Undergraduate Program

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.

Political Science (BA) (Catalog Entry)
Political Science, Pre-Law Concentration (BA) [Catalog Entry]
Political Science, Minor (Catalog Entry)
FAQ

Pre-Law Concentration in Political Science

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.

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

Undergraduate Advisors

Ebony Dawkins
Phone: 901.678.2342
Fax: 901.678.2983
Email: endawkns@memphis.edu
Office: 438 Clement Hall

Jeff Leedham Portrait

Jeff Leedham
Phone: 901.678.2935
Fax: 901.678.2983
Email: jleedham@memphis.edu
Office: 427A Clement Hall

Or contact us at: polsadvising@memphis.edu