As a pre-law major at Fresno Pacific University, you’ll not only be equipped with knowledge of the legal and criminal justice systems of the United States, but you’ll gain the knowledge necessary to get into a top law school. You’ll benefit from professors on the cutting edge of restorative justice so whether you’re studying the practical contexts of legal issues, how to effectively communicate with clients or navigate court systems, you’ll learn how to be a servant-leader to people of all walks of life.
Highlights
- Interdisciplinary courses allow you to focus on areas of interest to you from business to psychology
- Study abroad opportunity through the CCCU American Studies Program in Washington, D.C.
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.
Course listing
In order to obtain a bachelor’s degree from Fresno Pacific University, students must complete at least 120 units. Along with completing all required courses in their selected area of study, general education requirements must be met by all graduates. See the general education summary in the undergraduate academic catalog for more information.
Select programs may not provide enough units for a student to graduate and therefore an emphasis and/or elective courses must be completed alongside the major. Please see below for emphases related to this area of study.
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 | Victimology | 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 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.
Program director
Bret Kincaid, Ph.D.
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Program details
FPU’s rigorous academia has not only encouraged me to challenge myself, but it has also enabled me to think critically and explore other options or interpretations of a given situation.
Miriam Sanchez
- Pre-Law