B.A.,
Political Science,
Pre-Law Track
College of Humanities and Social Sciences
What You'll Do
Students who want to prepare their minds for the rigors of law school find that studying political science gives them an excellent academic foundation. As a Political Science major pursuing the Pre-Law track at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, you’ll take classes in several areas that have traditionally been helpful to prospective law school students. You’ll also take classes that will prepare you for a career in government.
You’ll choose your courses from several areas, including American Studies, Political Theory, Public Policy and Administration, International Studies, and General Political Science. Although an internship is not required for this degree, it can be incorporated and often expands job opportunities for those who decide to begin their careers after graduation from IUP.
The Pre-Law track offers some flexibility, giving you course options that cover the disciplines of business, criminology, economics, English, history, and philosophy. You’ll develop the skills and knowledge you’ll need to prepare for the law school admissions examination.
What You'll Become
The Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science achieved in pursuit of the Pre-Law track prepares you for law school or employment opportunities in federal, state, and local governments and with private civic groups, interest groups, and political groups. Students graduating with an IUP degree in Political Science have also pursued jobs in business and industry. Some follow attainment of a bachelor’s degree with graduate school.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there will be increased employment growth in federal jobs related to border and transportation security, emergency preparedness, public health, and information analysis. Growth is not anticipated in all government job sectors.
Although the job market for lawyers is highly competitive, the Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that salaried jobs can be found in government, corporations, utility companies, real estate agencies, banks, or nonprofit organizations. Some lawyers are self-employed in law firms.
