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Appalachian State University

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Political Science (BS) - Pre-Professional Legal Studies

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.

More Information

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

Career Exploration website

People

  • Alumna Profile: Courtney Bradway '15 '16
    Alumna Profile: Courtney Bradway '15 '16

    Courtney Bradway completed her bachelor’s degree in pre-legal studies and continued her education at Appalachian through the Accelerated Admissions Program. After moving to Washington, D.C., she held positions in three congressional offices and is now director of congressional liaison in the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Legislation at the Department of Health and Human Services.

    Meet more alumni and students

Courses

  • Program of Study
    Program of Study
  • Four Year Guide
    Four Year Guide
  • NCCC Transfer Four Year Guide
    NCCC Transfer Four Year Guide

Related Programs

  • Political Science (BA)
  • Political Science (BS) - American Politics
  • Political Science (BS) - International and Comparative Politics
  • Political Science (BS) - Public Administration

Minors

A minor is optional. Popular choices include:

  • Accounting
  • Philosophy
  • History
  • Communication

View all minors

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.

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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*

*The Hickory Campus location is pending accreditation from SACSCOC for this program. Accreditation is expected in summer 2023.

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

College of Arts and Sciences

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

  • Department of Government and Justice Studies

    Appalachian State University’s Department of Government and Justice Studies offers undergraduate programs in political science and criminal justice, and graduate programs in political science and public administration. Housed in the College of Arts and Sciences, the department has over 600 undergraduate majors and more than 70 graduate students. Learn more at gjs.appstate.edu

  • College of Arts and Sciences

    Appalachian’s Largest College

    The College of Arts and Sciences at Appalachian State University is home to 17 academic departments, two centers and one residential college spanning the humanities and the social, mathematical and natural sciences. The college is dedicated to providing instruction and research essential to the university's mission and seeks to cultivate the habits of inquiry, learning and service among all its constituents.

    By the Numbers

    • 1/3 of the degrees awarded at Appalachian
    • More than 70% of general education courses are taught in the college
    • 93 majors offered
    • 53 minors offered
    • 6,411 undergraduate majors
    • More than 460 full-time faculty members
    • 41,203 living alumni
    • $8,754,800 awarded to the college in external grants during the 2020–21 academic year
    • $236,914 awarded to students through 6 collegewide scholarships and 98 departmental scholarships for the 2020–21 academic year

    Graduate Programs

    Accelerated Master’s program opportunities are available in pursuing a master's degree in 12 selected areas: Appalachian Studies, Biology, Computer Science, Engineering Physics, English, Geography and Planning, History, Mathematics, Romance Languages (French/Spanish), Political Science, Psychology (Experimental Science) and Public Administration. Other master’s degrees, graduate certificates and specialist degrees are listed on Appalachian’s School of Graduate Studies website.

    Top Employment Sectors

    • Colleges, Universities and Professional Schools
    • Federal, State and Local Government
    • Justice, Public Order and Safety Activities
    • Computer Systems Design and Related Services
    • Legal Services
    • Health Care
    • Biotech/Engineering
    • Elementary and Secondary Schools
    • Nonprofit Organizations

Appalachian Cares

It's up to me|us

Appalachian Cares is a place to find resources and support available for our students faculty and staff regarding student health and safety.

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