Bachelor of Science, Major in Integrated Studies: Legal Writing and Communication Concentration
The BS in Integrated Studies: Legal Writing and Communication Concentration combines the Undergraduate Certificate in Communication for Legal and Criminal Justice Professionals, the Minor in Legal Studies, and the Minor in Technical and Professional Writing. This combination provides graduates with a robust skill set tailored for legal and criminal justice settings. These graduates will be adept at identifying and applying communication theories and strategic principles essential for effective interaction within the criminal justice system. In addition to a career in law assisting lawyers, legislators, and court administrators, students’ training in strategic communication principles will position them for careers in public policy, public administration, compliance, and non-profit advocacy.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Science, Major in Integrated Studies: Legal Writing and Communication Concentration | ||
| Core Curriculum | ||
| Component Area I (Communication) 1 | 6 | |
| Component Area II (Mathematics) 2, 3 | 3 | |
| Component Area III (Life and Physical Science) 2 | 8 | |
| Component Area IV (Language, Philosophy, and Culture) 2 | 3 | |
| Component Area V (Creative Arts) 2 | 3 | |
| Component Area VI (U.S. History) 2 | 6 | |
| Component Area VII (Political Science/Government) 2 | 6 | |
| Component Area VIII (Social and Behavioral Sciences) 2 | 3 | |
| Component Area IX (Component Area Option) 2 | 4 | |
| Degree Specific Requirements | ||
| CHSS Core (Select one course from the following:) | 3 | |
| Strategic Organizational Communication | ||
| Introduction to Technical Writing | ||
| Argument and Persuasion | ||
| History of Medicine | ||
or HIST 3373 | Topics in the History of Science and Medicine | |
| Critical Thinking | ||
| Research and Writing in Political Science | ||
| Writing in Sociology | ||
| Introduction to Community Leadership | ||
| Major: Foundation | ||
| INTG 3301 | Integrated Studies Career Paths | 3 |
| INTG 4301 | Integrated Studies Career Success 4 | 3 |
| Electives: General | ||
| General Electives 5 | 15 | |
| Minor: Required | ||
| Minor Area I: Communication for Legal and Criminal Justice Professionals | ||
| COMS 2386 | Interpersonal Communication | 3 |
| COMS 3370 | Intercultural Communication | 3 |
| COMS 3371 | Conflict, Negotiation, and Resolution | 3 |
| COMS 3375 | Strategic Organizational Communication | 3 |
| COMS 3379 | Freedom of Speech and Civic Communication | 3 |
| COMS 4366 | Deceptive Communication | 3 |
| Minor Area II: Legal Studies | ||
| POLS 3334 | Judicial Systems | 3 |
| POLS 4334 | Constitutional Law I: Civil Rights and Liberties | 3 |
| POLS 4335 | Constitutional Law II: Gov Powers & State-Federal Relations | 3 |
| Select one law-related skills elective from the following: | 3 | |
| Persuasion | ||
| Critical Thinking | ||
| Introduction to Contemporary Logic | ||
| Select two substantive legal content courses from the following: | 6 | |
| Entrepreneurial Law | ||
| Business Law | ||
| Human Resources Management Law | ||
| International Business Law | ||
| Law And Society | ||
| Legal Aspects Of Corrections | ||
| Constitutional Issues In Law Enforcement | ||
| Black Civil Rights Movement | ||
| Sport Law | ||
| Philosophy of Law | ||
| Victims' Rights, Politics, and Policy | ||
| Contemporary Political Theory | ||
| International Law and Organizations | ||
| Problems in Political Science | ||
| International Human Rights | ||
| Psychology And The Law | ||
| Real Estate Law | ||
| Law and Ethics in Homeland Security | ||
| Minor Area III: Technical and Professional Writing | ||
| ENGL 3330 | Introduction to Technical Writing | 3 |
| ENGL 3377 | Argument and Persuasion | 3 |
| ENGL 3378 | Document Design | 3 |
| ENGL 4330 | Public and Professional Writing | 3 |
| ENGL 4335 | Studies in Rhetoric | 3 |
| ENGL 4340 | Professional Style and Editing | 3 |
| Total Hours | 120 | |
- 1
Taken first year.
- 2
Taken first or second year.
- 3
MATH 1332 is recommended.
- 4
Students must have senior hours, be in good academic standing, and have completed the required CHSS Core course and INTG 3301 before registering for INTG 4301.
- 5
Elective hours necessary may vary depending on minor selection as additional hours may be needed to reach the minimum total semester credit hours of 120. Depending on minor(s) selected, electives may need to be advanced as 42 semester credit hours of advanced coursework (3000 or 4000 level) are the absolute minimum. The minimum number of semester credit hours in residence is 30 semester credit hours of which 24 must be advanced. If minors exceed 18 semester credit hours, elective hours needed may be reduced.
Notes
Students must earn a 2.0 minimum overall GPA in all coursework.
Students must meet a 2.0 minimum overall major GPA in all major coursework.
