School of Government debuts undergraduate minor in fall 2026
The minor in law, government and public service meet students’ growing interest in these careers, says professor Bill Rivenbark.
As student interest in public service careers continues to grow at Carolina, the UNC 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 faculty members Dylan Russell, Chuck Szypszak, Jacqui Greene and Shea Denning — is open to students across all majors and disciplines, whether they are considering law school or 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, explains 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?
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 the University’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 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 (not temporary or special topics courses) 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 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 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.
