Legal Studies and Partnerships
Students who graduate with this major can pursue careers in:
- Preparation for entry to law school or graduate school
- Law offices
- Government agencies or public-sector jobs
- Non-profit organizations or private businesses
- Political campaigns
To date, BVU is one of the only institutions in the country to have a dedicated legal studies track and partnerships with the University of Iowa College of Law and Creighton University School of Law.
As part of BVU’s “3+3” accelerated law school entry program, qualified students can apply for admission to law school with one of BVU’s partner institutions and earn both their Bachelor of Arts and Juris Doctor in six years.
BVU’s pre-law students will analyze real-world legal cases and problems, draft legal documents, conduct in-depth research alongside expert professors, take courses taught using the same methods used in law school, and enhance professional skills through a wide range of internship opportunities, including coveted placements through BVU’s Washington Center program.
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Dual Degree Programs
Early entry to law school
Qualified students who thrive in an exciting and challenging curriculum should consider BVU’s 3+3 Accelerated Entry to Law School Program. BVU is one of the only institutions in the country with a dedicated legal studies track and partnered with two law schools – the University of Iowa College of Law (Iowa Law) and Creighton University School of Law in Omaha, Neb. (CUSL)
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Lead Others
American Mock Trial Association + more
BVU was among the original 12 founding members of the American Mock Trial Association, which started in 1985 and today has over 500 registered teams. In recent years, the BVU team has earned trophies for “best attorney” and “best witness” at regional competitions. Students are also able to earn academic credit by participating in the program.
Political science majors are campus leaders in student government, community service projects, and participate routinely in BVU’s distinctive “Alternative Week of Spring Break” wherein students travel throughout the United States providing essential services to vulnerable populations.
Pre-law students complete a credit-bearing Law School Admission Test (LSAT) and a mock trial preparation course.
The department’s dedicated pre-law advisor assists students throughout their academic careers as they prepare for law school or professional life.
BVU’s pre-law students who receive faculty recommendations have a 100 percent law school acceptance.
The Washington Center
Intern in our nation's capital
BVU has a longstanding relationship with The Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars, which is an organization that matches students with internships in Washington, D.C. The Washington Center has placed BVU students in the White House, the U.S. Congress, law firms, policy think tanks, the U.S. Department of the Interior, and various law enforcement agencies.
Internships
- Iowa Secretary of State
- Iowa District Court
- U.S. House of Representatives
- Law firms
- Government agencies
Careers
- Assistant legal counsel to Wisconsin governor
- United States congressional staff
- United States Department of Defense staff
- County attorneys
- Political Campaigns
Graduate School
- University of Iowa
- Wake Forest University
- Syracuse University
- University of Kentucky
- Creighton University
