Pre-Law Options
For students who choose pre-law, a career in law is only one of many possibilities. While some go on to law school, others pursue advanced degrees in their field of study.
Whichever path they choose, our graduates enjoy a wide variety of careers not only in law, but also in business, government, and education. One of the reasons for this is that students in Washington State University's pre-law programs receive a broad liberal arts education geared specifically at developing:
- a critical understanding of the human institutions and values with which the law deals,
- strong oral and written communication skills, and
- creative power in thinking.
History
This option emphasizes the historical evolution of the law and the role of legal change in the formation of the social, political, and economic structure of the modern world. The student enrolled in this program will gain knowledge not only of legal institutions as they currently exist but of the ways in which they came to be as they are.
More Information
John E. Kicza, department co-chair
Wilson-Short Hall 301
509-335-5139
Department of History Web site
Philosophy
This option emphasizes reasoning, ethics, and political philosophy. The study of philosophy teaches one to think broadly, critically, and imaginatively in any area of inquiry that one pursues. It also teaches one to write with precision and clarity. In particular, the pre-law major in philosophy focuses on logic and ethics for developing the skills one needs to handle problems such as those found in the study and practice of law. Indeed, the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) is largely a test of the student's reasoning abilities, not of factual knowledge, and philosophy majors on the whole tend to outperform students from virtually all other majors. Thus philosophy in general and the pre-law option in particular are outstanding preparation for law school.
More Information
David Shier, department chair
Bryan Hall 316
509-335-8611
Department of Philosophy Web site
Political Science
The pre-law program in the Department of Political Science focuses on helping students understand how political and social forces shape and give meaning to American law and legal institutions. The goal of the program is to prepare students for the post-graduate study of law, providing them both specific skills and breadth of education. The approach is multidisciplinary and draws on courses not only in political science but also in English, economics, philosophy, sociology, history, and other disciplines. The core public law courses offered by faculty in political science include constitutional law, civil rights and civil liberties, courts and the judicial process, women and the law, and criminal law. The Department of Political Science houses the University's pre-law advising center and offers several undergraduate scholarships designated for its pre-law majors.
More Information
Cornell Clayton, professor
Johnson Tower 801
509-335-2544
Department of Political Science Web site
Current WSU Students
If your law school application requires a dean's statement or signature, please direct your request to:
Lucila Loera
Dean of Students
360 Lighty Student Services
PO Box 1066
Pullman, WA 99164-1066
509-335-5757
Life is good at WSU.
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A unique richness of students, faculty, location, activities, and organizations creates a full, lively student life at the University. This section gives you the insider's view on student life and a sampling of the opportunities here.
"Glimpses." Students talk about life at WSU
These brief posts are written by WSU students to give you a personal look through their window on campus life.