There is no required “pre-law” major for admission to law school. The American Bar Association encourages students to pursue a challenging field of study while developing the research, writing, critical thinking, and analytical skills that law schools value.
The Schar School’s undergraduate majors, minors, and law-related courses provide an excellent foundation for aspiring lawyers. Through coursework in public law, constitutional law, public policy, and government, you’ll develop the research, writing, analytical, and communication skills that law schools value while exploring the legal, political, and policy issues that shape today’s world.
Undergraduate Degrees at the Schar School
The Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and International Politics offers a broad understanding of the legal, political, and governmental institutions that shape society. Students strengthen their analytical thinking, research, and persuasive communication skills while studying constitutional law, public policy, political institutions, and global affairs. Its flexibility allows students to tailor their coursework to their interests, making it one of the Schar School’s most popular pathways for students preparing for law school.
The Bachelor of Arts in International Security and Law is an excellent choice for students interested in national security, international law, diplomacy, human rights, and global affairs. Students examine how legal systems shape international relations while developing strong research, analytical, and writing skills. The program provides a solid foundation for law school and prepares students interested in careers involving international law, government, intelligence, and public service.
The Bachelor of Science in Public Administration prepares students to understand how laws and public policy are implemented and managed across government and nonprofit organizations. Through coursework in public management, budgeting, leadership, ethics, and policy analysis, students develop practical problem-solving, communication, and decision-making skills that are highly valued in law school. The program is especially well suited for students interested in public service, government, administrative law, and policy careers.
Legal Studies Minor
The legal studies minor focuses on the constitutional foundations, interpretation, processes, and functions of domestic and international law.
Concentration in Law, Philosophy, and Governance
The concentration in law, philosophy, and governance explores the basis for government and its foundational roots, and examines the logic, history, and means by which people create governments.
Law-Related Coursework
- GOVT 301: Public Law and the Judicial Process (the Pre-Law Learning Community section)
- GOVT 307: Legislative Behavior
- GOVT 414: Politics of Race and Gender
- GOVT 420: American Political Thought
- GOVT 422: Constitutional Interpretation
- GOVT 423: Constitutional Law: Civil Rights and Liberties
- GOVT 446: International Law and Organization
- GOVT 452: Administrative Law and Procedures
Questions? Meet with a Pre-Law Advisor.
Interested in law school? The Schar School pre-law team can help you explore legal careers, develop a competitive law school application, prepare for the LSAT, identify law-related opportunities, and navigate the law school admissions process.
Contact [email protected] for questions or to schedule an advising appointment.
Pre-law advising is separate from academic advising. Students should continue to work with their academic advisor on degree requirements, course registration, and graduation planning.
- Schar School students with academic advising questions can contact the Schar School Undergraduate Advising team at [email protected] or meet with their assigned undergraduate academic advisor.
- Students from other George Mason schools and colleges should contact their own academic advisor for degree planning and registration questions.