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Pre-Law Pathway

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Doyle Srader, Ph.D.
Professor of Speech & Communication

Program Overview

Pre-Law at Bushnell University is a flexible academic pathway that prepares you for law school and legal careers without requiring a specific major. You’ll pair your legal interests with a degree that matches your strengths and career goals while receiving personalized guidance from faculty mentors who understand the law school admissions process.

Through strategic coursework in argumentation, critical thinking, public speaking, conflict resolution, business, and communication, you’ll strengthen the skills law schools value most: reading carefully, reasoning effectively, writing persuasively, and communicating with confidence. Working closely with faculty advisors, you’ll select a major that aligns with your interests while building essential competencies through mentorship, internships, and practical learning experiences.

Whether your goal is law school, public policy, advocacy, government service, or another profession requiring strong analytical skills, Bushnell’s Pre-Law pathway provides a strong foundation for your future.

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Why Choose Pre-Law at Bushnell?

Law schools are looking for students who can think critically, analyze complex information, communicate persuasively, and solve problems effectively. Bushnell’s Pre-Law Pathway is intentionally designed to help you develop those skills through small classes, faculty mentorship, and personalized academic planning.

Rather than following a one-size-fits-all curriculum, you’ll choose a major that supports your interests while building a strong foundation in argumentation, logic, public speaking, conflict resolution, and communication. Faculty mentors provide individualized guidance throughout your academic journey, helping you prepare for law school admissions, internships, and future legal careers. Graduates have gone on to attend law schools including the University of Oregon, Willamette University, and Gonzaga University.

What You’ll Study

How the Curriculum is Structured

The Pre-Law Pathway combines coursework in communication, reasoning, business, and critical thinking with personalized academic advising and mentorship. Core coursework includes Argumentation and Debate, Logic and Critical Thinking, Advanced Public Speaking, Communication and Conflict, Introduction to Business and Entrepreneurship, and Principles of Accounting.

You’ll strengthen your skills in analytical reasoning, persuasive communication, research, and problem-solving while preparing for law school, public policy, government service, and other professions that require strong critical-thinking and leadership abilities.

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Graduate Career Ready

Where Can a Pre-Law Pathway Take You?

Students who complete the Pre-Law Pathway pursue opportunities such as:

  • Law School and Legal Practice
  • Public Policy and Government Service
  • Corporate Compliance and Business Law
  • Human Resources and Employee Relations
  • Advocacy and Nonprofit Leadership
  • Graduate Study in Law, Public Policy, or Related Fields

Skills You’ll Gain

Through Bushnell’s Pre-Law Pathway, you’ll develop practical and transferable skills, including:

  • Analyze complex issues and legal arguments
  • Communicate clearly through writing and public speaking
  • Build persuasive arguments supported by evidence
  • Think critically and solve challenging problems
  • Evaluate ethical and legal issues from multiple perspectives
  • Research, organize, and interpret large amounts of information

Where Our Graduates Go

Recent Bushnell graduates have continued their legal education at:

Alumni have built careers in business law, immigration law, family law, human resources, public service, and government leadership. Recent graduates have attended law schools at the University of Oregon, Willamette University, and Gonzaga University, while one alumnus was recently elected District Attorney in Oregon.

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“Bushnell challenged me to think critically, communicate effectively, and analyze information from multiple perspectives. The close relationships I built with faculty helped prepare me for the rigor and expectations of law school.”
Tony Wurst ’22

Frequently Asked Questions?

Contact Us

Office of Admissions

Have questions about Bushnell’s Pre-Law program? An admissions counselor can walk you through requirements, discuss transfer credits, and help you figure out your next step.

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Next Steps

Interested in becoming a part of the Beacon community? We’re here to answer questions and help you see if Bushnell is right for you.