MA in Legal Institutions and Theories

Undergraduate students interested in the combined BA/MA in Legal Institutions and Theories program, click here.

The Department of Political Science's master’s degree program in Legal Institutions and Theories is specifically tailored toward students interested in law, political science, or legal academia. Built upon the strength of GW’s course offerings across the university, the Legal Institutions and Theories program allows students to examine the philosophical foundation of the law, the processes of judicial decision-making, the influence of public opinion on judicial decisions, the impact of the law on society, the institutional structures of the U.S. court system, and the diversity of legal institutions across the world. The majority of the coursework would be offered through the Department of Political Science.

If you are interested in learning more or in applying, please contact Steven Kelts.

MA Requirements for Admission

GRE scores are not required, but are highly preferred.

Hours Required

30 credit hours (10 courses)

Required Course Work

Required Interpretation Courses (must take both of these courses): (6 credit hours)

CODE   TITLE   INSTRUCTOR   SYLL  
PSC 6113 The Constitution: History and Ideas Kelts  
PSC 6114 Theories of Judicial Review Kelts  

Required Institution Courses (students must take at least 2 of these courses, but may take all 4 courses): (6-12 credit
hours)

CODE   TITLE   INSTRUCTOR   SYLL  
PSC 6114 Theories of Judicial Review Kelts  
PSC 8213 Judicial Politics Wahlbeck  
PSC 8215 Law, Politics, and Society Bartels  
PSC 8388 Constitution and Democracy Brown  
PSC 6987 Legal Internship Kelts  

Optional Courses (must take between 4 -6 courses): (12-18 credit hours)

CODE   TITLE   INSTRUCTOR   SYLL  
PSC 8210 American Institutions Maltzman  
PSC 8217 Executive Branch Politics Balla  
PSC 8218 Legislative Politics Deering
Binder		  
 
PSC 8219 Political Parties and Elections Binder  
PSC 6444 International Law Staff  
HIST 6370 U.S. Legal History Cottrol  
HIST 6312 Law of Race and Slavery Cottrol  
PHIL 6242 Philosophy, Law and Social Reform Brand-Ballard  
SOC 6259 Criminology Kurbin, Cambliss, Weitzer, Buntman  
SOC 6261 Sociology of Law Cambliss, Buntman  
SOC 6263 Race and Crime Kurbin, Weitzer, Buntman  
WSTU 6266 Gender and Criminal Justice Buntman  
EDUC 6236 School Law and Policy Staff  
EDUC 6560 Legal Problems in Higher Education Barber  
PSC 2213 Judicial Politics Wahlbeck  
PSC 2214 US Constitutional Law and Politics I Staff  
PSC 2215 US Constitutional Law and Politics II Wahlbeck  
ECON 2190 Law and Economics Staff  

Students may take up to three of the following courses (9 credit hours): PSC 2213, PSC 2214, PSC
2215, and ECON 2190. Students must satisfy department prerequisites for the selected courses.

Anyone interested in pursuing this option should contact Steven Kelts.