College of Arts and Sciences
Political Science
Pre-Law
Gain a foundation in political science while preparing for law school. Learn about the U.S. legal system, international law, and political structures around the world.
Program details
- Degree
- Bachelor of Arts
- Duration
- 4 years
- Credits
- 120
- Median annual salary for political scientists:
- $142,080 Median annual salary for political scientists. View career outcomes.
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Why study political science pre-law at UMass Dartmouth?
UMass Dartmouth's political science pre-law program teaches students to think critically about politics both in the U.S. and around the world. Our pre-law concentration not only prepares you to practice law, but also for rewarding careers in advocacy, business, and education.
In a rapidly changing global political landscape, understanding the science behind politics is a skill valued across many fields. The ability to think critically, create strong arguments, and communicate your ideas is advantageous within political and legal careers.
Our political science degree gives students a strong foundation in politics and political structures, while the pre-law concentration introduces students to legal concepts further explored in law school.
Launch your career
Salary range: $142,080What can I do with a political science pre-law degree?
Government agencies, businesses, law firms, and advocacy organizations need political science researchers who understand the intricacies of law. Political science pre-law graduates are in demand for careers such as:
- Political scientists
- Lawyers
- Policy analysts
- Campaign managers
- Compliance and risk analysts
- Public administrators
- Government relations specialists
- Political journalists
- Legislative assistants
Top employers
Curriculum
As a political science pre-law major, your courses will focus on the U.S. legal system, the U.S. political system, international law and courts, and the international political system. You will learn the skills to:
- Conduct comparative political analysis
- Understand both U.S. and international political structures
- Discover the impact of factors such as employment, environment, and gender on politics
- Develop advanced critical thinking and analytical skills
- Effectively write, communicate, and advocate
You'll take courses on civil liberties, Massachusetts politics, law and courts in film, the presidency, and more.
Real-world experience
At UMass Dartmouth, all political science pre-law students partake in an internship. You will gain valuable experience at an off-campus internship in government, politics, public policy, and/or law.
Student spotlight
- Hometown
- Lynn, MA
- Major
- Political Science (pre-law concentration)
- Minor
- Black Studies, Legal Studies
- Leadership
- SGA (President), Chance for Change (Founder), Black Student Union
- Internship
- UMass President's Office, Sen. Warren's Office
Online or on-campus: your choice
Political science is also offered online
Build your future in politics, government, law, and beyond 100% online. Earn your political science degree with flexible coursework and choose from the general curriculum or a pre-law concentration.
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Accolades
UMass Dartmouth is a nationally ranked R2 research university that combines the resources of a major university with a personalized educational experience. Ranked among the top 15 public research institutions with fewer than 10,000 students and in the top 17% nationally for return on investment, UMass Dartmouth is recognized for advancing research, social mobility, and career-ready education.
Nationally Ranked Discovery Across Arts and Sciences
The College of Arts and Sciences brings together nationally ranked programs, accomplished scholars, and research with measurable impact. Its faculty includes eight Fulbright Scholars and has secured more than $14 million in grants over three years, creating opportunities for students to learn through research, creative inquiry, and community engagement.
Frequently asked questions
Have questions about the Political Science—Pre-Law BA program? Here you will find answers to common questions about admissions, curriculum, career outcomes, and student experience.
No, adding the pre-law concentration to your political science degree does not add more work or more credits. You will take the same number of credits as other political science majors, but the structure of those credits is slightly different. Students selecting the pre-law concentration must take seven specialized courses, including courses focused on:
- The U.S. legal system
- Courts in relationship to other aspects of the U.S. political system or that discuss law and the courts in other countries or the international political system
- An internship in a law related field OR an additional course in international relations or comparative politics
The pre-law concentration prepares students for law school by developing your analytical, logical, and creative-thinking skills to create a solid foundation for future study of law.
Students in the pre-law concentration take courses focused on law and court systems, both internationally and in the U.S.
There are many clubs and organizations available for political science pre-law students to practice their skills, including:
- Model U.N.
- Student government
- Pi Sigma Alpha
- UMass Law events
While the pre-law concentration includes courses that focus on laws and court systems, the international politics concentration focuses on international politics. International politics students study both politics within other countries and politics among countries while developing skills in foreign languages and international economics.
Yes, your transcripts will denote your pre-law concentration, which is a great way to signify your intention to pursue law school or a career in law.