While law schools do not require applicants to take specific courses, they do stress completion of courses that will enable you to understand those human institutions and values with which the study and practice of law are concerned. You should also acquire the ability to think logically and creatively and achieve clarity in oral and written communication.

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.

Along with a number of courses that specifically focus on the law, the Department of Political Science offers a broad array of classes on politics, political thought, international relations, and the different forms and functions of government. It also offers for-credit internships in professional legal environments, pre-law advising, and connections to a network of campus resources, for the prospective student of law.

Students in all majors who are considering law school should consult with the university’s pre-law advisor, under the Vice Provost for Undergraduate Studies in 215 Fairchild Hall, early in their undergraduate career. Additional information about pre-law can be found on the pre-law website.