Pre-Law, Minor
Program Overview:
The Pre-Law Minor aligns closely with the mission of St. Francis College, which emphasizes academic excellence, ethical leadership, and a commitment to service and social justice grounded in the Franciscan tradition. The program reflects the College’s holistic approach to education by combining intellectual rigor with moral responsibility, preparing students to engage thoughtfully with legal, political, and social issues. Through coursework in areas such as legal reasoning, constitutional law, and the social context of law, students develop the analytical and ethical foundations necessary for responsible participation in civic and professional life. The Pre-Law Minor also supports the College’s strategic priorities of academic innovation, student-centered learning, and career preparation, as articulated in the SFC 170 strategic plan. By leveraging existing interdisciplinary coursework and the College’s location in Brooklyn, the program provides students with opportunities to connect classroom learning to real-world legal environments. In doing so, it advances the College’s mission of preparing students not only for professional success, but also for meaningful contribution to a diverse and global community.
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
Code | Title | Credits |
| Select three courses | 9 |
| Constitutional and Public Law |
|
PSC - 3410 | Constitutional Law I | 3 |
PSC - 3411 | Constitutional Law II: Civil Liberties |
|
PSC/HIS – 2203 | International Human Rights and Humanitarian Law | 3 |
CJ - 3000 | American Criminal Courts | 3 |
SOC – 4012 | Spec. Topics: Constitutional Law | 3 |
| Legal Systems and Society |
|
SOC – 3060 | Law and Society | 3 |
SOC – 2036 | Immigrants Issues and Concerns | 3 |
BL – 2501 | Law in U.S. Culture | 3 |
PHI – 2341 | Authority and Law | 3 |
| Business and Regulatory Law |
|
BL – 2101 | Business Law I | 3 |
BL – 2102 | Business Law II | 3 |
BL – 3101 | International Business Law | 3 |
BL - 3001 | Real Estate Law Constitution to Law and Order | 3 |
| Legal Communication and Technology |
|
COM – 4611 | Communication and the Law | 3 |
IT – 3101 | Information Technology Law and Ethics | 3 |
| Specialized Legal Topics |
|
BL – 2201 | Women and the Law | 3 |
BL – 2401 | Sports and the Law | 3 |
BL – 2301 | The Law of Death and Dying | 3 |
EXM/PE – 3322 | Introduction to Legal Issue | 3 |
SPM – 2080 | Sports and the Law | 3 |
CJ – 4019 | Spec. Topic: The Death Penalty | 3 |
PSC – 2XXX | Legal Research and Writing I | 3 |
PSC – 3XXX | Legal Research and Writing II | 3 |
PSC – 3XXX | Civil Litigation and Procedure | 3 |
PSC – 3XXX | Paralegal Internship | 3 |
PROGRAM LEARNING OBJECTIVES
PROGRAM LEARNING OBJECTIVES
PLO 1: Demonstrate knowledge of the structure and operation of the American legal system.
PLO 2: Apply logical reasoning and argumentation to legal questions.
PLO 3: Analyze legal issues within their constitutional, political, and social contexts.
PLO 4: Communicate effectively about legal topics in written and oral formats.
PLO 5: Develop foundational skills useful for law school and legal careers.
CURRICULUM HIGHLIGHTS
CURRICULUM HIGHLIGHTS
Strong Foundation in Legal Studies
Coursework in legal reasoning, constitutional law, and the social context of law builds essential analytical and critical thinking skills.
Ethics and Social Justice Focus
Emphasizes ethical leadership and the role of law in promoting justice, aligned with the Franciscan tradition.
Interdisciplinary Approach
Integrates perspectives from political science, sociology, philosophy, and related fields to provide a well-rounded understanding of legal systems.
Civic and Professional Preparation
Prepares students for law school and careers in public service, policy, and advocacy through rigorous academic training.
Experiential Learning Opportunities
Leverages Brooklyn location to connect students with courts, legal organizations, and internships.
Student-Centered and Career-Oriented
Supports academic innovation and individualized pathways, aligned with the SFC 170 Strategic Plan.
Holistic Educational Model
Combines intellectual rigor with moral responsibility, preparing students to contribute meaningfully to diverse and global communities.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
Law School and Legal Careers
Preparation for admission to law school and careers as attorneys, legal consultants, or judges.
Paralegal and Legal Support Roles
Positions such as paralegals, legal assistants, and court administrators.
Government and Public Service
Careers in local, state, and federal agencies, including policy analysis, legislative support, and public administration.
Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement
Opportunities in policing, corrections, and investigative roles.
Nonprofit and Advocacy Work
Roles in organizations focused on civil rights, social justice, immigration, and community outreach.
Business and Compliance
Careers in corporate compliance, human resources, contract management, and risk analysis.
Journalism and Communications
Legal journalism, political reporting, and public affairs communication.
Education and Academia
Teaching or pursuing graduate studies in law, political science, or related fields.