Explore Pre-Law, Government (Political Science) or International Relations at William & Mary

William & Mary offers a powerful foundation for students who want to make an impact through law, government and international relations.

If you're interested in pre-law, you'll receive faculty advising, broad knowledge and practical skills that prepare you for admission to the top law schools in the country. W&M’s government major might be known as political science at other schools. Our curriculum covers the full range of political science fields, from American politics and international relations to political theory, public policy and research methods. If you choose to major in international relations, you'll study economic, historical, political and social interactions on a global scale, equipping you to address today's most pressing global challenges.

Whichever path you choose, you’ll graduate prepared to think critically, act ethically and lead in an interconnected world.

Curious to learn more? Join our contact list and explore what W&M has to offer.

Rankings

^# 3

Best School for International Relations in Virginia

Niche 2025
^# 3

Best School for Political Science in Virginia

Niche 2025
^Top 20

Best Public Schools for Making an Impact

The Princeton Review 2025
^Top 20

Top U.S. Undergraduate Institutions to Study International Relations

Foreign Policy Magazine 2024

Paths of Study

Hear From Our Students

I'm passionate about law and protecting children's rights. I've had the opportunity to study at both of W&M's campuses. On the main campus, I am developing the foundation of my education in law and society, and at the Washington Center, I study the impact of public health policies in Washington, D.C.

Elienai Tesfaye '25 sociology major with a concentration in criminology, law and society from Lorton, Virginia

By taking classes across different disciplines, I've been challenged to look at the same topics from different lenses, which helps you get a nuanced understanding. I've also learned how to write and present information for different audiences, which is a valuable skill to have in the field.

Audrey Thornton '23 international relations and German studies double major from Groveland, Massachusetts

I was really drawn towards American politics, especially the study of American institutions and their rules, oversight process and democratic backsliding within those institutions. I would love to shout out Professor Sasser and Professor Evans (I took 7 of their classes!). Professor Evans is a congress expert who really prompted my love for studying American institutions and was my research advisor this year. Professor Sasser is a courts and legal process expert (he is also the pre-law advisor). From Professor Sasser’s classes, I was able to see court in person in Williamsburg and Richmond. They were both so thoughtful and supportive, as are all of the William & Mary government professors.

Sarah Devendorf '25 government and history double major on the pre-law track from Alexandria, Virginia

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I changed my major three or four times and switched to Public Policy after absolutely LOVING my COLL-150 with Professor Sasser (who is now my advisor and is the pre-law advisor)! Soon after I started considering law school. There’s so much to offer and explore under one degree that I knew it was in my future. Unlike medical school, there is typically no specific pre-law track because there is no particular class requirement in order to go. People can (and do) come from any major!

Kylie Doyle '23 public policy major on the pre-law track from Atlanta, Georgia

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Explore Pre-Law, Government (Political Science) or International Relations at William & Mary