Frequently Asked Questions about Jurisprudence and Pre-Law Studies

1. Please explain the Jurisprudence major.
   Jurisprudence provides an excellent educational gateway to a career in law. It is an interdisciplinary major focused on law within a liberal arts framework. Students are prepared with an essential understanding of legal ideas and philosophy as they affect institutions and social processes.
2. Please explain the Pre-Law minor.
   The Pre-Law minor is designed to enhance the preparation of students seeking admission to law school by providing them with a knowledge of legal concepts as well as legal research and writing, coupled with appropriate background courses. Many courses in the Pre-Law minor also meet the general education requirement.
   
3. Are there special admissions requirements for the Jurisprudence major or the Pre-Law minor?
   For entry into the Jurisprudence major, students must meet one of the following criteria: top 20% of high school class or comparable GPA/SAT criteria; overall minimum gpa of 3.0 at the completion of at least 24 credits at MSU or transfer institution; or overall minimum gpa of 3.0 in the first 3 courses in the Jurisprudence major.
   
4. How will the Jurisprudence major help me if I want to go to law school?
   The knowledge and skills fostered through the major prepare students for law school as well as for a variety of other professional careers in the public and private sectors. In particular, the year-long Senior Research and Writing Seminar provides students with in-depth research and writing skills that are highly valued by many law schools.
   
5. When are courses offered to complete the Jurisprudence major?
   Courses in the Jurisprudence major are offered annually. JURI300, Essentials of Jurisprudence, is offered in the Fall. JURI324, Legal Reasoning, is offered in the Spring. JURI495, Senior Seminar I, is offered in the Fall. JURI496, Senior Seminar II, is offered in the Spring.
   
6. What is the difference between a taking a Jurisprudence major and a Pre-Law minor?
   The Jurisprudence major provides a full interdisciplinary approach to law and an examination of the societal forces that generate statutes, case law and regulations. This includes the year-long interdisciplinary Senior Seminar capstone experience. The Pre-Law minor includes many general education level courses. It provides a more general and briefer experience.
   
7. Can I take both a Jurisprudence major and a Pre-Law minor?
   No, students are only allowed to take one, either Jurisprudence or Pre-Law.
   
8. How will the Jurisprudence major help me if I do not go to law school?
   The Jurisprudence major develops your abilities to think critically, reason analytically, articulate effective positions, conduct scholarly research, and write with clarity and precision. The Senior Seminar also teaches the interdisciplinary research process, which enhances preparedness for any workplace environment.
9. Do you suggest taking a double major or a minor with Jurisprudence?
   It is suggested that a student add a second major or a minor in addition to the Jurisprudence major because of the need to work in law and one or more additional disciplines for the Senior Seminar.