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Bachelor of Arts in CLEG

(Communications, Legal Institutions, Economics & Government)
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SPA’s interdisciplinary BA in CLEG (Communications, Legal Institutions, Economics & Government) is designed for students who want the broad background critical for effective public affairs decision making and the practical training necessary to address social problems as public issues. Read on to find out if this undergraduate major can help you work towards your career goals.

Admissions

New first-year and transfer students are admitted through the university's Admissions Office. For additional information regarding American University's undergraduate admissions requirements and application process, please visit american.edu/admissions.

Curriculum

Read our complete overview of course requirements and curriculum.

Sample Courses

This course explores the intersection between communication, legal institutions, economics, and government. It focuses on the federal system, the powers of government and courts, how economic actors influence government and how government uses economic incentives, and the communication methods that actors use to create change in America.

Designed to familiarize students with the structure and operation of the American system of justice and compare it to other systems in developed and developing nations. Students are exposed to critical issues in justice, involved in discussions of their impact on American society, and asked to consider alternative solutions these issues.

Introduction to the basic principles of aggregate economic analysis. Includes measurement and determinants of national income, unemployment, inflation, economic growth, and business cycles. Topics also include historical perspectives, alternative approaches to economics, and current issues and controversies.

Study of major philosophical concepts that shaped government in the United States combined with an analysis of contemporary political institutions and behavior, focusing on the American governmental system.

Study Abroad Opportunities

  • Students may study abroad between their secondsemester of sophomore year through their senior year.
  • Some popular study abroad destinations are: Australia, Belgium, China, Denmark, England, Ireland, Italy, New Zealand, Scotland.
  • Students must complete at least 30 credit hours at AUbefore registering an internship for credit.
  • It is strongly recommended that students complete themajority of their university requirements beforestudying abroad.

Internship Opportunities

  • Students can earn up to 12 credits from internships toward their degree.
  • Students can apply a maximum of 6 credit hours to their major requirements.
  • Students must complete at least 30 credit hours at AU before registering an internship for credit
  • Sample internships include: Brookings Institution, Center for Education Reform, Human Rights Campaign, The White House

Scholarly Research Opportunities

  • Take a Research Methods course based on your interests - Justice or Political Science.
  • Students learn research design, quantitative analysis, and how to apply analytical and statistical techniques to contemporary problems.
  • Students have opportunities to work with faculty mentors and their original research projects.
  • Students will present their original research through research symposiums on campus or at national conferences.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, students will be able to: 

1. Demonstrate interdisciplinary knowledge and understanding of key theories, concepts, and issues surrounding the study of political institutions and processes from the four foci of the major: Communications, Law, Economics, and Government.

2. Demonstrate critical thinking, written and oral communication skills.

3. Demonstrate competence in analyzing, interpreting, and evaluating social science research.

4. Apply the knowledge and skills acquired in the major to the practice of actual politics and policy-making.

We Know Success

% of Graduates Participated in an Internship