Academic Programs
If dissecting legal briefs and arguing cases in court sound like parts of a perfect day, then a career in law might be a fit for you.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were more than 850,000 attorney jobs available in 2023 — with steady growth expected over the next decade. But to become an attorney, you’ll need to earn a graduate degree in law and a bachelor’s degree that provides you with the academic foundation you need for grad school.
Read on to learn five reasons why many pre-law students at Southern Virginia University pursue a political science major to set them up for law school success.
Enjoy the Advantages of Small Class Sizes
With an average class size of 15 students, you’ll find that SVU’s professors have a unique chance to work one-on-one with students. SVU is a teaching-first university, so your professors’ focus is on your success.
For example, Political Science Program Coordinator and Professor of Politics, Jeremiah John, has spent his career studying politics in order to understand human beings and how they try to solve difficult problems like conflict and injustice. John teaches courses including “Comparative Politics,” “Human Geography,” and “Religion and Politics.”
Thanks to the small class sizes, John knows students in the Political Science major by name, which allows him to provide you with the individual guidance and support you need as you navigate your pre-law path.
Nearby Cities Offer a Variety of Political Internships and Career Options
When it comes to finding internships and future jobs in legislative offices, think tanks, and other government and public organizations, it’s good to know that SVU is less than a day’s drive from big cities like New York and Washington, D.C.
For example Meg Huber (who graduated from SVU in 2023) always dreamt of having a political internship on Capitol Hill. So, the university’s location — three hours from D.C. — was a major selling point when it came to choosing where to go to college. In Spring 2022, Huber’s dream came true when she was able to intern with Congressman Ken Buck of the Colorado 4th District in the House of Representatives.
SVU Is Part of the Apple Distinguished Schools Program
In 2017, SVU began equipping students with Apple technology and was named an Apple Distinguished School for 2019-22, and again for 2023-25. What this means is as a student, you’ll receive an iPad, Apple Pencil, and Smart Keyboard — at no extra cost above tuition. Plus, once you finish your degree, you get to keep your iPad as a graduation present.
This has enabled professors to cut textbook costs by making course materials easier to access, transport, and maintain. And a recent survey of students showed that 95% of SVU students say the iPad has improved their classroom experience and increased collaboration.
Enhance Your Degree With a Philosophy Minor
In addition to earning your bachelor’s in political science, you’ll also have a chance to choose a minor. By minoring in philosophy, you gain additional skills that will benefit you in law school including knowledge of formal and informal logic and the ability to analyze and explain arguments in a clear and succinct manner.
Within this major, students also choose a track to help them zero in on specific courses and experiences that will better prepare them for their career path. And if you’re interested in a career as an attorney, you’ll be happy to know that among the options is a pre-law track.
We Support and Welcome Latter-day Saint Missionaries
At SVU, more than 9 out of 10 students are Latter-day Saints, and 1 out of 3 are returned missionaries. So if serving a mission is in your future, know that this pre-law focus and your degree program is designed to support you throughout your journey.
The university even offers Returned Missionary Scholarships to students who have served full-time missions for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints or who have completed comparable humanitarian service. These scholarships are for $1,500 annually (a total of $6,000 over four years).
Your Legal Career Path Begins at SVU
Ready to start your pre-law journey at SVU? Here are a few steps to get you started:
- Enroll. Begin by taking “American Government and Politics (POL 223)” or “Human Geography (POL 203)” in your first or second year.
- Contact Your Advisor. Get in touch with Professor Jeremiah John to discuss your interests and goals.
- Declare. Turn in a completed Declare Major Form to the Registrar’s Office.
Have specific questions about the major? Send us an email, and we’ll get a conversation started.
Wondering how you’re going to pay for college? Learning the language of financial aid and wondering if you should take on student loan debt can feel overwhelming. That’s why we’ve created a one-stop financial aid 101 guide to answer your questions. Download it here.
