Legal Systems and Governance ,Certificate
Governance, Government Regulation, Institutional Analysis, Lawyer, Legal Policy, Legal Studies, Legal System, Local, State, Federal Government, Public Law, prelaw
Showcase your passion for law and public service. Examine legal and philosophical foundations of institutions like the Supreme Court, refine writing and argumentation skills, apply ethical principles to real-world dilemmas, and prepare for law school and impactful careers in legal advocacy.
The legal systems and governance certificate program offers a structured pathway for you to explore legal systems and institutions while securing life-transforming internships in the fields of law, government relations and public policy. Drawing on expertise and networks within the School of Politics and Global Studies and across ASU, the program equips you with practical skills applicable to careers in public, private, nongovernmental and nonprofit entities. You gain experience analyzing the legal dynamics of political events and public policy.
This 15 credit-hour certificate program focuses on four areas: foundations of legal systems; institutions that structure, revise and enforce the law; principles and ethics that guide the development and revision of laws and regulations; and the applications and impacts of law and legal institutions on civil society. The interdisciplinary program combines high-impact experiential learning, classroom and internship opportunities that draw from local embeddedness in the Phoenix area; Washington, D.C. network; and global reach.
GI Bill® benefits
This new program is not yet approved for use with GI Bill® benefits.
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/.
- College/school:
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
- Location: Tempe
2026-2027 Catalog Year
| Requirement | Minimum Grade | Credit Hours |
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| Requirement | Minimum Grade | Credit Hours |
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The certificate requires a total of 15 credit hours, of which at least 12 credit hours must be completed at the upper-division level. Six credit hours must be from courses offered by The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. All courses must be completed with a grade of "C" (2.00 on a 4.00 scale) or higher. |
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3 Credit Hours
Minimum
Grade:C
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C | 3 |
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6 Credit Hours
Minimum
Grade:C
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C | 6 |
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3 Credit Hours
Minimum
Grade:C
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C | 3 |
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3 Credit Hours
Minimum
Grade:C
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C | 3 |
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Prerequisite courses may be needed in order to complete the requirements of this certificate.
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A student pursuing an undergraduate certificate must be enrolled as a degree-seeking student at ASU. Undergraduate certificates are not awarded before the completion of an undergraduate degree. A student who already holds an undergraduate degree may pursue an undergraduate certificate as a nondegree-seeking graduate student.
Graduates are able to analyze legal systems related to governance, policymaking, business and nonprofit organizations. The certificate program provides a valuable overview of legal systems and development of analytic and writing skills that are required for advanced legal training and careers in:
- arbitration
- corporate law
- employment law and human resources
- environmental law
- immigration and asylum
- intellectual property and trademarks
- legislative research and policymaking
- lobbying
- public advocacy
- sports law
- trial law
Graduates are able to demonstrate their knowledge of legal systems and applied analytic and writing skills in their applications to top-tier law schools, and graduate and professional schools in public policy, diplomacy and leadership. The certificate program also provides an excellent foundation for those seeking graduate opportunities in STEM or other fields that intersect with public policy or regulation.
School of Politics and Global Studies
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COOR 6700
spgs-ugadvising@asu.edu
480-965-8563
Program term definitions
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
