Department of Politics, Law and Society
Welcome! The Department of Politics, Law and Society at ECU is home to two dynamic programs: Political Science and Legal Studies. Whether you're passionate about politics, law, or public service, we’re here to help you build the skills and experiences that prepare you for real-world success.
Our faculty is committed to active learning—through simulations, internships, research, service learning, and networking opportunities. Students frequently present original research at events like Oklahoma Research Day and the Oklahoma Political Science Association Annual Meeting.
Choose Your Path, Political Science or Legal Studies?
- Legal assistant
- Paralegal
- Attorney
- Politics
- Government or public policy
Both programs offer strong preparation for careers in law, business, government, and graduate studies.
Legal Studies
- Focused on technical legal skills
- Ideal for students seeking employment as legal assistants or paralegals
- ECU’s Legal Studies program is ABA-approved, making graduates immediately employable in law offices
- Legal Studies Minor: Designed for students in other majors who want to explore law, but not intended for paralegal certification
Note: Paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public, except as permitted by law.
Political Science
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Emphasizes theory, critical thinking, and conceptual understanding
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Best suited for students interested in government, policy, or law school preparation
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Strong foundation in debate, research, and analysis
Not Sure Which to Choose?
Many students pursue a major in one and a minor in the other to broaden their expertise and options. Both paths support law school readiness, and ECU has a high law school acceptance rate among graduates of both programs.
Interested in Pre-Law?
While ECU does not offer a formal "Pre-Law" major, students are advised to major in either Legal Studies or Political Science. Nearly 100% of ECU students who apply are accepted into law school.
To learn more about the pre-law track, contact:
Christine Pappas, Ph.D.
Pre-Law Advisor
Career-Ready Skills for Any Path
Both Political Science and Legal Studies prepare students in three critical areas:
- Critical Thinking
- Information Analysis & Problem-Solving
- Clear, Effective Communication
These skills are essential for success in careers across law, government, education, medicine, business, and beyond.
Join Our Community
If you're ready to dive into politics, law, justice, or advocacy—we invite you to become part of our engaged and supportive learning community. Let ECU help you launch your future in public service and legal studies.