The pre-law emphasis in legal studies is designed for students interested in law school or graduate school. As students search for ways to better prepare themselves for the rigors of further education, the pre-law track provides multiple levels of legal drafting, preparation in the area of legal research, and a broad view of various substantive and philosophical areas of law. This provides students with a good foundation in critical thinking and practical skills necessary for aspiring lawyers or legal scholars.
The Legal Studies Pre-Law BA is a participant in the USM Accelerated Law School Pathway.
The USM Accelerated Law School Pathway provides a plan for high-ability undergraduate students in participating degree programs to earn both the bachelor’s degree and the Juris Doctorate in six years of study.
Accelerated Law School Pathway Requirements
Students will complete 87 hours and all USM requirements for award of a bachelor’s degree in Legal Studies by the end of their Junior year and prior to matriculation into law school. The capstone class, LGL 490, must be taken in the second semester of the Junior year. Students must maintain a 3.25 GPA at all times to remain active in the Pathway.
Students will then earn 30 hours of credit towards their Political Science degree via their law school coursework. Specifically, 12 hours of law school credits will satisfy major electives in the legal studies major. In addition, the minor requirement (18 hours) will be waived. In all cases, these requirements will be satisfied via reverse transfer of law school credit hours after successful completion of the first year of law school.
Students participating in this pathway should consult the Accelerated Law School Pathway.
Pre-Law Legal Studies BA Degree Requirements (120 hours)
Pre-Law Legal Studies BA Semester Guide
Availability: Hattiesburg Campus
Admission Requirements:
Program Academic Policies and Requirements:
- See University Academic Policies and Requirements
- All students majoring in legal studies must maintain an overall GPA of 2.5 after 30 hours of coursework at The University of Southern Mississippi
- Any students transferring to the legal studies program must attain a GPA of 2.25 prior to transferring.
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