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 legal 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 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.

The Pre-Law Curriculum

Pre-law majors, like all Political Science majors, are required to take introductory courses in American politics, world politics and political theory. Following the initial phase, students may select from a variety of Political Science tracks including Public Law, International Relations, Comparative Politics, Political Theory, American Government, Identity Politics and Social Movements, and Public Administration. In recognition of the fact that law school admission committees like to see students with a broad liberal arts education, high grades, and a variety of activities and experiences, we encourage our students to explore the full array of opportunities at Ohio University. As such, we have tried to maximize your autonomy by keeping the number of required courses as low as possible while suggesting that you consider the following courses offered by the department: 

The Politics of Law

American Constitutional Law 

International Law

Legal Theory and Social Problems

Legal Research and Writing 

Civil Liberties 

Criminal Procedure 

Public Dispute Resolution

Great Jurists 

 

Program requirements are subject to change. The information provided here may not apply to some students. Please consult your catalog and DARS report.