Minor in Civics, Law, and Leadership (launching Spring 2026)
Inspiring Future Leaders for a Free Society
The CIVICLL minor prepares you to live a flourishing civic life through exploration of America's rich civic tradition and the workings of the American constitutional order. It develops the civic virtues necessary for you to live well in all of life’s callings and to lead within our republic. The minor opens doors to opportunities in business, law, politics, religion, medicine, education, and STEM fields.
By mastering your knowledge of America’s shared civic tradition, honing civic skills, and shaping your disposition to flourish as citizens in our country, the CIVICLL minor prepares you to bear the responsibilities of free American citizenship within a constitutional republic governed by the rule of law.
Explore the great texts and major debates that form the intellectual foundation of free societies, especially that of the United States. Dive into the principles, ideals, and institutions of the American constitutional order, including important legal questions and debates. And discover the foundations of responsible leadership and informed citizenship.
Program Goals and Objectives
What does it mean to be an informed, engaged citizen? How does a foundation in civics — in the important books, documents, debates and philosophies of America’s past 250 years — lead to a fulfilling career and life? At Chase Center, we’re answering those questions through a minor that includes intellectually stimulating courses and one-of-a-kind experiences.
In our CIVICLL minor, you will grow in the following ways over the course of your studies:
- You will discover the key ideas, texts, events, individuals, debates, traditions, and developments that have defined American constitutionalism and civic life.
- You will compare and contrast your experiences, reasoning, and cultural assumptions with some of the greatest minds of the past — as well as those of your fellow students.
- You will explore how American civics informs modern behavioral, social, and natural sciences, as well as other academic disciplines.
Career and Life Opportunities
Whatever your college major, future career path, and life aspirations, our minor in Civics, Law, and Leadership provides multidisciplinary perspectives, knowledge, and skills that will set you apart from the crowd!
From law, business, and government to education, STEM, or other pursuits, this major is your starting block for a life of leadership, careers, citizenship, and success.
Legal Profession
How do the foundational ideas, philosophies, and history of the American constitutional system serve as the underpinning of the modern judicial system? How does the creation, interpretation, and implementation of the law rely on concepts born in the early days of our nation?
Business
How do this country's democratic ideals reflect the goals and challenges inherent in a free economy? How can a person shape their ways of thinking to better develop their roles as entrepreneurs and business leaders?
Government
Why is an exploration and understanding of the principles and ideals of those whose vision laid the groundwork for the birth and growth of this nation crucial for a career in politics or government? How does our American civic tradition inform and define what it means to serve others?
Education
How does understanding the experiences, debates, and history that have shaped modern American life help educators incorporate civics into their approach to teaching? How can educators impart these lessons to nurture future generations of citizens, giving them the skills, knowledge, and confidence to become tomorrow's leaders?
STEM Careers
How can a knowledge of civics be applied to the development and application of technology? How is technology changing what it means to be an active and engaged citizen? What opportunities and risks exist, and how as Americans should they be addressed?
Requirements
Credit hours: 15 credits.
- 6 credit hours from two core courses (CIVICLL 2000, plus one from CIVICLL 2110, 2120, and 2130)
- 9 credit hours from three elective courses (one course in American Constitutionalism, one in American Leadership, and one course in "The Good Life" or "The Civic Life"). Six of these credits must be 3000-level or higher.
You must pass all courses with a grade of C-minus or higher.
Only three hours may be taken in x193 courses.