Mar 28, 2024  
University Catalog 2019-2020 
    
University Catalog 2019-2020 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Political Science Accelerated “Pre-Law”, B.A.


For more information regarding the Core Curriculum, including a list of courses that satisfy Core Curriculum requirements, click here:  The Core Curriculum .

The Political Science Department offers an accelerated “pre-law” program for political science majors and other interested students. Students complete a three-year liberal arts education program at Xavier (105 hours). In their senior year, students enroll at an American Bar Association accredited law school. After successfully completing 15 hours at law school, the student receives a B.A. degree from Xavier.

To participate in the program, a student must maintain a cumulative average of 3.0 and register with the Pre-Law Advisor throughout his/her three years at Xavier. The proposed course of study and transfer hours must be approved by the department. A student’s minor should be any subject which 1) develops analytical skills, 2) develops writing skills, and/or 3) relates to the student’s proposed law specialty. For example, another social science discipline, History, English, Philosophy, Business Administration, Mathematics, a physical science, foreign language, Computer Science, or Public Administration may be selected as a minor. The student should delay taking electives in the major to be eligible for the accelerated program.

The program does not assure a student’s entry into law school. Admission to an accredited law school is the responsibility of the student. Several law schools in the United States allow admission to the exceptional student without an undergraduate degree. The student interested in Pre-Law should see the Pre-Law Advisor at his or her first Xavier registration.

Freshman Year


First Semester


Semester Hours: 18


Second Semester


Semester Hours: 18


Sophomore Year


First Semester


Semester Hours: 18


Second Semester


Semester Hours: 18


Junior Year


Semester Hours: 18


Second Semester


Semester Hours: 15


Credits Accepted from Law School:


Towards Political Science Major 15 (such as Con. Law, Criminal Law, Jurisprudence, and Legal System)
Total 15  

Summary: Political Science Accelerated “Pre-Law” Program


Foundations: 13


Explorations: 21


  • African American Heritage and Legacies (3)
  • Creative Expression and Engagement (3)
  • Examined Life (3)
  • Faith and Society (3)
  • Human Behavior (3)
  • Human Past (3)
  • Scientific Reasoning (3)

Minor: 18


Free Electives: 20


Total Hours: 120