| Water Policy | |
Total Hours | 13 |
For more information, contact Dr. Anne Egelston at egelston@tarleton.edu.
Academic Advising Guides
Academic Advising Guides area available at the following website:
https://web.tarleton.edu/majorinfo/