Pre-Law

Overview

Pre-law programs prepare people for law school.

Pre-law programs teach students about a variety of topics.

Pre-law programs include topics such as:

English
Political Science
Economics
Philosophy
Sociology

Schools

Many colleges and universities offer bachelor’s degrees in pre-law. A bachelor's degree usually takes about four years of full-time study.

Some colleges and universities do not offer a pre-law program but may offer pre-law concentrations. These are a set of guidelines for students to follow while they earn their bachelor's degree in a major of their choosing.

See schools that offer this program.

Related Educational Programs

Related Careers

Careers Directly Related to this Program of Study

Other Careers Related to this Program of Study

Program Admission

You can prepare for this program by taking courses in high school that prepare you for college. This typically includes four years of English, three years of math, three years of social studies, and two years of science. Some colleges also require two years of a second language.

It is also a good idea to develop your writing skills. Consider taking advanced English courses and other courses that require writing, such as history and political science. Participating in debate or forensics will develop your public speaking skills. These will especially come in handy if you think you want to be a trial lawyer.

Below is a list of high school courses that will help prepare you for this program of study:

Advanced English Composition courses
Advanced U.S. Government courses
Advanced U.S. History courses
Forensics and Debate
Political Science
School Governance
Technical Writing

Typical Course Work

Program Courses

This program typically includes courses in the following subjects:

Accounting
American Government
Anthropology
Composition
Economics
English Literature
Logic
Oral Communication
Philosophy
Political Science
Sociology

Things to Know

Law schools do not require a specific major for you to apply.

Many colleges and universities have internship or employment programs set up with law firms or government agencies, either locally or in Washington, DC. This is good experience before applying to law school.