Prelaw Studies
Grand Valley's approach to prelaw encourages students to pursue majors that will complement their law degree while providing the diverse intellectual foundation necessary for success in the field.
Students are admitted directly into this program.Program Overview
Formal prelaw advising is available to all students by professors Adrian Copeland, Mark Richards, and John Uglietta, who advise students on courses and majors, the law school application process, the LSAT, and legal careers.
Please visit gvsu.edu/prelaw for frequently asked questions and advisor contact information.
Why Study Prelaw at Grand Valley?
- Students choose majors that build upon their passions and strengths while developing the analytic, research and communication skills necessary for law school.
- The Legal Education Admissions Program (LEAP) enables students to earn a bachelor's degree from Grand Valley and a Juris Doctor from Michigan State University College of Law in about six years, saving a year of time and money.
- LEAP is open to business, legal studies, and political science majors who matriculate as first-year students at GVSU.
- Grand Valley's Law Society student organization allows students to network and learn about law school admissions.
- Three professors are designated prelaw advisors who are available for advising on all aspects of prelaw, including using college to best prepare for law school, and law school admissions.
Location & Format
Undergraduate students in this major study at the Grand Valley Allendale Campus.
- Face To Face
Coursework
Students should pursue courses to enhance writing and analytic skills, and also take several classes related to law.
Career Options
Prelaw students who complete a bachelor's degree and graduate from an accredited law school with a Juris Doctor (J.D.) become attorneys. Visit gvsu.edu/prelaw for more information.
Combined Degree Programs
Many GVSU undergraduate programs can be combined with an existing master’s degree program to save on tuition and get you into the workforce sooner. On average, you can save $8,500 by pursuing a combined degree and take up to four fewer courses than if earning the degrees separately.
Talk with an advisor about how you can build your combined degree from existing programs to further personalize your education and create your own niche area of expertise.
Admission Requirements
Visit the Admissions website for undergraduate requirements.
Helpful Links
For More Information
Prelaw Studies
gvsu.edu/prelaw
Adrian Copeland, J.D.
253C Richard M DeVos Center, (616)
331-7173
Mark Richards, Ph.D.
1106 Au Sable Hall, (616) 331-3457
John Uglietta, J.D., Ph.D.
B-3 209 Mackinac Hall, (616) 331-2846
"Small class sizes and a strong liberal arts curriculum make Grand Valley a great choice for a prelaw student. Taking writing-heavy and analytically-focused classes promotes skill development through in-depth constructive feedback and close attention from professors. Grand Valley's numerous opportunities to get involved and develop leadership on campus, engage in undergraduate research, and be meaningfully involved in the surrounding community are all things that help a student set him or herself apart in the law school admissions process beyond the numerical factors."
GVSU POLITICAL SCIENCE '16
THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN LAW SCHOOL ‘20