Pre-Law Studies
General InformationAlexis DeTocqueville wrote: ". . . no one should imagine that in the United States a legalistic spirit is strictly confined to the precincts of the courts; it extends far beyond them . . . There is hardly a political question in the United States which does not sooner or later turn into a judicial one." Lawyers have long been central figures in American life. Indeed, it is hard to imagine any modern democratic system that does not depend for its social and political stability on law and lawyers.
Because the study and practice of law is so diverse, it is difficult to specify any single undergraduate program. The Law School Admission Council notes that law schools prefer "students who can think, read, and write well, and who have some understanding of what shapes human experience." There are many majors that offer such an education. Students should select a traditional major in the social sciences, humanities, or sciences that is challenging and demands research and writing skills. In general, law schools prefer that formal legal studies be reserved for law school.
Pre-law students at York College often major in philosophy, political science, history, business/management, psychology, English, sociology, and related fields; although any major with a judicious selection of electives can prepare a student for success in law school.
Objectives
Since there is no specific Pre-Law major, students should select any major which emphasizes writing, research, and analysis. Students should select courses that offer an understanding of the political, social, and economic worlds along with the behavior and roles of individuals within these contexts. The ethical and philosophical dimensions of a field of study should not be ignored.
Students who work with a Pre-Law advisor will be exposed to the nature of a legal career and will be counseled on the components of selecting and applying to a suitable law school.
Special Opportunities
Pre-Law students at York College have a variety of special opportunities relevant to a legal career. These include internships with local law firms and government agencies, opportunities for independent study, and study abroad.
Special Facilities
York College maintains a Pre-Law resource center in the Office of Career Services as well as legal materials in the library. The Internet offers access to a wide range of resources suitable for legal studies.
Career Opportunities
Lawyer
- Administrative Law
- Civil Law
- Constitutional Law
- Corporate Law
- Criminal Law
- Environmental Law
- Family Law
- International Law
- Labor Law
- Maritime Law
- Media Law
- Securities Law
- Tax Law
- Banking
- Brokerage
- Business
- Consulting
- Contract Specialist
- Corrections
- Finance
- Insurance
- Law Enforcement
- Lobbying
- Management
- Mediation
- Negotiation
- Politics
- Public Administration
- Real Estate
- Teaching
Students should select a diverse range of courses and electives in conjunction with a major advisor and a pre-law advisor. Courses typically recommended include the following:
- American Government
- Constitutional Law
- Philosophy of Law
- Political Theory
- Business Law
- Critical Thinking
- Logic
- Accounting
- Communication
- Criminal Justice
York College has established a Pre-Law Advisor Committee. The group meets regularly and participates in NAPLA (The Northeast Association of Pre-Law Advisors).
Beverly Evans, M.Ed., Asst. Dean of Student Affairs for Career Development and Campus Activities
Mel Kulbicki, Ph.D. Professor of Political Science
Sidney Sappington, J.D., Associate Professor of Management
Kwasi Sarfo, J.D., Ph.D. Associate Professor of International Studies
Dennis Weiss, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Philosophy
