Pre-Law

Students may combine their interest in the chemical sciences and law by completeing a law degree following either their undergraduate BS degree, or a graduate level MS and/or PhD degree.

The combination of a degree in a chemical science together with a law degree allows the student to pursue a career in patent law, or serve as a patent agent. Patent agents and/or patent lawyers represent companies or individuals seeking to obtain patent protection for a new chemical, drug or process.

Patent lawyers also represent companies in litigation over patent rights, or can work in the US Patent and Trademark Office which oversees patents.

In addition, lawyers with previous training in a chemical science are well-prepared to serve as consultants or litigators in criminal or civil trials in which forensic evidence plays a major role, either for the prosecution or the defense.

Individuals with the combination of a BS, MS, or PhD degree and the LLD degree, are highly sought out professionals, and are compensated accordingly.

It is recommended that students interested in Pre-Law should meet with the University Pre-Law Advisor no later than the end of their second year at the University to ensure that appropriate electives are taken.