Law schools don't require one specific major. Instead, they seek evidence of a rich, liberal arts education. They expect you to have strong skills in three major areas: comprehension and expression in words, critical understanding of the human institutions and values with which the law deals, and creative power in thinking. Ohio Wesleyan helps prepare you in all of these areas.
Options available to students planning to go to law school include traditional majors such as history, English, economics, and politics and government, as well as supplementary course work to help you to prepare for the Law School Admission Test. An interdepartmental pre-law major also is available. If you major in pre-law, you'll complete a second major in a traditional course of study as well as core courses in English, philosophy, history, economics, and politics and government.
You'll take six electives to complete your major, all chosen with an eye toward breadth and depth of preparation and in careful consultation with your advisor. This list of courses includes those found most helpful to OWU young alumni who have gone on to study law.
Intern and learn where the political action is. Through the Wesleyan in Washington program, you will live and work in Washington, D.C.
The Wesleyan in Washington Program is an intensive, full-time internship experience. The program builds on your classroom study by providing you with unique opportunities to apply what you've learned in class to practical, real-world settings. The Wesleyan in Washington Program matches you with internship placements that precisely reflect your interests and professional goals.
From your first year on campus, you can get off campus—with travel-learning courses. Journey to a distant land and immerse yourself in another culture. Learn how classroom theory truly connects with real-world experience. You can take Travel-Learning courses in history, politics, English, science, and many other fields - and travel to Europe, Asia, Africa, Central and South America, Alaska, and more.
Community service is a core component of the OWU Connection, and students have opportunities to make a difference in communities in central Ohio and around the world.
The Pre-Law program sponsors participation in annual regional and national moot court and mock trial competitions. An active student Pre-Law Club participates in all aspects of the program. In 2016, seniors Katherine Berger and Rhiannon Herbert led OWU to a top-5 finish in the American Collegiate Moot Court Association National Championships.
Ohio Wesleyan students nominate a ticket for president and vice president and set the party platform during OWU's Mock Convention, held every four years. The convention is an Ohio Wesleyan tradition that dates back to 1884.
Pre-Law Studies offers internships in professional legal settings, a speaker series, professional pre-law advisors, and assistance both in preparing for the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT) and in applying to law schools and graduate programs.
The Arneson Institute for Practical Politics and Public Affairs helps you learn more about political life through internships and independent study. In recent years, OWU students have worked with legislators, law firms and courts, public interest groups, and political campaigns.
Andrew earned his J.D. at Harvard Law School and is now an associate at Latham & Watkins in Washington, D.C. At Ohio Wesleyan, he interned with the Ohio Attorney General and was named one of the top orators in the national championship of the American Collegiate Moot Court Association.
Ohio Wesleyan Named a 2024 'Most Engaged Campus for College Student Voting'
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Political Scientist to Discuss Gaza and America's Role in the Middle East on Nov. 13 at Ohio Wesleyan
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Many students are active in political campaigns during election season.
In 2016, seniors Katherine Berger (left) and Rhiannon Herbert earned a top-5 finish in the American Collegiate Moot Court Association’s national championship.
Mock Convention has been an OWU tradition since 1884.
In 2016, students in OWU's Mock Convention nominated Ohio Governor John Kasich for president.
Mean great discussion. Jim Franklin leads a Politics & Government class.
