Bachelor of Arts Major in Law – 15.0 Credits


Study Plan and Course Sequencing

The below guide is based on an academic plan where 5.0 credits are completed in an academic year (2.5 credits in the fall and 2.5 credits in the winter). If you decide to take summer courses or a reduced course load, your study plan may differ. Students are encouraged to reach out to the Undergraduate Administrator for an audit review at least once a year, preferably before registering in courses.

Please note:

  • The information provided in the planning guide is intended as a guide only. Students are responsible for ensuring that they meet the requirements as outlined in the Undergraduate Calendar. Please consult with the Undergraduate Administrator if you have any questions.

Requirements Chart

You can also review this program’s requirements in an alternative chart format: Bachelor of Arts Major in Law – 15.0 Credits Requirements Chart.

First Year

First year schedules will generally look the same for all students. Students need to take LAWS 1001 and LAWS 1002. These required courses provide an introduction to legal studies and serve as prerequisites for LAWS 2000-level courses. Students should add LAWS 1001 to their fall schedule and LAWS 1002 to their winter schedule. The rest of the schedule can be filled with Electives/Breadth requirements. If selected, a First Year Seminar (FYSM) course will count as part of your electives.

  • LAWS 1001 (0.5 credit)
  • LAWS 1002 (0.5 credit)
  • Electives/Breadth requirement courses (4.0 credits)

NOTE: if you have transfer credits from another institution, contact the Undergraduate Administrator for Law prior to registering in courses at Carleton.

Second Year

This year, you will have a list of law courses to select from that will include different areas of law. If you find it difficult to narrow down your choices, coming up with a study plan might be helpful. Check out the Registration Tips at the end. Do not forget to check in with the Undergraduate Administrator for an audit review to make sure that you are on track to graduate next year.

  • Pick four courses (2.0 credits): LAWS 2105, LAWS 2201, LAWS 2202, LAWS 2301, LAWS 2302, LAWS 2501, LAWS 2502, LAWS 2601
  • LAWS 2908 (0.5 credit)
  • Electives/Breadth requirement courses (2.5 credits)

Third Year

The 15 credits program typically takes three academic years to complete. After you registered for your courses, double check your audit to ensure that you are meeting the requirements for graduation.

  • Select any two LAWS courses at the 3000-level (1.0 credits)
  • Select any four LAWS courses at the 2000-level and/or 3000-level (2.0 credits)
  • Electives/Breadth requirement courses (2.0 credits)

Registration Tips

To help build your schedule and draft up a study plan, visit the Undergraduate Calendar where you can review the course descriptions for all LAWS courses. The calendar contains additional helpful information including prerequisites, preclusions, etc. Please note that we don’t offer all courses every year or every term, so course options will vary year-to-year.