Political Science

students outside of Sherman Hall

Political Science Pre-Law Option

Why Study Pre-Law?

The Bachelor of Arts in Political Science Pre-Law option will help you explore a calling to the legal profession and prepare you for the intellectual rigors and moral complexities in the study and practice of law.

The Pre-Law options provides students with access to a variety of classes, resources, activities, and events that focus on preparation for a legal education, mastering the law school admissions process, and understanding various career paths in the legal profession.

Western’s 3+3 accelerated degree plan offers students majoring in political science the opportunity to begin law school at the University of Illinois Chicago School of Law after three full-time years in college.

Curriculum

The Political Science pre-law option gives students solid preparation in Constitutional law and the key institutions that adjudicate law, such as the Supreme Court. Western political science majors have been admitted to all the law schools in Illinois as well as other elite schools, such as Harvard, the University of Michigan, Stanford, and Georgetown. In a WIU political science class, you will:

  • Identify arguments, weigh evidence, and evaluate the larger significance of political science research
  • Use theory better to understand regularities observed in political phenomena
  • Assess the relative significance of particular events in an empirical sequence

View the catalog for details and course descriptions.

students in a class

Opportunities

WIU's opportunities outside of the classroom include:

  • An annual Pre-Law Symposium in which students may discuss law school admissions and legal careers with judges, practicing attorneys, and law school admissions counselors
  • Western participates in the Model Illinois Government Simulation held every year in Springfield, which includes a moot court competition, as well as legislative roles for students
  • The Model United Nations club simulates the UN General Assembly and its other multilateral bodies where students perform an ambassador role while debating global topics
  • Political Science student club host regular meetings to discuss politics in the news, arrange field trips, and other social events

Resources

The Law School Admissions Council (LSAC ) is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to advance law and justice by promoting access, equity, and fairness in law school admission and supporting the learning journey from prelaw through practice.

An integral part of law school admission, the LSAT is also the only test that helps prospective law students determine if law school is right for them.

Department of Political Science

Dr. Gregory Baldi, Chair
Office: Morgan Hall 422
Phone: (309) 298-1055
Email: G-Baldi@wiu.edu
Website: wiu.edu/politicalscience

Academic Advisor

Ellen Poulter
Office: Morgan Hall 436
Phone: (309) 298-1129
Email: E-Poulter@wiu.edu
Schedule an Appointment