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Business Pre-Law

Business Pre-Law

Combine a business pre-law major with another major to prepare for law school.

While law schools do not prescribe any rigid undergraduate curriculum, many pre-law students choose one of the business fields as their major for a baccalaureate degree.  If the profession of law is your ultimate career goal, you might consider combining the business pre-law major with another major from the College of Business to prepare.

The business pre-law major recognizes the business and economic emphasis of the practice of law and also provides the breadth of training and philosophical background that is conducive to success in law school.

Students that co-major in business pre-law will graduate with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree (BBA).

“I wanted to have Business Pre-Law in my comprehensive program because in the ever changing work environment it is important to have a basic understand of how the law impacts business. My intention wasn’t to go to law school, but to have an understanding how my actions could put myself or the company at risk." —Kevin Feinberg '17

Internships and Job Placement

87% of our 2021 business pre-law graduates experienced positive outcomes such as employment or continuing education within six months after commencement. Many students have even accepted offers during their senior year.

Our Business Academic Advising & Career Services center is onsite in Copeland Hall, ready to help you understand how to use good career marketing strategies, from your freshman year.  We’re ready to help you find the perfect internship or job.

In addition to career fairs, and College Placement Champions, you’ll have access to BOBCAT CareerLink, a web-based system where employers post positions, review resumes, and connect with candidates. Plus, participate in workshops, seminars, and even one-on-one coaching to make sure you’re presenting yourself the right way and achieving your career goals.

Exterior of Copeland Hall, home of Ohio University's College of Business

Business Pre-Law Courses

View the Business Pre-Law Major page in OHIO's Undergraduate Catalog to see full major requirements.

Courses in Business Pre-Law Co-Major

All students complete these two courses as well as at least 3 additional courses toward the business prelaw major:

  • BUSL 2550 - Corporate Responsibility in a Legal Environment
  • MGT 3100 - Values, Business Ethics, and Corporate Responsibility

Elective Courses

Complete at least 3 additional courses for a total of 9 hours:

  • BUSL 2900 - Special Topics in Business Law Credit Hours: 1 - 15
  • BUSL 3570 - Law of Commercial Transactions Credit Hours: 3
  • BUSL 3780 - Legal Aspects of Entrepreneurship Credit Hours: 3
  • BUSL 3850 - International Business Law Credit Hours: 3
  • BUSL 4650 - Law of Sports Credit Hours: 3
  • BUSL 4810 - Seminar Credit Hours: 3
  • BUSL 4930 - Independent Research Credit Hours: 1 - 3
  • BUSL 4900 - Special Topics in Business Law Credit Hours: 1 - 15
  • MGT 4300 - Legal Aspects of Employment and Labor Credit Hours: 3

Accounting and Finance Track

Required Course

All students complete these two courses as well as at least 3 additional courses:

  • BUSL 2600 - Business Regulation and Compliance
  • MGT 3100 - Values, Business Ethics, and Corporate Responsibility 

Elective Courses

All students complete at least three courses for 9 hours:

  • ACCT 3400 - Introduction to Federal Income Tax Planning
  • ACCT 4400 - Single-entity Accounting and Tax Planning
  • ACCT 4500 - Accounting for Non-Business Entities and Contemporary Professional Issues
  • BUSL 2600 - Business Regulation and Compliance
  • BUSL 2900 - Special Topics in Business Law
  • BUSL 3780 - Legal Aspects of Entrepreneurship
  • BUSL 3850 - International Business Law
  • BUSL 4650 - Law of Sports
  • BUSL 4810 - Seminar
  • BUSL 4900 - Special Topics in Business Law
  • BUSL 4930 - Independent Research
  • FIN 3310 - Risk and Insurance
  • FIN 3410 - Investments
  • MGT 4300 - Managing Employee Relations

Potential Careers

Business law competency makes students more marketable, no matter the business discipline. From top managers to international practitioners, legal astuteness is in demand as a valuable commodity. For example, legal issues occupy up to 25 percent of a CEO’s available time. In one survey, sixty-nine percent of CFOs have indicated that “global regulatory requirements” will be required for the professionals of the future. Compliance Officer positions are experiencing a high growth rate, prompting the Wall Street Journal to call the compliance market a “hiring spree” and a “battle royal for talent.” A blossoming risk management industry has driven the need for positions in contract and regulatory risk management as well as holistic enterprise risk management.

Student Organizations

Alpha Kappa Psi

Alpha Kappa Psi is the oldest fraternity in the nation. Alpha Kappa Psi is open to all business majors and minors interested in professional development as well as the social aspects of a fraternity.

Black Student Business Caucus

Black Student Business Caucus was established in 1988. Its purpose is to introduce students to the issues of excellence and diversity as well as techniques necessary for survival in the corporate arena.

Christian Business Leaders

The purpose of Christian Business Leaders is to equip business students with the Biblical foundation necessary to be a strong Christian leader in the College of Business and the business world.

Connect

Connect was created in the spring of 2002 by a group of student leaders who saw a void in College of Business student-alumni interaction.

Delta Sigma Pi

This professional business fraternity is designed to foster the study of business and encourage professionalism, scholarship and social activity among members. The Alpha Omicron Chapter was founded in 1925, making Delta Sigma Pi the oldest professional business fraternity on the Ohio University campus.

Ohio Management Group

The Ohio Management Group (OMG) is dedicated to providing members with the tools to succeed at Ohio University and after graduation through weekly professional speakers, professional development and more.

Ohio University Consulting Group

OUCG is a professional organization designed to cater to students looking to gain a hands-on experience by working with real businesses on real problems. Students from all backgrounds and majors (including non-COB) are accepted.

Phi Chi Theta

The purpose of Phi Chi Theta is to promote the cause of higher business education and training for all individuals; to foster high ideals for everyone pursuing a career in business; to encourage fraternity and cooperation among people preparing for such careers; and to stimulate the spirit of sacrifice and unselfish devotion to the attainment of such ends.

Women in Business

OHIO Women in Business (OWIB) provides outstanding support, development, and sense of community to women interested in pursuing careers in business. OWIB develops members through monthly guest speakers and educational workshops. For more information on how to get involved, contact Liz Doyle at ed962710@ohio.edu.

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