Preparation for Law School

Law Schools do not require a specific undergraduate curriculum, and students can be admitted to law school after majoring in any subject.  Students, however, should take courses that emphasize reading, writing, and critical thinking.  Two departments offer programs to that end, and there are also other courses which students should consider taking.

In the Political Science Department, there are three courses offered every year that are specifically structured to prepare students for law school: Judicial Process (POLS 3301 ), Constitutional Law I (POLS 4301 ), and Constitutional Law II (POLS 4302 ).  These courses are suggested for students in any major, and they also comprise the courses necessary for completing the “Law Concentration” for those earning a B.A. or B.S. in Political Science.  They are taught by Thomas Hunter, who is recognized by the Law School Admissions Council as the “Pre-Law Advisor” for the University of West Georgia.  He also serves as the Faculty Advisor to the Political Science Pre-Law Society.

The Philosophy Program offers a Law and Justice Track, which follows the basic requirements for a B.A. degree in Philosophy with some modifications.  Program requirements include the following courses: Critical Thinking (PHIL 2020 ), Modern Philosophy (PHIL 3110 ), Philosophy of Law (PHIL 4110 ), Political Philosophy (PHIL 4115 ), and Professional Ethics (PHIL 4120 ).  The advisor for this program is Walter Riker.  The Philosophy Program also offers Symbolic Logic (PHIL 4160 ), which is strongly encouraged for those taking the LSAT.

Besides those courses listed above, other courses that discuss the legal system, or involve skills needed for law school, include: Legal and Ethical Environment of Business (BUSA 2106 ), Business Law (MGNMGNT 3602 ), International Business Law (MGNT 3625 ), Employment Law (MGNT 4640 ), Principles of Accounting I (ACCT 2101 ), Principles of Macroeconomics (ECON 2105 ), Creative Writing (ENGL 3200 ), and Advanced Composition: Creative Nonfiction (ENGL 3400 ).