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 | 4 |
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* | Politics and Public Policy | 3 |
| 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-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 Delinquency and Justice | 3 |
| CRIM-392 | Corrections | 3 |
| HIST-425 | Twentieth Century America | 4 |
| HIST-450 | History of Political Theory and Ideas | 3 |
| PS-435 | Human Rights and International Law | 4 |
| 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.
