Program Description
As a law and economics major at CMU, you’ll learn to think critically about complicated situations and evaluate how others are likely to react. You’ll learn to recognize potential legal problems and anticipate consequences. Whether you’re preparing for a future in law or looking to put a legal emphasis on another career, this major can give you the push you need.
Points of Pride
- CMU has the only program in Michigan, and one of only a few in the United States, that combines economics and law in one major.
- You can gain real-life experience through an internship with organizations such as General Dynamics, the Michigan Legislature and Michigan’s 32nd District Court.
Put Your Degree to Work
The Law and Economics major fosters a strong analytical background that fits occupations such as business consulting, legal services, health care, labor negotiations, human resource management and financial services. The study of law and economics also is an excellent foundation for graduate studies in fields such as law, international affairs, business, public administration and education.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics sample data
| Job | Median Pay | Job Growth through 2022 |
|---|
| Political Scientist | $102,000 per year | 21% (1,400 more jobs) |
| Economist | $91,860 per year | 14% (2,300 more jobs) |
| Legal Assistant | $46,990 per year | 17% (46,200 more jobs) |
Program Overview
The course listings below are a representation of what this academic program requires. For a full review of this program in detail please see our official online academic bulletin AND consult with an academic advisor. This listing does not include the General Education courses required for all majors and may not include some program specific information, such as admissions, retention, and termination standards.
(Click on the course name or number for a complete course description.)
Law and Economics Major
Total: 33 semester hours
Additional Common Body of Knowledge in Business Administration Courses
(9 hours)
BUS 100
Essential Business Skills
3
Introduces students to the concept of a business, its disciplines, and essential business skills including decision making, team work, and oral and written communication. This course is approved for offering in a distance learning format.
BUS 300QR
Applied Business Statistics
3
Applications of statistical analysis to support business decision making. Covers collection of business data, analysis of business datasets, and presentation of results. Quantitative Reasoning. Prerequisites: STA 282 or 382; 26 hours completed.
MGT 499
Integrated Capstone-Strategic Management
3
An integrative capstone course applying and analyzing financial, marketing, supply chain and other business functions within a global strategic management perspective. Prerequisites: 86 semester hours completed; BUS 300, 301; MGT/MKT 303; FIN 302; MKT 304; Tier 2 Admission to Professional Business Studies. Preference given to graduating seniors.
Required Courses
(9 hours)
BLR 302
Law of Agreements
3
Topics include common law contracts, sales, commercial paper, secured transactions. Special emphasis upon the economic setting and modern development of the legal doctrines. Prerequisites: BLR 202 or BLR 235; 56 semester hours.
BLR 350/ECO 350
Law and Economics
3
Theory and application of analytical tools of law and of economics in an integrative approach to both subjects. Identical to ECO 350. Credit may not be earned in more than one of these courses. Prerequisites: BLR 202 or 235, ECO 202 or 203.
ECO 365
Intermediate Microeconomic Theory
3
An intensive treatment of the theories of supply and demand, consumer and producer behavior, market structure, and other micro theories and issues. Prerequisite: ECO 202 or 203.
Electives
(15 hours)
Note: BLR 410 may be given credit as a 300-level or above Economics elective, or as a 300-level or above BLR elective, but not both.
EL1-LAW ECO
Electives I
(9 hours)
EL2-LAW ECO
Electives II
(6 hours)
