A BA in Physics with additional courses in chemisty, biology and engineering provides the technical depth needed for a law career in a modern high tech corporation. In addition, with a background in science and law, there are many career opportunities in government service.

In order to be qualified to prepare and submit patent applications, a person must have a Bachelor's degree in a technical field, and pass the Patent Bar Exam. The Patent Bar Exam is an open book exam. Firms such as the Practice Law Institute in NYC and Washington, DC, and the Patent Resource Group, in Washington, DC, offer one week courses about one month before the exams are given. Additional information about the Patent Bar can be obtained from the Patent Trademark Office in Washington, DC (703) 308-9623 or 9618. A summer and/or a full year internship in reviewing patents with a local corporation is also beneficial for entry into the practice of patent law.

Of course, a Law degree is required in order to practice or to provide legal advice. Although schools do not have any specific pre-law requirements, those who practice corporate Law suggest that it is very useful to have a background in areas such as constitutional law, business, finance, and international relations. In addition, courses with an emphasis on writing provide vital experience for the future. Students interested in this direction are encouraged to pursue a minor in legal studies and possibly applied economics.

An example of a program that satisfies the requirements of s minor in legal studies ¹ and possibly for a minor in applied economics ² is shown below.

First Year
Fall	Spring
MTH 161 -- Calculus I	MTH 162 -- Calculus II
PHY 141 -- Mechanics (Honors) 3	CAS 105 -- Primary Writing
PHL 104 -- Reason and Argument	PHY 143 -- Waves and Modern Physics (Honors) 4
ECO 105 -- Principles of Economics	ECO 207 -- Imtermed. Microeconomics 2
Second Year
Fall	Spring
MTH 164 -- Multidimensional Calculus	MTH 165 -- Linear Algebra & Diff. Eqs.
PHY 142 -- Electricity & Magnetism (Honors)	PHY 256 -- Computational Physics
ECO 209 -- Intro. to Macroeconomics 2	PSC 106 -- Intro. to International Relations 1
PSC 223 -- Constitutional Politics	MTH 203/STT203 (ECO 230) -- Intro. to Mathematical Statistics 2
Third Year
Fall	Spring
PHY 217 -- Electrricity & Magnetism I	PHY 237 -- Quantum Mech. of Physical Systems
PHY 235W -- Classical Mechanics	ECO 286 -- Political Economy of Property Rights 2
MTH 281 -- Fourier Series	PSC 216 -- Legislative Process 1
ECO 265 -- Law and Economics 2	Elective
Fourth Year
Fall	Spring
PHY 243W -- Advanced Experimental Techniques I	PHY 218 -- Electricity & Magnetism II
MTH 201 -- Intro. to Probability	PHL 226 -- Philosophy of Law 1
LAW 205 -- Business Law (Simon School) 1	Elective
Elective	Elective

¹The legal studies minor program that also satisfies the humanities cluster has a minimum of six courses. Those courses that provide a good preparation for law school are: PHL 105 (Reason and Argument), PSC 106 (Intro. to International Relations), PSC 216 (Legislative Processes), PSC 223 (Constitutional Politics), PHL 226 (Philosophy of Law), LAW 205 (Business Law). More information on the legal studies program is available here.

²The economics mnor program, that also satisfies the Social Science cluster, requires ECO 207, ECO 209, and three additional courses; such courses which can provide additional preparation for law school are: ECO 207 (Microeconomics), ECO 209 (Macroeconomics), STT 203 (Intro. to Mathematical Statistics, or substitute ECO 230), ECO 265 (Law and Economics) and ECO 286 (Political Economy of Property Rights).

³Students who have had an introduction to differential and integral calculus in high school are encouraged to take PHY 141 in the Fall instead of PHY 121 in the Spring.

⁴PHY 143 is open to freshmen only.

Go to Undergraduate Programs page.