The Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy offers a variety of programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Students are able to benefit from academic and experiential learning opportunities in the Capital Region and beyond to develop a strong foundation for careers in the public, non-profit and private sectors as well as careers in teaching and research.
Rockefeller College’s minor in Legal Studies is open to all students. The minor is designed to introduce students to the various roles law plays in society and to the interdisciplinary study of law. If you are interested in law-related topics and/or are considering going to law school, this minor would be a good primer.
The Legal Studies minor consists of a minimum of 18 credits. At least 15 of which must have law-related content, nine must be in coursework at or above the 300 level or courses requiring at least one prerequisite course, and at least 12 of which must come from courses with an RPOS prefix.
For majors other than Political Science, students must take a 100-level RPOS course (101, 102, or 103), plus 15 law-related credits, including RPOS 326.
For Political Science majors with concentrations other than Public Law, students must take an elective at any level with an RPOS prefix, plus 15-law related credits, including RPOS 326.
For more information, contact [email protected].
Rockefeller College offers numerous combined bachelor’s/master’s programs within the College, as well as with partnering institutions. Accepted students begin taking graduate coursework as an undergraduate and can earn an accelerated master’s degree. Take up to 12 graduate credits (typically four courses) during your senior year and count them toward both bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
In each section below, you can combine any bachelor’s program on the left with the master’s program on the right.
Bachelor’s | Master’s |
|---|---|
| Political Science | Political Science (MA) |
| Criminal Justice | None |
Bachelor’s | Master’s |
|---|---|
| Criminal Justice | Criminal Justice (MA) |
| Political Science | None |
Bachelor’s | Master’s |
|---|---|
| Political Science | International Affairs (MIA) |
| Public Policy | None |
| CEHC | None |
Bachelor’s | Master’s |
|---|---|
| Political Science | Public Administration (MPA) |
| Public Policy | None |
| Criminal Justice | None |
| Sociology | None |
| Economics | None |
| CEHC | None |
The combined program is highly competitive. In order for your application to be reviewed, you must have a cumulative grade point average of 3.2 or higher, have completed 56 total credits hours toward your BA, and have received a grade of B or higher in two quantitative courses (MPA & MIA). The best time to apply is during your junior year. The department accepts applications for both the fall and spring semesters.
Please contact Rockefeller's Director of Undergraduate Student Services Zakhar Berkovich ([email protected], Humanities B-16) to assess your eligibility for the program.
Note: GRE not required for admission
Rockefeller College offers combined BA/MPA/MIA programs with other institutions. These programs give outstanding undergraduate students the opportunity to join Rockefeller's nationally ranked MPA program before graduation.
Institution | Program |
| BA/MPA |
| BA/MPA |
| BA/MIA |
| BA/MPA |
| BA/MIA |
| BA/MPA, BA/MIA |
| BA/MPA |
| BA/MPA, BA/MIA |
| BA/MPA |