Political Science – Pre-Law Major (B.A.)
Program Overview
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 thoughts 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.
Admissions Information
Freshman/First-Year Admission
No requirement beyond University admission requirements.
Change of Program Policy
No selective or limited admission requirements.
External Transfer Admission
No requirement beyond University admission requirements.
Opportunities Upon Graduation
A legal education is valuable in a wide variety of careers. In addition to traditional lawyering–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. These include fields such as nonprofits, libraries, think tanks, and governmental agencies. Both legal and nonlegal opportunities open up due to the broad range of skills acquired through a major in political science–pre-law. These skills include those related to communication, critical and analytical thinking, research, and organization and management.
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