University of Washington

Overview

The Law and Policy major at the University of Washington equips students with robust analytical and writing skills essential for understanding the intricate relationships between law, politics, and public policy. This program emphasizes critical evaluation of legal institutions and policy decisions while fostering research capabilities, argumentation skills, and ethical decision-making.

What you'll study

The curriculum is designed to blend theoretical frameworks with practical analysis of legal and policy issues. Key areas of focus include:

• American Legal System
• Law in Society
• Comparative Law and Courts
• American Politics
• State Government
• International Relations
• Comparative Politics
• International Organizations

Students engage in regular practice to hone their abilities in reading and writing policy arguments, assessing institutional functions, and navigating ethical considerations.

The program also includes a capstone or thesis component, which can be confirmed with the department or the official University of Washington major requirements page.

Entry requirements

To be considered for admission, prospective students must meet certain academic criteria:

• Minimum GPA: 2.7
• Language of instruction: English
• English proficiency tests accepted: IELTS, TOEFL iBT, Duolingo English Test

Additionally, applicants are required to respond to specific essay questions in the application process, and SAT/ACT requirements may vary based on individual backgrounds.

Career prospects

Graduates of the Law and Policy program can pursue a variety of career paths in fields such as public policy, law, government, and non-profit organizations. The skills gained through this program, including analytical reasoning, persuasive writing, and ethical analysis, prepare students for impactful roles in shaping policy and legal frameworks in diverse settings.