Pre-Law and Political Science

Political science is a very popular major or minor for pre-law students (students who plan to attend law school). Political science provides students with an understanding of the state, national and international institutions that make law, and includes courses such as Constitutional Law I and II, International Law, and American Judicial Politics.

For information on pre-law in general at GVSU, see the GVSU pre-law website.

Pre-Law Advising
Political science professor Mark Richards is a pre-law advisor for GVSU students.
Contact information:
Mark Richards, Ph.D.
Professor and Chair of Political Science
1106 AuSable Hall
(616) 331-3457
richardm@gvsu.edu
Profile

Pre-Law FAQ
Professor Richards maintains the Pre-law FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) site, which is highly recommended for anyone contemplating pre-law. Please visit for more information about pre-law at GVSU, the Law Society student organization, the LSAT, and links to many helpful pre-law resources.

LEAP

Enjoy a new degree of success and distinguish yourself academically and professionally by earning both a bachelor's degree from GVSU Political Science and a Juris Doctor (JD) from Michigan State University College of Law (MSU Law). The Legal Education Admission Program (LEAP) provides an opportunity for GVSU's political science undergraduate students to earn both degrees in about six years of full-time study (three years of political science plus three years of law school).