Skip Navigation

Constitutional Studies

Constitutional Studies

What is Constitutional Studies?

Interested in law, history, and politics? Constitutional studies is a unique curriculum that combines these interests into one program of study. Constitutional studies requires coursework in four areas: The Ancient Foundations of Law, Liberty, and Self-Government; The Philosophical Background of the American Constitution; The American Founding; and The Constitutional Legacy in the Modern World. A range of courses, some of the most exciting on campus, can fulfill these requirements. Students will also have the opportunity to take courses with OU College of Law faculty while still undergraduates. OU is one of the only top-tier universities where a student can focus their undergraduate studies on the Constitution.

The constitutional studies curriculum emphasizes skills – critical analysis, persuasive writing, public speaking – that will be useful in any walk of life. Constitutional studies is an ideal preparation for law school, but it is also a great education for anyone passionate about their citizenship. The minor, especially, makes a great complement to pre-professional majors.

Class sitting outside

So, what's my degree?

A student can concentrate in constitutional studies as part of the Bachelor of Arts in letters, or he or she can pursue a minor in constitutional studies.

Do my interests fit?

Constitutional studies students typically have interests in:

  • American history
  • Political thought
  • Law

How can OU Constitutional Studies help me?

Full-time faculty teach all of our courses, and many of them have opportunities for undergraduate students to participate in their research projects. We have an academic counselor on staff to help you plan your schedule and graduate on time. We also have many scholarships available to help with tuition and other expenses. In addition, we have many alumni interested in mentoring current letters-constitutional studies majors at OU. Finally, we work closely with the College of Arts and Sciences and Career Services to help our students plan for their future.

Wait, I can have a minor?

Yes! The minor in constitutional studies requires 15 credit hours in courses approved for the constitutional studies program. Students in the minor take courses in the following categories: Ancient Foundations of Law, Liberty, and Justice; The Philosophical Background of American Constitutionalism; The American Founding; and The Constitutional Legacy in Modern America.

What courses will I take?

Constitutional studies courses include:

  • Introduction to Constitutional Studies 
  • Law and Justice 
  • Debating Constitutional Controversies 
  • Famous Trials 
  • Gender and the Constitution

How can I get involved?

Check out these organizations that constitutional studies students can be a part of:

How can I study abroad?

The Department of Classics and Letters has several study abroad opportunities for students of the classics. In addition, OU has numerous study abroad opportunities for students of all majors. Whether you want to take electives, lower-division courses, or major requirements, be sure to check out what education abroad opportunities are available to you through the College of International Studies

What kind of career could I pursue?

  • Law
  • Non-Profit
  • Political Science
  • Education
  • Corporate
  • Government

Visit Department of Classics and Letters website to see where some of our recent alumni are now employed.

How much will I make?

Visit the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics website to explore the median pay for jobs you can pursue with this degree. 

Contact Us:

Dodge Family College of Arts and Sciences The University of Oklahoma

Department of Classics and Letters
Phone: (405) 325-6921
Email: classicsandletters@ou.edu
Website: cas.ou.edu