Pre-Law Information

Pre-Law student sitting at a table in the Political Science library

This pre-law guide prepared by the Department of Political Science at Western Michigan University is designed to help you with initial advising and access to resources.

Advising

Students who plan to apply to law school should consult with one of the pre-law advisors in the College of Arts and Sciences Advising Office:

Resources

A Juris Doctor (J.D.) is useful for a career as a lawyer, but it is also a useful degree for careers in business, communications, politics, academia and non-practitioner jobs within the profession including the extensive legal products and services industry.

Though no particular college major is required, some majors prepare you for law school better than others. For example, the public law major prepares students for a career in law. The general political science major, as well as the department's concentrations in public policy and international relations/comparative politics also provide appropriate undergraduate education for law school-bound students.

Determine whether law school is right for you

  • Talk to lawyers, both practicing and non-practicing.Pre-Law student
  • Sign up for PSCI 3200 which overviews the legal system, as well as the practice of law.
  • Volunteer in a legal services program; do a legislative internship or an internship in a law firm (check with your political science or Haworth College of Business advisor).
  • Join the Mock Trial team. Get involved in the student-run Pre-Law Society.
  • Read the publications on the suggested reading list.