Pre-Professional Studies are designed for students planning to pursue further study at a professional school. Students are encouraged to meet with an advisor as soon as possible to discuss course selection, to gather information regarding admission requirements for professional schools, and to select an appropriate undergraduate major. Please note that Pre-Professional Studies are NOT majors, an EMU degree will not be awarded.
Most law schools require a bachelor’s degree and evidence of potential for law school as measured by grade point average and the results of the Law School Admission Test (LSAT). Also, most law school admission officers emphasize the importance of a broad academic background and analytical and communication skills development. The Department of Political Science provides counseling for prelaw students, LSAT registration, application materials, and catalogs from many law schools nationwide.
Because law schools typically do not require specific courses for admission or identify any particular major or curriculum as preferable, prelaw students must plan their academic program. Given the increasing competitiveness of admission to law school, great care must be exercised in selecting a program of study appropriate to a legal career and maintaining a high academic performance. Choosing a program that will provide a suitable alternative career is also prudent.
The majors most commonly selected by prelaw students are Political Science [BA] , History [BA] , and Sociology [BS] . Other frequent choices include Language, English [BA] , Communication [BA] , Psychology [BS] , Philosophy [BA] , and business administration. Although less numerous, students with majors in mathematics, the natural sciences, foreign languages, music, and art also enter law school to enhance their career potential.
Whatever major and minor combination is chosen, attention should also be given to selecting appropriate elective courses. Any challenging course that will facilitate mastery of language use, develop a critical understanding of human values and institutions, or contribute to the capacity for independent and creative thinking is likely beneficial. Among courses often recommended by prelaw advisers are advanced English composition, persuasive speech, logic, and accounting. Mathematics and science courses are frequently cited as helpful in developing needed analytical skills.
Prelaw students who desire to gain greater insight into the law, legal procedures, and law school approaches to legal studies may choose from a broad range of courses offered by the Departments of Political Science, Sociology, Economics, History and Philosophy, and Marketing. The major and minor in public law and the government offered by the Department of Political Science provide a firm foundation for a career in law.
Advisor Information
Barry Pyle, PhD, 601 Pray-Harrold, 734.487.3113
