Political Science—Pre-Law Major (B.A.)

Major code BA4203

College of Arts and Sciences
Political Science
Bentley Annex 266
Phone: 740.593.4373
polsba@ohio.edu
www.ohio.edu/cas/political-science

Maria Fanis, contact person
fanis@ohio.edu

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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Requirements

Universitywide Graduation Requirements

Ohio University requires the completion of a minimum of 120 semester hours for the conferral of a bachelor’s degree. This program can be completed within that 120-hour requirement. For more information on the minimum hours requirement and other universitywide requirements, please review the Graduation Requirements – Universitywide page.

Liberal Arts and Sciences Distribution Requirement

View the College and Liberal Arts and Sciences Distribution Requirements .

Political Sciences Hours Requirement

Complete a total of 30 semester credit hours of POLS coursework, including all the requirements below.

Political Science: Introduction

Complete only one of the following courses:
(POLS 1600 is recommended)

POLS 1010 - Politics in the United States Credit Hours: 3
POLS 1500 - Themes in Global Politics Credit Hours: 3
POLS 1600 - Engaging Politics Credit Hours: 3

Foundations of Political Science: Part I

Complete the following course:

POLS 2200 - The Politics of Law Credit Hours: 3

Foundations of Political Science: Part II

Complete one of the following courses:

POLS 2300 - Democracies and Dictatorships Around the World Credit Hours: 3
POLS 2500 - International Relations Credit Hours: 3

Political Theory

Complete the following course:

POLS 2700 - Introduction to Political Theory Credit Hours: 3

Political Science Electives

Complete 18 hours of Political Science courses at the 3000 or 4000 level.

No more than six hours of the following courses may count: LPA 4120 , 4140 , 4680 , 4840 , 4890 , or 4900 .
No more than three hours of the following courses may count: POLS 4910 , 4911 , or 4961 .

Political Science Advanced Elective

As a part of the political science electives description listed immediately above, complete one of the following courses:

POLS 4010 - American Constitutional Law Credit Hours: 3
POLS 4015 - Constitutional Politics Credit Hours: 3
POLS 4040 - Civil Liberties Credit Hours: 3
POLS 4160 - Legislative Processes Credit Hours: 3
POLS 4210 - The Politics of Law and Sexuality Credit Hours: 3
POLS 4225 - Law and Colonialism Credit Hours: 3
POLS 4550 - International Law Credit Hours: 3
POLS 4555 - Transitional Justice Credit Hours: 3
POLS 4565 - International Human Rights Credit Hours: 3
POLS 4705 - The Politics of Rights Credit Hours: 3
POLS 4739 - Politics of Race Credit Hours: 3
POLS 4751 - Critical Race Theory Credit Hours: 3
POLS 4754 - Black Political Thought Credit Hours: 3
POLS 4902 - Special Topics in Law and Politics Credit Hours: 3
POLS 4932 - Independent Study in Law and Politics Credit Hours: 1 - 3
POLS 4942 - Research in Law and Politics Credit Hours: 1 - 3

Preparation for Law

The reading, writing, and critical thinking skills you acquire in completing the political science pre-law major provide solid preparation for your coursework in law school. You can also prepare for law school by being selective in completing your College of Arts & Sciences distribution requirements. Courses in History, Economics, and Philosophy can fill in gaps in your knowledge and provide additional skills. Following the track of courses in the theme, Making and Breaking the Law, will expose you to legal questions in other disciplines as you meet the College of Arts & Sciences distribution requirements.