About the Public Law Minor
This program includes a flexible curriculum of just three required courses and three
interdisciplinary electives. The required courses include two classes on constitutional
law and one seminar with rotating topics. Students choose their remaining courses
from a list of approved electives. Elective topics range from criminal law to agricultural
law. There’s something for everyone!
Upon graduation, our students are prepared for the concepts and teaching styles they’ll
experience in law school. Many of our graduates tell us the public law minor prepared
them well for law school and beyond!
Students must be pursuing an undergraduate degree at the University of Wyoming to declare a public law minor.
What can you do with a public law minor?
A minor in public law prepares you for careers in government, policy, law, and advocacy. It’s a strong foundation for law school or roles like legislative aide, policy analyst, legal assistant, or nonprofit staff. You'll study constitutional principles, legal systems, and the structure of government, making it a great complement to majors like political science, criminal justice, history, communication or economics.
- Law school or graduate study in political science, public administration or related fields
- Legislative aide or policy analyst
- Public affairs or government relations specialist
- Legal assistant or paralegal
- Nonprofit or advocacy organization staff
- Journalist covering legal or political issues
- Georgetown University
- Harvard University
- George Washington University
- University of Pittsburgh
- University of Wyoming
- University of Nebraska
Public law classes focus on the structure and function of government, the Constitution, civil rights and liberties and the legal processes that shape public policy. You’ll study topics like constitutional law, administrative law, judicial behavior and the relationship between citizens and the state. Courses often explore how laws are made, interpreted and applied at the federal and state levels.
Absolutely—public law is an excellent minor if you're thinking about law school. It helps you build a strong foundation in constitutional law, legal systems and how government works. You'll gain skills in critical thinking, research and writing that will serve you well in law school and beyond. If you're passionate about justice, public service or making an impact through policy, this minor is a smart step toward your future legal career.
