College of Arts and Sciences
Department of Political Science
www.kent.edu/polisci

Contact Information

• Program Coordinator: Christopher Banks | cbanks6@kent.edu | 330-672-0908
• Speak with an Advisor
  • Kent Campus
  • Stark Campus

Fully Offered

• Delivery:
  • In person
• Location:
  • Kent Campus
  • Stark Campus

Description

The Pre-Law minor provides a background for the study of law through challenging coursework that reinforces and extends the liberal arts foundation gained through the Kent Core. It prepares students for advanced analytical and writing dexterity, and introduces them to the social and governmental structures that underlie the law.

No specific course of study is required for admission to law school. Most law schools, including all in Ohio, require a bachelor’s degree for admission. The bachelor’s degree may be from any discipline or college at Kent State University.

Law schools emphasize the value of reading comprehension, analytical skills and a good command of written English. While these skills can be obtained in various ways, a general liberal arts background is recommended. Courses in English literature, American history and government are considered essential. Many pre-law students choose a major in political science, history, sociology, psychology, economics or English. A Bachelor of Integrative Studies degree is suitable if carefully planned.

Students considering law as a career should seek individual advising from the pre-law advisors in the Department of Political Science or in the students’ major department. A list of pre-law advisors is available in the college office. Consultation with a pre-law advisor is urged, regardless of the students’ major, minor or college. The Department of Political Science can also supply information on LSAT registration, pre-law planning guides, information on law school admissions and financial aid information. The department sponsors a pre-law club. Opportunities also exist for students to participate in mock trial and moot court activities as well as legal internships.

Admission Requirements

Admission to a minor is open to students declared in a bachelor’s degree, the A.A.B. or A.A.S. degree or the A.T.S. degree (not Individualized Program major). Students declared only in the A.A. or A.S. degree or the A.T.S. degree in Individualized Program may not declare a minor. Students may not pursue a minor and a major in the same discipline.

Program Requirements

Minor Requirements

Graduation Requirements

• Students must complete at least two upper-division (30000 or 40000 level) courses in the minor at Kent State on a graded basis (A-F).
• Maximum three courses counted toward the students’ major may be counted toward the pre-law minor.

• Minimum 6 credit hours in the minor must be upper-division coursework (30000 and 40000 level).
• Minimum 6 credit hours in the minor must be outside of the course requirements for any major or other minor the student is pursuing.
• Minimum 50 percent of the total credit hours for the minor must be taken at Kent State (in residence).