FAQ
- I’m planning to study abroad. Will that affect my completion of the minor?
- Can I double-count a course?
- How do I officially add the minor?
- Who is the typical Constitutional Studies student?
- What kinds of professions do Constitutional Studies minors typically pursue?
- I’m an upperclassman. Is it too late for me to add the minor?
- Is the minor a “pre-law” program?
- In general, what are Constitutional Studies courses like?
- I’m planning to study abroad. Will that affect my completion of the minor?
Depending on a student’s class level, studying abroad should not interfere with completing the minor. While preparing to study abroad, a student may identify courses that are available that align with the minor; please provide a course description and/or syllabus to Tyler Castle (tcastle2@nd.edu) for approval. An additional form may also be required, depending on the academic program.
- Can I double-count a course?
A student seeking an Arts & Letters degree is allowed to count one and the same course to satisfy a university requirement, a college requirement, and a program requirement (major, supplementary major, minor). A multi-counted course can be used no more than once at each level (university, college, program). Although many Constitutional Studies courses are cross-listed with other departments (POLS, HIST, SOC, etc.), each course can only fulfill a requirement of one program (major/minor). See this policy for more information.
- How do I officially add the minor?
Students should schedule an appointment with Tyler Castle to discuss their interest in the minor. A formal application is not required.
- Who is the typical Constitutional Studies student?
We draw interest from students in a wide range of colleges and disciplines across the University, including political science, finance, the Program of Liberal Studies, economics, history, chemistry, mathematics, philosophy, music, and real estate, among others. We also welcome students with a diverse range of political and ideological perspectives. Our goal is to help students pursue the truth through a charitable competition of ideas.
- What kinds of professions do Constitutional Studies minors typically pursue?
While many Constitutional Studies minors are interested in attending law school after graduation, others go on to pursue careers in politics, journalism, think tanks, teaching or academia, military service, consulting, and finance.
- I’m an upperclassman. Is it too late for me to add the minor?
As long as you have room in your schedule to complete the course requirements, it is not too late for juniors or even rising seniors to add the minor.
- Is the minor a “pre-law” program?
While it is not an official pre-law program, the Constitutional Studies minor does serve as a helpful on-ramp to law school, and a chance to discern whether law school is for you. The minor offers courses in constitutional law and the philosophy of law, including occasional courses taught by Notre Dame Law School faculty.
- In general, what are Constitutional Studies courses like?
Our course offerings vary, however, Constitutional Studies courses are generally reading and writing-intensive. They both require and promote critical thinking, argumentation (written and oral), and deep engagement with complex texts.