Pre-Law Degree
A pre-law degree helps prepare students to continue to law school or work in the legal sector by covering the fundamentals of law and developing analytical and critical thinking skills.
Course of Study for Pre-Law Students
Pre-law curricula at most schools are fluid with a number of elective options. The American Bar Association doesn’t have a list of recommended majors, but it does have a list of skills aspiring lawyers should develop prior to going to law school. Among the ABA’s list of traits are critical reading and writing skills, as well as effective oral communications techniques. Coursework in pre-law degree programs focus on these skills and classes may be in a number of different fields of study.
Jobs for Pre-Law Graduates
The principal position for pre-law graduates is as an attorney after three years of law school. It is a separate program from the pre-law degree and requires applicants to take the LSAT. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that lawyers earn a median annual salary of $113,310 and the top 25% earn a median annual salary of $166,810 as of May 2011.1 Additional job possibilities include political positions or working at corporations or nonprofit agencies.
Pre-Law Degree Admission Requirements and Programs
Pre-law programs at small schools generally have the same admissions requirements as the college or university itself, which typically include above average grades in high school and good standardized test scores. At larger public universities, pre-law programs are generally part of schools of liberal arts or social sciences which may have different entrance requirements. Pre-law students will want to keep their grades high if they want to continue to law school.
Featured Pre-Law Related Degrees, Programs & Courses
Everest University Online
Campuses: Online
Popular Degrees:
- Paralegal (Associate's)
- Paralegal (Bachelor's)
- Criminal Justice (Associate's)
Keiser University
Campuses: Online
Popular Degrees:
- Paralegal Studies, AA (Online)
- Criminal Justice, AA (Online)
Kaplan University
Campuses: Online
Popular Degrees:
- BS in Paralegal Studies
- AAS in Paralegal Studies
- MS in Legal Studies - Education and the Legal System
Walden University
Campuses: Online
Popular Degrees:
- B.S. in Political Science & Public Administration - Law & Legal Studies
- Ph.D. in Public Policy and Administration - Mixed-Model - Criminal Justice
- M.S. in Criminal Justice Leadership & Executive Management - General
Western International University
Campuses: Online
Popular Degrees:
- Bachelor of Arts in Legal Studies
- Bachelor of Science in Business / Minor in Legal Studies
References:
1. Bureau of Labor Statistics: http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes231011.htm
