Pre-Law, B.A.

The Bethel University Pre-Law major is designed to afford students a diverse education covering different fields that will prepare a student for a legal education.  Law schools look to candidates who have a broad-based education which can cover several disciplines.  This kind of diversified education teaches students skills needed for the LSAT and a legal education rather than specific knowledge on a single subject.  The ABA recommends the student take courses that teach core values and skills.  Some of these skills are:

  • Analytic and Problem Solving Skills
  • Critical Reading
  • Writing
  • Oral Communication
  • Listening Ability
  • Research Skills
  • Task Organization
  • Management Skills

The Bethel University Pre-Law major offers classes which will educate students in the above areas.  This emphasis will provide a sound foundation for legal studies and a broad knowledge of social sciences, economics, communication, and the humanities.  The major will also help students develop an understanding of ethical patterns and professional conduct in the study of law from a Christian perspective.

Program Requirements

Bethel Core

BIBL 215Old Testament Literature

3

BIBL 216New Testament Literature

3

COMM 171Speech Communication

3

ENGL 101Written Communication II

3

ENGL 102Written Communication III

3

Art/Drama/Music

3

 

Foreign Language (two semesters)

6

OR

1 semester at 200 (Intermediate) level

3

 

HIST 246Introduction to World Civilizations

3

KINE 252Fitness/Wellness

1

 

KINE 117On the Ball Training

1

OR

KINE 124Aerobics

1

OR

KINE 128Physical Fitness

1

OR

KINE 135Weight Training

1

 

LIT
Literature

3

MATH 111Basic Probability & Statistics

3

PHIL 250Introduction to Philosophy

3

PHIL 452Senior Experience

1

PSYC 182General Psychology

3

SOC 151Principles of Sociology

3

Science with Lab

4

THEO 110Exploring the Christian Faith

3

Total Credit Hours:49-52

Major

BADM 221Business Law

3

 

COMM 272Interpersonal Communication

3

OR

COMM 375Persuasion

3

 

CRMJ 101Introduction to the American Criminal Justice System

3

CRMJ 301Criminal Law

3

CRMJ 401Law, Ethics & the American Legal System

3

CRMJ 402Criminal Court Process

3

 

ECON 229Principles of Macroeconomics

3

OR

ECON 230Principles of Microeconomics

3

 

HIST 242United States History I

3

HIST 243United States History II

3

 

SOC 201Problems & Issues

3

OR

SOC 202Racial and Cultural Minorities

3

 

SS 305United States Government

3

SS 376Research Methods

3

SS 450Assessment Portfolio

0-2

Total Credit Hours:38

Electives

Electives needed to complete degree

Total Credit Hours:30-33

Total Credit Hours: 120