Students must earn a 2.0 minimum SHSU GPA in all coursework.
Students must meet a 2.0 minimum SHSU major GPA in all major coursework.
Core Component Areas II, III, IV, V, VI, VII, VIII, and IX (including the one credit hour requirement) could double dip from the core and the minors.
Each minor must have 18 unique credits. Students may have to take more than 18 credits to complete the minor.
Graduation requirements include completing all course requirements along with completing at least 120 hours, 42 advanced hours, 24 advanced in-residence hours, INTG 3301, and INTG 4301. Students may need to take general electives and/or advanced general electives outside of courses outlined on their degree plan to meet those requirements.
Students must earn a grade of "C" or better in INTG 3301 and INTG 4301.
| First Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours |
| Component Area II1 | 3 | Component Area IV | 3 |
| Component Area V | 3 | Component Area IX | 3 |
| Component Area VIII | 3 | ENGL 13022 | 3 |
| ENGL 13012 | 3 | HSTY 13023 | 3 |
| HSTY 13013 | 3 | POLS 23054 | 3 |
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Second Year | |||
| Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours |
| Component Area III | 4 | Component Area III | 4 |
| Component Area IX | 1 | INTG 3301 | 3 |
| CHSS Core5 | 3 | Minor Area I: Communication for Legal and Criminal Justice Professionals | 3 |
| Minor Area I: Communication for Legal and Criminal Justice Professionals | 3 | Minor Area II: Legal Studies | 3 |
| POLS 23064 | 3 | Minor Area III: Technical and Professional Writing | 3 |
| 14 | 16 | ||
| Third Year | |||
| Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours |
| Minor Area I: Communication for Legal and Criminal Justice Professionals | 6 | General Electives6 | 3 |
| Minor Area II: Legal Studies | 6 | Minor Area I: Communication for Legal and Criminal Justice Professionals | 3 |
| Minor Area III: Technical and Professional Writing | 3 | Minor Area II: Legal Studies | 6 |
| Minor Area III: Technical and Professional Writing | 3 | ||
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Fourth Year | |||
| Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours |
| General Electives6 | 6 | General Electives6 | 6 |
| Minor Area I: Communication for Legal and Criminal Justice Professionals | 3 | INTG 43017 | 3 |
| Minor Area II: Legal Studies | 3 | Minor Area III: Technical and Professional Writing | 6 |
| Minor Area III: Technical and Professional Writing | 3 | ||
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Total Hours: 120 | |||
- 1
MATH 1332 is recommended.
- 2
Satisfies the Core Curriculum requirement for Component Area I (Communication).
- 3
Satisfies the Core Curriculum requirement for Component Area VI (U.S. History).
- 4
Satisfies the Core Curriculum requirement for Component Area VII (Political Science/Government).
- 5
CHSS Core (Select one of the following courses): COMS 3375, ENGL 3330, ENGL 3377, HSTY 3345 or HIST 3373, PHIL 2303, POLS 3379, SOCI 2399, SOCI 3305.
- 6
Elective hours necessary may vary depending on minor selection as additional hours may be needed to reach the minimum total semester credit hours of 120. Depending on minor(s) selected, electives may need to be advanced as 42 semester credit hours of advanced coursework (3000 or 4000 level) are the absolute minimum. The minimum number of semester credit hours in residence is 30 semester credit hours of which 24 must be advanced. If minors exceed 18 semester credit hours, elective hours needed may be reduced.
- 7
Students must have senior hours, be in good academic standing, and have completed the required CHSS Core course and INTG 3301 before registering for INTG 4301.
Notes
Students must earn a 2.0 minimum overall GPA in all coursework.
Students must meet a 2.0 minimum overall major GPA in all major coursework.
Students must earn a 2.0 minimum SHSU GPA in all coursework.
Students must meet a 2.0 minimum SHSU major GPA in all major coursework.
Core Component Areas II, III, IV, V, VI, VII, VIII, and IX (including the one credit hour requirement) could double dip from the core and the minors.
Each minor must have 18 unique credits. Students may have to take more than 18 credits to complete the minor.
Graduation requirements include completing all course requirements along with completing at least 120 hours, 42 advanced hours, 24 advanced in-residence hours, INTG 3301, and INTG 4301. Students may need to take general electives and/or advanced general electives outside of courses outlined on their degree plan to meet those requirements.
Students must earn a grade of "C" or better in INTG 3301 and INTG 4301.
The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) marketable skills initiative is part of the state’s 60x30TX plan and was designed to help students articulate their skills to employers. Marketable skills are those skills valued by employers and/or graduate programs that can be applied in a variety of work or education settings and may include interpersonal, cognitive, and applied skill areas.
The BS in Integrated Studies: Legal Writing and Communication Concentration is designed to provide graduates with the following marketable skills:
- Integration of diverse fields and perspectives.
- Innovative problem-solving abilities.
- Flexibility and adaptability.
- Legal and policy communication expertise.
- Strategic advocacy writing.
- Information synthesis and legal research.
