About
The Political Science (BS) - Pre-Professional Legal Studies degree is designed to introduce students to the law school curriculum and prepare them for law school admissions. Students take courses in political science, criminal justice, law, communications, statistics, English and philosophy.
The coursework will help you develop strong critical thinking skills while learning about multiple aspects of the legal system, law, writing, logic and research, and prepare you for the Law School Admission Test (LSAT). The average LSAT exam score for Appalachian pre-law students has been 158 for the past three years.
Appalachian pre-law students are eligible for Appalachian’s accelerated Masters of Arts in Political Science, which can offer a leg up in law school applications.
After Graduation
Law School: Most students continue their education through law school. Others have gone on to graduate school or work for non-profit organizations and law firms practicing various types of law.
Law schools include:
- American University
- Appalachian State University
- Campbell University
- Duke University
- Elon School of Law
- New York University
- N.C. State University
- Rutgers University
- University of Georgia
- University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill
- University of Southern California
- University of North Carolina-Charlotte
- Washington University
People
Related Programs
Minors
A minor is optional. Popular choices include:
Engagement Outside the Classroom
Pi Alpha Delta - Appalachian’s chapter of the international law fraternity through which pre-law students can meet and network with their peers and faculty.
American Correctional Association - The Appalachian Students Chapter of the American Correctional Association works to educate the community about the justice system.
Global Learning
Appalachian is committed to introducing students to different cultures and teaching them how to live and interact in a global society. In this major, past faculty-led study abroad locations included Cuba and Eastern Europe.
Admission Requirements
There are no admission requirements beyond admission to Appalachian State University.
Why Appalachian?
- You will have the opportunity to take classes with faculty in the Department of Government and Justice Studies, who have expertise in pre-professional legal studies, American politics, criminal justice and public administration.
- Students are prepared for the LSAT and law school admissions, through a diverse range of required courses and electives.
- Scholarships are available through the department.
- Internships with law firms and legal organizations at the state and local level are encouraged so students can gain practical and real-world legal experience. Students can earn up to 9 credit hours completing an internship.
- Students with a 3.4 GPA or higher have the opportunity to participate in Appalachian’s Accelerated Master’s Program.
- The department offers a variety of study-away courses that allow students to earn course credits while engaging in real-world politics. Recent study-away destinations include Raleigh, N.C., Washington, D.C., the Iowa caucuses, Cuba and Jordan.
Location
Boone and Hickory
Careers
- Attorney
- Congressional Aide
- Consumer Advocate
- Environmental Policy Analyst
- FBI/CIA Agent
- Law Enforcement Officer
- Legal Assistant
- Legislative Analyst
- Lobbyist
- Paralegal
View more career possibilities
Contacts
Department of Government and Justice Studies
Dr. Cathy Marcum
Department Chair
828-262-3075
marcumcm@appstate.edu
Dr. Heather Ondercin
Political Science Curriculum Coordinator
828-262-6349
ondercinhl@appstate.edu