Pre-professional studies include several with substantial concentration in the basic sciences and mathematics and constitute recommended course selections from the Shepherd University academic offerings which may prepare students for application to professional schools of dentistry, medicine, veterinary medicine, and others. As such, these course work recommendations should be viewed as requirements of institutions other than Shepherd University unless, as is commonly the case, a student pursues a specific Shepherd University degree program as well.
Pre-professional programs do not count as a major for financial aid purposes or to meet graduation requirements.
Pre-Law
Law schools approved by the American Bar Association (ABA) require applicants to possess a baccalaureate degree in any field. While no specific course of study is required for admission to law school, it is suggested that students interested in applying to law school pursue a degree in Political Science with a Concentration in Legal Studies. Shepherd University has no separate pre-law major.
A track within the Political Science major, the Legal Studies Concentration is designed to help students attain a basic understanding of the U.S. legal system and sharpen their critical reasoning, analytical, reading, and writing skills in preparation for the unique demands and challenges of legal education. According to self-reported data, Shepherd University graduates who have entered law schools had an exceptional completion rate of 100 percent. Most have majored in Political Science.
In addition to choosing an appropriate major, law school hopefuls should strive to maintain a strong academic record and receive a satisfactory score on the Law School Admission Test (LSAT). Generally, acceptance to law school will depend on the applicant’s academic readiness, overall grade point average (GPA), LSAT score, and recommendation letters. The pre-law advisor in Political Science is available for consultation and guidance.
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