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Law and Public Policy Pathway

If you’re passionate about serving the greater good, these majors will prepare you for government, law, criminal justice and related fields.

Opportunities

Find your niche — in the classroom and beyond. We’ll help you find your passion and build skills for your career. These are just a few of the resources you’ll have access to at WVU that will prepare you life after WVU.

View Pathway Majors

Student Organizations

Start your professional network (and add leadership experience to your résumé) by joining major-related clubs.

Facilities

Develop real-world skills in our specialized laboratories, clinics and research centers.

Ballistics Test Center
Crime Scene Training Complex
Digital Forensics Laboratory
Health Research Center
Humanities Center
LGBTQ+ Center
Prevention Research Center
Research Center on Violence
WVU Libraries
West Virginia State GIS Technical Center

Courses

Personalize your curriculum with classes related to your interests and career goals.

ARE 187: Energy Resource Economics
ECON 441: Public Economics
FIS 302: Crime Scene Investigation 1
FIS 452: Arson and Explosives Analysis Lab
FIS 460: Analysis of Seized Drugs
HIIM 110: Introduction to US Healthcare Delivery System
POLS 301: Introduction to Intelligence Analysis
POLS 363: International Law
RESM 480: Environmental Regulation
SOWK 300: Social Welfare Policy and Services 1

Careers

Wondering where this pathway leads? Check out some possible jobs.

View Related Majors Below ↓

Related Media

View related videos and photos by clicking on the image.

Real Life CSI at WVU

Forensic Science 360

The WVU Experience

Azeem Khan
Political Science

Azeem Khan, political science student and Truman Scholar, is dedicated to public service and problem-solving, particularly in addressing the opioid epidemic. With a commitment to making a positive change, he aspires to attend law school and continue making an impact.

Read Azeem's Story

Related Majors

Explore majors related to this pathway.

Criminology
Go beyond the legal definitions of criminality. Criminology seeks to understand the nature and causes of criminality, as well as the successes and limitations of criminal justice approaches and processes.

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Economics (BS)
The field of economics is very broad and can be applied many ways. Our graduates can do just about anything — government, law school, teaching or finance fields like insurance and banking.

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Environmental and Energy Resources Management
Offering a broad curriculum in energy, the environment, economics and entrepreneurship, the E*Quad program will prepare you to enter multiple sectors of a fast-growing industry.

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Environmental and Natural Resource Economics
With this major’s flexibility, you can design a program of study tailored to your environmental and natural resource interests, such as water use and quality, soil protection, waste management, ecosystem management or land use.

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Forensic Biology
Deep within nearly every cell is a unique set of genetic markers. When a crime occurs, recovering those genetic markers and determining who they belong to is a job for forensic biologists.

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Forensic Chemistry
We're a national leader in forensic science education and research. Our graduates work in law enforcement and forensic science laboratories across the country.

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Forensic Examiner
With world-class training facilities and a solid STEM foundation, this major prepares you to tackle the investigation of a crime from start to finish.

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Health Informatics and Information Management
Do you enjoy business, law, technology and science? HIIM operates at the intersection of these fields to ensure that patients’ vital health information is secure.

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History
History helps us discover new meaning in the past, present and future. Our students learn the best practices of historical research while developing skills for a successful career: thinking critically, communicating effectively and tackling complex problems.

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International Studies
This interdisciplinary program includes courses in political science, languages, geography, history, sociology, anthropology, economics and other topics. You'll gain valuable real-life experience through study abroad, global service learning and internships.

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Philosophy
Philosophy acts as a form of intellectual exercise that makes it easier to identify problems, seek out arguments against your own views and critically evaluate solutions. These skills, along with the ability to read, write, listen and communicate effectively, can prepare you for virtually any career path.

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Political Science
Studying political science will help you understand why courts make the decisions they do, why legislatures pass the laws they do and why countries make the choices they make in the international arena.

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Psychology
Psychology is the science of behavior. This major allows you to increase your intrapersonal and interpersonal understanding and develop problem-solving, project management and information literacy skills.

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Public Health
Founded on the principle of social justice, the concept of public health ensures that all citizens have the opportunity for good health. It is the art and science of protecting and improving population health through education, service and prevention.

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Social Work
Do you want to make a difference in the lives of others? Social workers help people function the best they can in their environment and circumstance. They provide direct services to people in their homes or places of work and help people to help themselves.

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Women's and Gender Studies
Don’t let the name mislead you. Women’s and Gender Studies is not just about women, nor is it about male-bashing or gender wars. Rather, our courses cover a broad range of subjects with sensitivity to gender, race, sexual orientation and class.

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