Pre-Law Studies
Pre-Law Studies
Political Science has a well deserved reputation as the preeminent field of study for students considering legal education. The emphasis on understanding the nature and role of law in our public lives, on critical thinking about political issues and institutions, and on learning to express our thought clearly on these matters, make a degree in Political Science an excellent gateway to the study of law. Whether your career goals are in public leadership, litigation, law enforcement, private practice, or even if you are not really sure what they are, we invite you to consider our program as a place to work and learn.
Along with a number of courses that specifically focus on the law, the Department of Political Science offers a broad array of related classes on politics and the different forms and functions of government. It also offers extensive for credit internships in professional lega environments, pre-law advising, a thriving majors association and connections to a network of campus resources, for the prospective student of law. With a total faculty of more than twenty and more than a half dozen professors involved in studying and teaching about different aspects of our legal environment, we have the resources to help you get what you need.
Careers
A legal education is valuable in a wide variety of careers. In addition to traditional law (serving as a prosecutor or dealing with individual and private sector clients) attorneys work as legislative aides, political activists, business executives, reporters, political appointees, educators, policy analysts, and public officials. Anyone considering law school will want to explore the full range of careers open to those qualified to practice law.
The Pre-Law Curriculum
- A minimum of 30 hours in Political Science course work
- No more than one course at the l000 level (POLS 1600-Introduction to Politics recommend for majors) (3 hours)
- POLS 2700-Political Theory (3 hours)
- POLS 2200-The Politics of Law (3 hours)
- Either POLS 2300-Comparative Politics or POLS 2500 International Relations (3 hours)
- Minimum of 18 hours of 3000/4000 level - one of six course courses must be be: POLS 4010, 4015, 4040, 4210, 4550, 4555, 4902, 4932 or 4942
- No more than 3 hours of POLS 4910, 4911, or 4961 to course for Political Science major
- No more than 6 hours of POLS 4900, 4901, 4902, 4903, 4904, 4905, 4941, 4942, 4943, 4943, 4945, 4931, 4933,4934 or 4935 will course for Political Science major
