Pre-Law Pathway

Develop Legal Proficiency, jumpstart your law future

Passionate about pursuing a career in law? The Pre-Law Pathway at Bushnell University is designed to equip you with the essential skills and knowledge needed to navigate the challenging landscape of law schools. Through a curriculum that is both flexible and personalized, we ensure that you receive tailored guidance to meet your unique aspirations.

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

541-684-7216
dsrader@bushnell.edu

Discover More

Contact

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

541-684-7216
dsrader@bushnell.edu

Why Choose Pre-Law at Bushnell?

At Bushnell, we understand that the journey to a successful legal career requires more than just textbook knowledge. Our dedicated faculty is committed to providing you with a holistic education that goes beyond traditional coursework. You’ll engage in thought-provoking discussions, participate in practical experiences, and gain a deep understanding of the ethical and social dimensions of the legal profession. 

Whether you envision yourself as a courtroom advocate, a corporate counsel, or a public policy influencer, our Pre-Law Pathway program will empower you to excel in law schools and beyond. Explore the possibilities, sharpen your analytical skills, and cultivate a passion for justice in an environment that fosters academic excellence and personal growth. 

Curriculum

The pre-law curriculum is not a one-size-fits-all model; it can be customized based on your academic background and goals. While most pre-law profession schools have specific prerequisite lists for admission, there is flexibility in completing them within a four-year curriculum. 

Your choice of major and the depth of your selected courses should align with your academic interests and prior preparation. Popular majors include: history, psychology, and communication. You’ll work closely with faculty and your academic advisor to determine which program is the right fit.

The Core Pre-Law courses include: 

  • Argumentation and Debate
  • Logic and Critical Thinking
  • Introduction to Business and Entrepreneurship
  • Principles of Accounting I
  • Advanced Public Speaking
  • Communication and Conflict 

Pre-Law Career Opportunities

The pre-law landscape offers a diverse array of career opportunities, each with its unique requirements and characteristics. Certain legal fields call for extensive post-baccalaureate education, while others may require more concise training programs. 

Just as a robust foundation in science is crucial for specific pre-health professions, certain legal professions place a premium on foundational legal knowledge. The level of emphasis on independence and entrepreneurship can vary among legal careers, with some roles highlighting substantial collaboration and teamwork. 

Common areas within a pre-law professional pathway include, but are not limited to: 

  • Legal Practice (Attorney) 
  • Corporate Law 
  • Criminal Law 
  • Environmental Law
  • Family Law 
  • Intellectual Property Law 
  • International Law 
  • Human Rights Law 
  • Immigration Law 
  • Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) 
  • Public Interest Law 
  • Legal Research and Writing

FAQ's

What is the Pre-Law Pathway at Bushnell University, and how does it prepare students for law school? 

The Pre-Law Pathway is a specialized program designed to provide students with a strong foundation for success in law school. It includes a tailored curriculum and personalized guidance to navigate the challenges of legal education. 

Can I major in Pre-Law at Bushnell University, or do I need to choose a specific major? 

At Bushnell, we encourage students to choose a major that aligns with their interests and goals. The Pre-Law Pathway complements various majors, allowing flexibility in your academic pursuits while preparing you for a legal career. 

What resources and support does Bushnell University offer to students interested in pursuing a legal career? 

A pre-law advisor with a lot of connections in every conceivable kind of law or jurisprudence. A debate team. Coursework that builds up the foundational skills of reading texts, writing clearly, reasoning, and speaking.

Are there opportunities for internships or practical experiences in the legal field as part of the Pre-Law Pathway? 

Definitely. Students in all majors are required to complete internship credits, and our most recent pre-law alumnus did his internship at a criminal defense firm.  

How does the Pre-Law Pathway at Bushnell University distinguish itself from other pre-law programs? 

The skills that prepare college students to succeed in law school boil down to excellent reasoning, excellent writing, and the ability to process a flood of information without losing focus or being overwhelmed.

Those are skills best learned in small classes with instructors who are aware of students’ goals and highly invested in their success. A bigger school might have impressive facilities, but education on a large scale is like campground scrambled eggs – when you have to serve that many people, the quality suffers.

What law schools have Bushnell graduates attended? 

Recent alumni have chosen the University of Oregon, Willamette University, and Gonzaga University. 

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Hear From Our Students

Student
"My time at Bushnell prepared me for law school by challenging me in skills that are further developed in law school. One way this was enhanced is through smaller class sizes which provide a high level of access to professors who care about their students and are eminently skilled in their craft. This facilitates significant opportunities for students to take advantage of the expertise of the professors. Here are two examples of how I took advantage of that: My interactions with Dr. Berry and her courses exposed me to new perspectives on world history that I would never have considered while teaching me how to distinguish opinion from historical fact (show/prove/demonstrate). This was helpful as two key skills that are developed in law school are one's ability to be open to ideas that are opposed to one's heuristics and to distinguish the law found in cases from what is known as dicta. My interactions with Dr. Srader and his courses helped me along by watching him demonstrate exquisite communication skills while having my ability to memorize large amounts of information challenged. Understanding more about human communication is good preparation for life in general, but the memorization that we were asked to undertake for Dr. Srader's final exams is on par with what is expected for law school exams. In my case, law school would have been an even ruder awakening had I not been challenged to memorize by Dr. Srader's courses.” 
-Tony Wurst '22

Meet the Faculty

Doyle Srader, Ph.D.
Pre-Law Advisor

“A Bushnell education is an excellent first step to the legal profession; recent graduates are now building careers in business law, immigration law, family law, human resources, and one was just elected District Attorney for her county. God calls us to pursue justice, and we love equipping students to lead us all in that pursuit.”