Program Description
The Pre-Law concentration of the Bachelor of Arts in Political Science is designed for students who plan to go on to law school or pursue other graduate studies. The program hones students' analytical reading, writing and critical thinking skills as well as their ability to make a persuasive argument.
Delivery Mode
Traditional (on campus)
Curriculum
The following eight-semester schedule of courses provides a recommended framework for completing this program of study in four years.
| Course | Credits |
| Freshman Year | |
| First-Semester | 16 |
| ENG 101 English Composition I | 3 |
| POS 100 Introduction to Political Science | 3 |
| UNI 100 First-Year Seminar | 1 |
| General Education Courses | 9 |
| Second Semester | 15 |
| ENG 102 English Composition II OR ENG 211 Business Writing I OR ENG 217 Scientific and Technical Writing I OR HON 250 Honors Composition II | 3 |
| POS 105 American Politics | 3 |
| General Education Courses | 9 |
| Sophomore Year | |
| Third Semester | 15 |
| PHI 115 Logic and Language OR PHI 211 Formal Logic | 3 |
| Political Science Elective | 3 |
| General Education Courses |
9 |
| Fourth Semester | 15 |
| CDC 201 Argumentation and Advocacy OR CDC 302 Persuasion |
3 |
| Political Science Elective | 3 |
| General Education Courses |
6 |
| Minor OR Elective Course | 3 |
| Junior Year | |
| Fifth Semester | 15 |
| POS 301 Research Methods in Political Science |
3 |
| HIS 435 History of Law OR HIS 322 History of Religious Persecution in the U.S. | 3 |
| Minor OR Elective Courses | 9 |
| Sixth Semester | 15 |
| Political Science Electives |
6 |
| Minor OR Elective Courses |
9 |
| Senior Year | |
| Seventh Semester | 15 |
| Political Science Electives | 6 |
| Minor OR Elective Courses | 9 |
| Eighth Semester | 15 |
| POS 450 Seminar in American Politics | 3 |
| Political Science Elective | 3 |
| Minor OR Elective Courses | 9 |
| Total | 120 |
Program Requirements
Required Major Courses (12 credits)
- POS 100 Introduction to Political Science
- POS 105 American Politics
- POS 301 Research Methods in Political Science
- POS 450 Seminar in Politics
Required Related Courses (30 credits)
- CDC 201 Argumentation and Advocacy OR CDC 302 Persuasion
- HIS 435 History of Law OR HIS 322 History of Religious Persecution
- PHI 115 Logic and Language OR PHI 211 Formal Logic
- POS 316 Judicial Policy OR LAW 370 Administrative Law
- POS 327 Contemporary Political Thought OR POS 330 American Political Ideas
- Political Science Elective
Select one from each list (12 credits total):
- U.S. Constitution: POS 314, POS 315, HIS 308
- Political Theory: POS 327, 330, 347, 348
- International Politics: POS 307, 312, 320, 346
- U.S. Government: POS 300, 306, 310, 318
Program Webpage
https://www.calu.edu/academics/undergraduate/bachelors/pre-law/index.aspx