Lawmaking and Legal Processes

Undergraduate Certificate

Why choose a certificate in legal studies and lawmaking?

This certificate in legal studies and lawmaking helps you understand how the American government and legal system work, from the national level to local communities. You'll learn about topics like the inner workings of Congress, the role of the Executive Branch and the policymaking power of the Supreme Court. The program also explores how laws connect to things like philosophy, gender studies and religion. Classes cover civil rights, elections, how laws are made, the powers of leaders and how courts interpret the laws.

For example, you'll learn how the Supreme Court interprets the Constitution and balances power through concepts like judicial review, separation of powers and federalism. You'll also examine the connection between law, politics and society, covering topics like civic participation, social movements, racism and social justice for a broader view of the legal system. Through this program, you’ll gain an understanding of how laws shape society, government and business and how they interact with social and political forces.

Highlights of CMU's certificate in legal studies and lawmaking

As a student in our lawmaking and legal processes program, you can:

• Work with the experts: Learn from a U.S. and Michigan government expert in courses like Law and Policy in Michigan State Government.
• Pursue your interests: Choose from a wide variety of courses, such as Regulatory Law, African-American Politics, Campaigns and Elections and American Foreign Policy.
• Gain experience and grow your network: Join the Mock Trial Association, Model United Nations, our pre-law fraternity or any of our many political science and public administration student organizations.
• Study legal processes around the world: Choose from 150 study abroad programs in more than 50 countries.