Politics and Philosophy

Earn your undergraduate degree and Juris Doctor in just six years through University of Idaho’s 3+3 law school program. This accelerated pathway is open to political science and philosophy majors and allows you to begin law coursework during your fourth year — with up to 30 law school credits applied toward your bachelor’s degree.

Designed for highly motivated students, the 3+3 program offers an academically rigorous and cost-effective route to a legal career. Through foundational coursework in political science or philosophy, you'll develop the research, writing and critical thinking skills essential for success in law school.

To participate, students must maintain a 3.3 GPA, earn an LSAT score at or above the College of Law’s median and receive departmental certification confirming that all undergraduate requirements (excluding 3+3 overlap) will be completed by the end of the third year. 

For more information on the application process, which starts in the spring semester of one's sophomore year, visit 3+3 College of Law program.

Why choose political science or philosophy? 

Philosophy and political science are two of the top majors for pre-law preparation. These disciplines sharpen the critical thinking, ethical reasoning and argumentation skills needed for success in law school. Studies consistently rank philosophy among the highest-scoring majors on the LSAT, with political science also ranking among the top fields.

What if your plans change? 

Students who do not continue to law school after their third year — or who do not meet the 3+3 eligibility criteria — can still complete a traditional four-year undergraduate degree in political science or philosophy. These students are well prepared for alternative graduate paths or careers in public policy, advocacy, education and more. 

Learn more about the 3+3 Law School Program 

Earn your undergraduate degree and a Master of Public Administration (MPA) in just one additional year through University of Idaho’s 4+1 master’s program. Designed for students pursuing careers in local government, public service or nonprofit leadership, this program offers an uninterrupted transition to graduate school.

Program highlights

• Complete your undergraduate and master’s degrees in five years.
• Available fully online or on campus.
• Maintain undergraduate tuition during your fifth year.
• Share up to 12 credits between your undergraduate and graduate degrees:
  • Up to 6 credits of 400-level or higher undergraduate courses (earned with a B or better) may count toward both degrees.
  • Reserve up to 6 credits of 500-level graduate courses (earned with a B or better) during your undergraduate studies to apply to the 4+1 MPA.

Eligibility requirements

• You must be a current U of I undergraduate student working on a bachelor’s degree in any major.
• Minimum 3.0 cumulative undergraduate GPA.
• Maintain continuous enrollment at U of I from undergraduate to MPA.
• No specific undergraduate major or prior preparation is required.

This accelerated version of the MPA has the same requirements and outcomes as the traditional MPA but with a shorter timeline and reduced tuition costs. Students benefit from close faculty interaction, practical coursework and internship opportunities in local government and the nonprofit sector.

Interested in applying? Contact the Director of Graduate Studies prior to submitting your application to confirm eligibility and begin planning your course path. 

Gain practical experience through placements with state and national legislatures, political campaigns, policy think tanks, legal organizations and nonprofits. Work with your advisor or department chair to find an internship that matches your goals. 

Work alongside faculty in one of the department’s undergraduate research labs on topics such as policy analysis, political theory, artificial intelligence, ethics and law. Publish your own research in the student-run Cook Undergraduate Research Journal or edit the Hemlock Papers. 

Connect with peers, build leadership skills and expand your professional network by joining student clubs and organizations in the Department of Politics and Philosophy. These groups provide hands-on opportunities to practice policy analysis, debate complex issues and strengthen your writing, research and intercultural communication skills — all while preparing for graduate study or a career in law, government or public service.

Student groups include:

• Pre-Law Society
• Political Science Society 

Participate in the European Politics Experience, a study abroad program that explores political differences between Europe and the United States through the lens of foreign policy and comparative urban politics. During the trip, participants engage with state and national politicians, local stakeholders, think tank experts and take part in discussions with German undergraduate students. Scholarships are guaranteed — contact Florian Justwan, department chair, for more information. 

Develop critical thinking and public speaking skills by joining University of Idaho’s mock trial team in regional and national competitions. Learn how to negotiate complex policy issues by participating in U of I’s delegation at the West Coast Model EU conference in Seattle.  

Explore more involvement opportunities