Political Science and Law 3+3

Political Science 3+3 Pre-Law Program Areas of Focus

Build the analytical and civic foundation that law school demands. Core areas of the curriculum include:

• American & Global Citizenship
• Political Theory 
• Logic
• Communication & Rhetoric

Understanding domestic and global historical contexts is an important part of political science and legal studies. Learning how to interpret scenarios through the lens of these contexts can help you make more informed decisions in your legal work.

Courses

Accelerated Political Science and Pre-Law courses that will help prepare you for law school include:

• PHL231 - Logic
• PS101 - American Government
• PS102 - Contemporary Global Issues
• PS110 - Intro to Political Science
• PS360 - Political Theory

Admissions and Aid

York College offers generous financial aid packages to qualifying applicants, making us one of the most affordable private four-year institutions in the region. Visit our financial aid page to learn about the value of a York College degree, use our net price calculator, and learn ways to make your degree even more affordable through grants and scholarships.

If you’re ready to take your first step towards becoming a lawyer, reach out to a member of our admissions team or submit an application for free!

To apply for the 3+3 B.A. in Political Science program at York College of Pennsylvania, you’ll need:

• A completed York College application
• High school transcript 
• SAT or ACT scores (optional)
• Personal statement or essay (recommended)
• Letters of recommendation (optional)

View complete admissions information and request information to get started.

Prepare for the LSAT and Law School

To be accepted into law school, you’ll need to meet the admissions criteria and Law School Admissions Test (LSAT) scoring requirements, which you’d take during the summer after your second year at YCP.

By the end of your time in the Political Science and Law 3+3 Program, you should be able to:

1. Demonstrate a thorough understanding of key aspects of government and political science, including but not limited to: political institutions, political behavior, citizenship, authority, and international relations.
2. Evaluate arguments and synthesize information to arrive at evidence-based conclusions.
3. Understand the fundamental concepts, theories, and methods of political science research.
4. Identify causes and effects of systemic bias and discrimination against underprivileged groups.
5. Be able to connect course material to real-world events.
6. Communicate effectively in speech and in writing.
7. Produce original research that includes an important topic of inquiry, testable theory and hypotheses, research design, and data analysis.

Political Science Pre-Law Careers

Whether you choose to work in a courthouse, as in-house counsel for an organization, or as a policy analyst, lawyers with a political science background typically earn above-average median annual salaries. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), wages can look like:

• Attorney/Lawyer - $151,160
• Political Scientist - $139,380
• Judge - $115,230

As with most fields of study, potential earnings can be expected to increase with years of experience.

Explore Career Development

Your Pathway to Law School

This combined B.A. / J.D. program is possible through a partnership between York College of Pennsylvania and participating law schools. By working closely with faculty mentors at York College, you’ll gain the skills and knowledge needed for the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) and for your legal career once you enter the workforce.

Pre-Law Internships

While an internship is not required, many law schools value previous work experience in the field. Internships also allow you to gain firsthand knowledge of the legal profession and help to establish a professional network that can benefit you throughout your career. Students in the Pre-Law Studies program may have the opportunity to intern with local law firms in York and neighboring areas, depending on position availability and the employer’s desired qualifications. 

The Career Development Center at York College helps Pre-Law students to prepare application materials for both law school applications and potential jobs or internships. Our Career Development professionals can assist you with: 

• Reviewing personal statements
• Résumé writing
• Credential Assembly Service (CAS) guidance
• Access to PreLaw magazine
• Law school information sessions
• Pre-law interest group emails featuring important information, events, and opportunities.

Learn From Experienced Faculty

York College's Political Science faculty are knowledgeable practitioners and researchers in government and politics. Each instructor offers a real-world understanding of the subjects and regions covered in their courses. They also understand what law schools expect and what it takes to set the foundation for a successful career in law. 

Meet the Political Science Faculty

Clubs and Organizations

As with selecting a major, students are encouraged to pursue an array of extracurricular activities. Active involvement across campus is a great way to develop the skills recommended for law school. 

In addition to other extracurricular activities, students may join the Pre-Law Society student organization which is dedicated to creating a support system among students who are interested in a career in law. The Pre-Law Society is open to all majors and provides a link between law school hopefuls and the advisors who can assist them in getting there. 

Browse All Student Clubs and Organizations

Public Policy Research Institute

All Political Science majors can pursue independent research study courses as part of the degree. They can also apply for scholarship funding through the Gladfelter Fellows Program. This award funds a two-semester independent study endeavor related to innovation and problem-solving in government and public policy.

Explore the Glatfelter Institute for Public Policy

Build Essential Skills with a B.A. in Political Science

The Political Science Pre-Law program focuses on preparing students not only for law school, but for careers in law. Whether you want to become an attorney or plan to pursue a different career within the legal field, a foundational skill set can equip you for success in your role. Your Pre-Law advisors will support you along an educational pathway that helps you develop skills like: 

• Critical reading and analysis
• Problem-solving
• Writing
• Communication
• Research and information literacy
• Collaboration
• Familiarity with legal frameworks and the law