Academic Programs

fact sheet

What You'll Be Doing

Gannon University believes in the many ways analytically-minded people can apply their skills to make our society a better place. Whether you are interested in legal areas such as corporate practice, government, politics, private practice, public interest law, civil and criminal law, or patent and copyright law, Gannon’s pre-law program can help you explore possibilities and exercise your mind in preparation to enter law school or the legal field. As a pre-law major, you will be engaged in interesting coursework, challenged to think critically and objectively with the use of reason, and encouraged to partake in internship opportunities that offer valuable connections and experience.

Employment opportunities are abundant in the courts, as well as corporate, banking and insurance industries. Projections for these opportunities are within the top 10 of all occupations. Salaries for lawyers, depending on location and specialization, are in the $60,000 to $120,000 range. Positions in related fields, such as paralegal, are in the $25,000 to $60,000 range, depending on experience and location. Through the next decade, increased demands for lawyers will result from continued growth in areas such as population, health care, intellectual property, international law, elder law, sexual harassment and the environment.

What kind of legal professional will you be?

 

Admission Requirements for Pre-Law 3+3 Early Admissions Program

Gannon University and Duquesne University offer a competitive, six-year program for students interested in Law. Students in the Pre-Law 3+3 Early Admissions Program spend three years at Gannon and then transfer to Duquesne University School of Law.

Gannon Pre-Law students wishing to participate in an accelerated undergraduate experience must meet the requirements below. All other students will be considered for our traditional four-year Pre-Law program.

  • • SAT total of 1150 (out of 1600 in Math and Critical Reading) or higher or ACT total of 25 or higher.
  • • GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
  • • Class rank in top 20 percent.
  • • Strong background in college prep courses.
  • • Three letters of recommendation.
  • • Preference will be given to students showing evidence of leadership potential, community service and co-curricular activities.

Students are encouraged to apply as soon as possible due to the limited number of spaces available.

Applications are processed on a rolling admissions basis. As students who meet the requirements are offered acceptances, they may immediately send their enrollment deposit to reserve their space in the program.

Students in the Pre-Law 3+3 Early Admissions Program must choose a major at the time of deposit so their courses can be scheduled properly. They may choose to major in Business, Criminal Justice, English, History, Legal Studies, Political Science, Science and Social Science.

The Gannon Advantage

  • Students at Gannon enjoy internships, co-ops and study abroad opportunities. In addition everyone completes our "Liberal Studies Core" -- 39 credits that will help prepare you for life.
  • Gannon's Career Development Services Office reports that 97% of Gannon's recent graduates are employed or are enrolled in graduate studies.
  • On our urban campus, students can enjoy all the conveniences of city living while feeling at home in Gannon's caring community.
  • An overall 13:1 student to faculty ratio ensures that students receive the genuine commitment and personal attention they are seeking.
  • Gannon's Career Service Center helps students search for graduate school or job opportunities, develop interviewing skills and design a professional resume.
  • Over 70 clubs and organizations as well as 18 NCAA Division II athletics provide students the chance to be involved.
 
   
Curriculum and Course Descriptions
Major Facts

    • Gannon University has a pre-law chapter of Phi Alpha Delta, the largest law fraternity in the country. This pre-law club gives students the opportunity to take field trips to law schools, participate in service learning in the legal community and form study groups to prepare for the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT).

    • There is an option, with met qualifications, for students to be accepted into the 3+3 program with Duquesne Law School. This provides students an opportunity to complete major course requirements in 3 years and begin their first year at Duquesne Law School during their fourth year of schooling. After successful completion of the first year in law school, students will receive their bachelor’s degree from Gannon in the major track they have chosen. This program saves time and money for motivated students who are qualified to participate.

    • The legal studies program advisor can arrange internship experience for students, giving them hands-on experience in a legal setting.

College Connections

• Classrooms used for the pre-law program are housed in the Palumbo Academic Center, which provides liberal access to professors and other attorneys and paralegals who teach legal specialty courses.

• Many pre-law students take advantage of the courses offered within the legal studies/paralegal program. The legal studies program is approved by the American Bar Association (ABA). Taking some of these classes helps to further students’ knowledge of the legal field prior to entering law school.

• The pre-law advisor is also the director of the legal studies/paralegal program. Many students complete a legal studies certificate and a pre-law minor to add to their educational portfolio, which can be completed within four years with proper course sequencing.

 
 
 

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