Dean Chris Guthrie has announced the creation of an Undergraduate Minor in Legal Studies at Vanderbilt, effective for the fall 2024 semester. Undergraduate students can register for classes in the minor during the April registration period.
“We are delighted to extend our tradition of rigorous, accessible instruction to the undergraduate student body,” Guthrie said. “The coursework in this minor will offer considerable exposure to the world of law and legal institutions.”
Led by inaugural director of undergraduate studies and Centennial Professor of Law Sean B. Seymore, the Undergraduate Minor in Legal Studies is designed to help students make an informed judgment about whether to pursue law school and/or a legal career, provide substantive legal knowledge and critical thinking skills, and allow them to become better-informed citizens. The minor consists of five classes: Introduction to American Law, along with any four approved electives (course catalogue available to students through YES). Courses will generally be offered at the Law School and taught by Vanderbilt Law School faculty. Coursework will be supplemented by programming on the law school admissions process, the student experience, legal career paths and other relevant topics for those considering a J.D. after graduation.
“The skills that students will learn through the minor are applicable not only in legal setting, but a variety of fields,” Seymore said. “Anyone interested in careers related to analytics, communications and strategy will benefit from this curriculum.”
Initial courses offered in the fall 2024 semester will include Introduction to American Law and Introduction to Criminal Law. Students interested in pursuing the minor or learning about the coursework can visit the minor’s website or YES.
