Minor
About Pre-Law (Minor Only) at CSUSB
The Pre-Law minor at Cal State San Bernardino provides students with a structured, interdisciplinary foundation for understanding the legal system, constitutional principles, and the role of law in society.
Designed for students in any major, this program strengthens analytical reasoning, legal literacy, and critical thinking—skills that are essential for careers in law, public policy, advocacy, business, and public service.
Through coursework in the judiciary, constitutional law, civil liberties, and elective topics that explore law and governance from multiple angles, students gain insight into how legal systems operate and how legal reasoning shapes public life.
Many Pre-Law students also participate in CSUSB’s Pre-Law Pathway Program, which offers advising on law school admissions, LSAT preparation, scholarships, networking with legal professionals, and support services to help students pursue a legal career.
Careers in Pre-Law (Minor Only)
While the Pre-Law minor does not lead directly to a law license, it provides valuable preparation for law school and careers where rigorous legal reasoning and ethical judgment are central.
Students build foundational knowledge that supports success in graduate and professional paths.
Career pathways connected to this minor include:
- Law school and legal practice (after earning a J.D.)
- Paralegal or legal assistant roles
- Public policy analysis and legislative work
- Advocacy and public interest work
- Government service and judicial support positions
- Regulatory compliance and corporate governance
- Nonprofit leadership with legal or policy focus
- Graduate study in public policy, political science, or related fields
The minor also sharpens critical reading, persuasive writing, research, and ethical analysis—skills that are valuable in nearly any professional setting.
Sample Courses
Law and the Courts
Emphasis on practical legal problems confronting criminal justice system workers and administrators.
Law and Social Policy
Examination of major areas of U.S. social policy and how they have been shaped by theory, legislation, and litigation.
Legal Environment of Business
Study of the legal system, nature and source of law as applied to business activity, statutes and significant cases involving business policies and the effect of public policies on private enterprise system sale of goods under the Uniform Commercial Code.
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Opportunities for Students
Students in the Pre-Law minor benefit from a curriculum and support resources that help them connect academic preparation with professional and legal-career aspirations:
- Core courses that build a foundational understanding of legal systems:
- Judicial Process
- American Constitutional Law
- The Bill of Rights
- Nine units of electives chosen from a wide range of law-related topics, including:
- Law and the Courts
- Legal Environment of Business
- Philosophy of Law
- International Law
- Politics, Law and Bureaucracy
- Law and Social Policy
- Constitutional Interpretation and more
- Pre-Law Pathway Program advising students on LSAT prep, law school applications, networking, and career strategy
- Faculty mentorship from experienced instructors in political science, philosophy, criminal justice, history, and related areas
- Engagement with law-related student organizations, such as the Law Society, and opportunities for internships or experiential projects on legal topics
- Development of transferable skills in writing, argumentation, analytical reasoning, and public speaking that support academic success and professional readiness
These experiences help students clarify their career goals, build a competitive profile for law school admission, and strengthen core competencies valued across many fields.
Similar to Pre-Law (Minor Only)
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