PRE-LAW

DEGREE: B.A.

The pre-law concentration in the Department of Government, Policy, and Law (GOVT) is intended for GOVT majors who are interested in (1) the formal study of law; (2) how law intersects with politics; (3) attending law school or a law-related graduate program; or (4) pursuing a career in law or a law-related field. (Non-GOVT majors with similar interests may pursue the pre-law minor, also offered by the department.)

There is no single path to prepare students for a legal education or career in law or a law-related field. Nevertheless, the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in GOVT with a concentration in pre-law firmly positions students to do so.

WHY STUDY THIS PROGRAM?

Experienced Faculty: GOVT pre-law faculty have several decades of combined teaching experience in both American and international law. They are also nationally and internationally recognized scholars within their legal subfields and are active within their respective professional communities. GOVT pre-law faculty therefore bring to the classroom a deep understanding of the law along with the latest insights from the discipline.

Personalized Support and Opportunities for Professional Development: GOVT pre-law faculty provide one-on-one mentoring to students as they progress through their studies and prepare their applications to law and graduate schools. The program places a high priority on determining the optimal postgraduate plan based on students’ individual interests and needs. Millersville University’s ideal location within the law school-rich Northeast corridor also attracts law school representatives to visit campus each year to recruit and interview applicants, while students can also easily visit potential universities. Additional curricular opportunities include for-credit internships and a senior thesis. Throughout the academic year, GOVT organizes professional development talks with representatives of the public and private sectors, including successful program alumni.

A Track Record of Success: GOVT students have been accepted by some of the top law school programs in the country, as well as by many others with strong regional reputations. These include Catholic University, Cornell University, Drexel University, Georgetown University, Harvard University, Pennsylvania State University, Temple University, Texas A&M University, the University of Delaware, the University of Louisville, the University of Pennsylvania, and William & Mary. Many alumni are now employed in private practice at local through international law firms; in local, state and federal government; and with public-interest groups.

Strong Emphasis on Core Skills: The core skills, knowledge and experience acquirable in the pre-law concentration—critical reading, persuasive writing, effective verbal communication, successful research methods, problem-solving, background information, and exposure to the law—will provide a sound foundation for law school, law-related careers and a variety of other professions. The ability to demonstrate analytical and problem-solving skills; —to interpret and examine written texts critically; —to develop written and spoken arguments clearly, effectively and persuasively; —and to define and apply fundamental aspects of U.S. and international legal systems will serve any student well for decades to come.