School of Government debuts new undergraduate minor in law, government, and public service
By Hattie Lecka
As student interest in public service careers continues to grow at UNC-Chapel Hill, the School of Government is responding with a new academic pathway designed to prepare undergraduates for the work ahead. Beginning in fall 2026, the Law, Government, and Public Service Minor will give students a rigorous, practice-grounded foundation in the legal frameworks and institutional structures that shape how government and nonprofit organizations serve the public.
The program—taught by School faculty Dylan Russell, Chuck Szypszak, Jacqui Greene, and Shea Denning — is open to students across all majors and disciplines, whether they are considering law school, careers in public administration, or simply want to better understand how government affects everyday life. Faculty member Bill Rivenbark, who helped lead the creation of the minor, answers questions below about what inspired it, how it is structured, and what it means for the next generation of public leaders.
What inspired the creation of the Law, Government, and Public Service Minor at this moment in time?
Our aim is to fill a gap among UNC’s current minors, which are not specifically focused on understanding and analyzing the laws and structures that support government and nonprofit organizations. At the same time, strong student demand is clear: each year, our undergraduate course in State and Local Governance maintains a waiting list, reflecting growing interest in public service careers. This minor gives students a deeper understanding of how government and public-serving institutions work and knowledge that is valuable across a wide range of careers.
How does this program reflect UNC’s broader mission of public service?
UNC’s mission is to serve as a leading global public research university, fostering a culture of excellence in teaching, research, and public service. This minor aligns directly with that mission by preparing students to engage thoughtfully and effectively in public service, while also supporting the School of Government’s goal of strengthening state and local government across North Carolina.
How would you describe this minor to students who may not have initially considered careers in government or public service?
This minor is designed not only for students interested in law school, graduate programs in public administration or public policy, or careers in public service, but also for those who are undecided. It’s intended to be versatile. It gives all students valuable insight into how government and nonprofit systems operate, and how these systems affect their communities and professional fields.
How is the minor structured, and how do the courses work together to shape the student learning experience?
The minor requires 15 credit hours of permanent-numbered undergraduate coursework. Students complete two core courses that establish the essential foundations of the program, then choose three electives—at least one of which must be coded “GOVT” in the course registration system—allowing them some flexibility to tailor the experience to their interests.
Students come away with an understanding of the basic sources and structures of law, from constitutional and statutory law to case law, and they learn how to craft, analyze, and evaluate legal arguments. The curriculum also helps students apply theories that explain how government and nonprofit organizations meet public needs and how they interact at the local, state, and national levels.
How do School of Government faculty bring real-world public service experience into the classroom?
Our faculty engages in practical scholarship that helps public officials and citizens understand and strengthen state and local government. They bring extensive practical experience to the classroom. They offer annual trainings, publish books and reports, and advise public officials throughout North Carolina. This allows them to teach both the theory and practice of public service, giving students insight into how government and nonprofit organizations operate in real-world contexts.
What impact do you hope this minor will have on the next generation of public leaders?
The minor is designed to help undergraduates develop the aims to prepare students with the core skills and knowledge needed to become future public service leaders. By developing their ability to analyze complex issues and understand how institutions operate, the program equips graduates to take on public-facing roles and contribute effectively to government and nonprofit organizations. We hope this minor prepares graduates to lead with a strong understanding of how to make a meaningful impact in their communities.
