Wayne State University Law School and the College of Fine, Performing and Communication Arts (CFPCA) are collaborating to offer a Minor in Law for undergraduate Wayne State students.
Many of the students in CFPCA's Department of Communication's storied debate and public speaking programs have always been drawn to careers in law. Debate, argument, critical thinking and the use of evidence are skills that translate directly to the practice of law. Individuals in creative fields, whether visual arts, performing arts or communications, will often work in areas strongly affected by legal frameworks. For example, an understanding of property law (especially copyright) is critical for anyone seeking to protect creative work. The Minor in Law allows students to develop familiarity with legal terminology and other concepts, providing an edge in environments that involve interaction with legal professionals or the legal system.
In addition to CFPCA, the law school has partnerships with the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Mike Ilitch School of Business and School of Social Work. More than 120 students have declared the law minor since the program's launch last fall.
The interdisciplinary Minor in Law at Wayne State is the only program in the Midwest to provide courses taught by law faculty and in a law school. It equips students with the knowledge required to analyze and understand how law and their educational discipline intersect. While taking specialized courses, students learn to "think like a lawyer" by honing skills in logical and critical thinking, oral and written communication, and reading comprehension and analysis. Students cultivate skills that set them apart from other job seekers in a competitive market.
Each partner school or college has discipline-specific courses required to complete the Minor in Law. However, undergraduate students who wish to take any of the three core courses in law without declaring the minor are welcome to do so.
For additional information or to attend an information session, visit law.wayne.edu/law-minor.
