Prelaw Studies
Undergraduate Major
Allendale • Face to face • 120 Credits
Prelaw is an academic track that equips students with the foundational knowledge and skills needed to succeed in law school and build successful careers as lawyers.
Overview
Law schools accept students with a wide range of majors, so GVSU prelaw students choose majors that align with their passions and strengths while honing the analytical, research, and communication skills essential for law school.
Foundational coursework is rooted in law, criminal justice, and political science. You will take one or more courses directly related to law, like the law-related courses in business, history, legal studies, and philosophy. You will take courses and electives across disciplines and have the opportunity to join the Legal Education Admission Program (LEAP) to earn both a bachelor's degree and a Juris Doctorate in about six years.
Open to business, legal studies, and political science majors who start as first-year students at GVSU, LEAP provides an opportunity for these undergraduate students to earn both a GVSU bachelor's degree and a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from MSU Law in about six years of full-time study (three years of undergraduate studies plus three years of law school). Additionally, GVSU’s Law Society provides networking opportunities and insights into law school admissions, while designated faculty prelaw advisors offer comprehensive guidance on preparing for and applying to law school.
In keeping with the recommendations of U.S. law schools and Law School Admissions Council, prelaw is not one defined major at Grand Valley State University. Pre-law students focus on gaining a liberal arts education that will be expanded upon in law school.
Foundational coursework is rooted in law, criminal justice, and political science. You will take courses and electives across disciplines and have the opportunity to join the Legal Education Admission Program (LEAP) to earn both a bachelor's degree and a Juris Doctorate in about six years.
Open to business, legal studies, and political science majors who start as first-year students at GVSU, LEAP allows students to choose majors that align with their passions and strengths while honing the analytical, research, and communication skills essential for law school. Additionally, Grand Valley's Law Society student organization provides networking opportunities and insights into law school admissions, while designated prelaw advisors offer comprehensive guidance on preparing for and applying to law school.
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
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