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Political Science

Undergraduate Program

Pre-Law Concentration | 3+3 Dual BA/JD | Advisors

The mission of the Bachelor of Arts Program in Political Science is to equip students with a broad understanding of the principle underlying political systems, both in the United States and abroad, and to hone their skills of written expression, oral communication and critical thinking. Students are prepared for careers in government, business and the legal profession, and are given the tools of effective leadership. Students are also encouraged to use the B.A. as a base degree upon which they can pursue advanced degrees.

Pre-Law Concentration

The Department of Political Science is excited to introduce its new Pre-Law Concentration! Starting in Fall 2025, students interested in pursuing a career in the legal profession after graduation will be able to take a curated version of the Political Science major that emphasizes the study of law and legal/political theory. Students will take courses in U.S. law, international law, and legal/political thought. Students will also be expected to get hands-on experience as part of their course of study by participating in internships, study abroad, research projects, or mock trial.

Students will need to complete 36 hours of coursework in order to satisfy the requirements of the Pre-Law concentration in Political Science. There are four required courses:

  • POLS 1120: Politics & Law - An Introduction
  • POLS 1030: American Government
  • POLS 3405: Intro to Law / Jurisprudence
  • POLS 4101: Political Statistics

Students will also be exepected to complete 2 courses within four categories: Law in the U.S., International Law, Legal Thought, and Pre-Law Elective Experience. 

Sample classes within the Law in the U.S. category include:

  • POLS 3211: State & Local Government
  • POLS 3219: Judicial Process
  • POLS 4202: Con Law - Civil Rights
  • POLS 4211: Con Law - National Powers
  • POLS 4212: Con Law - Civil Liberties

Sample classes within the International Law category include:

  • POLS 3320: Human Rights / World Politics
  • POLS 4504: International Law
  • POLS 4510: Politics of the Global Economy
  • POLS 4512: Global Environmental Politics
  • POLS 4513: Human Security

Sample classes within the Legal Thought category include:

  • POLS 3401: Legal/Political Thought of the Ancient World
  • POLS 3402: Legal/Political Thought of the Modern World
  • POLS 3415: Feminist Political Thought
  • POLS 3430: Conservative Political Thought
  • POLS 4405: American Political Thought

Sample classes within the Pre-Law Elective category include:

  • POLS 4231: Internship
  • POLS 4399: Study Abroad
  • POLS 4713: Mock Trial
  • POLS 4999: Senior Thesis

We also encourage students with the Pre-Law concentration to consider adding a minor in Legal Thought / Liberal Arts to further bolster their law school preparedness and skill set. Students can complete this minor with as few as three additional courses from outside of Political Science. 

Learn More: Why Political Science is a Good Major for Law School

If you have questions about the Pre-Law concentration, please contact our advising team: polsadvising@memphis.edu 

3 + 3 Dual BA / JD Program

The Department of Political Science is proud to announce our new 3+3 Dual BA/JD partnership with the Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law. This exciting new opportunity allows well-qualified undergraduate students to begin work on their JD during their senior year of study!

Students interested in the program must:

  • Have a minimum undergraduate GPA at or above the Law School's median for the current first-year class.
  • Score at or above the 75th percentile on the LSAT.
  • Meet all other standards and criteria that apply to traditional applicants.
    • Students will need to apply to the Law School as part of the 3+3 Program in their junior year.

Admitted students will enter the Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law as first-year law students during their senior year of undergrad. At Cecil C. Humphreys, they will complete 32 credit hours of law school coursework. These 32 credit hours earned at the law school will then be applied towards both the student’s remaining BA requirements as well as towards their law degree. Students in the 3+3 Program will be able to apply 9 credit hours of coursework from the Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law towards their Political Science major requirements, while all remaining credit hours will count towards both the student's BA and JD requirements. The courses that will fulfill the Political Science major requirements are:

  • LAW 0112: Torts I (3 credit hours)
  • LAW 0113: Legal Methods I (3 credit hours)
  • LAW 0114: Civil Procedure | (3 credit hours)

If you are interested or would like to learn more, please contact us: polsadvising@memphis.edu. 

Undergraduate Advisors

Ebony Dawkins Portrait

Ebony Dawkins [Students w/ Last Names M - Z]
Phone: 901.678.2342
Fax: 901.678.2983
Email: endawkns@memphis.edu
Office: 438 Clement Hall

Jeff Leedham Portrait

Jeff Leedham [Students w/ Last Names A - L]
Phone: 901.678.2935
Fax: 901.678.2983
Email: jleedham@memphis.edu
Office: 427A Clement Hall 

Or contact us at: polsadvising@memphis.edu