The pre-law major at Fresno Pacific University will not only equip you with knowledge of the legal and criminal justice systems of the United States, but a broad education that’s key for getting into a top law school. As an FPU pre-law major, you’ll also benefit from professors on the cutting edge of restorative justice. Courses will provide you with an understanding the practical contexts of legal issues, how to effectively communicate with clients, navigate court systems and train you to be a servant-leader to people of all walks of life.
Highlights
- Interdisciplinary in approach
- Courses include business, history, communication, philosophy, political science, sociology and psychology.
- Opportunities for extra curricular integration of coursework
Career opportunities
Upon completion of the pre-law major you’ll be prepared for advanced study in law, criminal justice, mediation and legal history, among many other fields.
Program director
Bret Kincaid, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Political Science
Course listing
General Education Prerequisites
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|
| HIST 150 | American Civilization | 4 |
| PHIL 100 | Introduction to Philosophy | 3 |
| PS 120 | American Politics and Society | 3 |
| PSY 120 | General Psychology | 3 |
| SOC 120 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 |
General Education Focus Series
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|
| THEO 465 | Theological Ethics of Conflict and Peacemaking | 3 |
| CRIM 355 | Victims, Trauma and Recovery | 3 |
Required Courses (14 Courses, 42-44 Units)
Core Program (7 Courses, 20 Units)
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|
| CRIM 375 | Criminal Justice in America | 4 |
| PS 371 | American Law and Legal System | 3 |
| PS 372 | Introduction to Alternative Dispute Resolution | 1 |
| PS 380 | Social Problems and Public Policy * | 4 |
| PS 476 | Internship | 3 |
| SOC 410 | American Ethnicity and Pluralism | 3 |
| SOC 430 | Conflict Management and Resolution | 3 |
Pre-law (7 Courses, 22-24 Units)
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|
| BUS 475 | Law and the Business Environment | 3 |
| PS 373 | Nature, Law and Policy | 3 |
| PS 373 | Nature, Law and Policy | 3 |
| PS 374 | Legal Research and Writing | 3 |
| PS 376 | Civil Rights and Liberties | 3 |
| PS 390 | Religion and Politics in America * | 4 |
Select a minimum of two of the following
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|
| CRIM 352 | Criminology | 3 |
| CRIM 362 | Criminal Procedure | 3 |
| CRIM 382 | Juvenile Delinquncy and Justice | 3 |
| CRIM 392 | Corrections | 3 |
| HIST 425 | Twentieth Century America | 4 |
| HIST 450 | History of Political Theory and Ideas | 3 |
| PS 435 | Energy, Economics and Ethics | 3 |
| PSY 350 | Child Development | 3 |
| PSY 355 | Adolescent Development | 3 |
| PSY 395 | Social Psychology | 3 |
| PSY 410 | Abnormal Psychology | 4 |
| SOC 350 | Marriage and Family | 3 |
| SW 390 | Chemical Dependency Intervention | 3 |
| SW 395 | Studies in Domestic Violence | 2 |
* American Studies Program (15-16 Units)
The American Studies Program (CCCU) in Washington, D.C., may be taken in place of PS 476, PS 390. If the Public Policy Track is taken, it replaces PS 380.
