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Getting a Degree in Pre-Law

Fulfill your childhood dreams and adult career goals! Becoming a lawyer takes time and schooling. With a carefully planned educational pathway, becoming a lawyer is a realistic and achievable goal. The 1st step is to get an undergraduate degree and a Pre-Law Degree is a perfect choice!

What can you do with a Pre-Law Degree?

There is, of course, one main career goal with a Degree in Pre-Law: becoming a lawyer! However, there are many other law-related career options along the way as one accomplishes their educational milestones. A solid undergraduate education and a Degree in Pre-Law is a great start towards entry into an accredited law school.

Is a Pre-Law Degree hard?

If you have a passion for the field of law and are determined to achieve your educational and career goals, then a Degree in Pre-Law is not difficult! Students seeking to enter the career field of law should be prepared for a comprehensive education beginning at the undergraduate level.

Students will gain a variety of essential skills including:
  • Critical thinking
  • Problem-solving
  • Verbal and written communication
  • Reading for a clear understanding of content
  • Research
  • Communication for precision, style, and clarity
Using educational entitlements such as the GI Bill and the Yellow Ribbon program helps ensure students won’t be deterred from their goals from debilitating student debt. For a veterans guide to law school click here.

Getting a Degree in Pre-Law

In order to become a lawyer, students must first plan on the successful completion of an undergraduate degree. In fact, most law schools do not require a particular undergraduate degree. Law schools do require, among other things, a great undergraduate GPA (typically a 3.5 or better) and a fantastic score (usually a 150 or better) on the LSAT (Law School Admission Test).

A Pre-Law program, whether as a degree offering or an advising program, is designed to help students acquire the necessary education that will help them prepare for and get accepted into (and succeed in) their law school of choice. These Pre-Law programs may offer a similarly named degree or be offered through majors such as political science or criminal justice.

Bachelor’s in Pre-Law

A Bachelor’s in Pre-Law will incorporate the standard undergraduate courses in English, the Humanities, and Social Sciences. Keep in mind, that a student only needs an undergraduate degree of any major to enter an accredited law graduate program. However, students earning a Bachelor’s in Pre-Law show dedication to the field. They are also well-prepared to enter the workforce in a variety of jobs, especially those in the legal field. For some students, the end goal may not be to become a lawyer but perhaps to research, teach, or be a proprietor of a legal business.

A Bachelor’s in Pre-Law is a great degree for those prepping for law school, building a great foundation while allowing students the opportunity to explore their specific interests and potential legal specialties including:
  • Real Estate
  • Immigration
  • Copyright
  • Criminal Defense
  • Family
  • Tax
  • Health
  • International
  • Advocacy

Jobs with a Bachelor’s in Pre-Law

Juris Doctorate (JD)

This is the law degree that will earn a student their career goals! Along with other requirements, such as licensing exams, the Juris Doctorate Degree will earn students their career goal of becoming a lawyer. There are many options when becoming a lawyer! From working for a large busting practice with a variety of specialties, to starting a low-cost clinic, and even working in the legal department for a wide variety of organizations. From A to Z, advocacy to zoos, the possibilities are endless!

For more information on Law School and earning a Juris Doctorate click here.

Jobs with a Juris Doctorate

Is a Pre-Law Degree worth it?

If your career goal is to become a lawyer, then there is no better educational pathway than a Degree in Pre-Law! A Pre-Law Degree is also an ideal degree for students that are preparing for any career related to law and the criminal justice system. Earn the knowledge backed by a respectable degree and open up a wide variety of career opportunities!

Looking to become a lawyer in the military? Click here for more information!

GI Bill-approved Schools Offering a Pre-Law Degree

Ready to start your educational journey to become a lawyer? Check out these great programs at our partner schools:

Stetson University Deland

Stetson University College of Law is ranked #3 by U.S. News in trial advocacy and #3 in legal writing, both vital skills for attorneys. Stetson has several programs for those seeking a JD, including dual degree programs for JD/Masters. However, Stetson does not offer a specific Pre-Law program for undergraduates as students are not required to adhere to any specific undergraduate course of study to gain acceptance into Stetson’s College of Law. Stetson is a GI Bill-approved school, offers credit for military experience, and is approved for Tuition Assistance. Stetson is a MyCAA-approved school and Stetson proudly participates in the Yellow Ribbon program.

Quinnipiac University

Has a School of Law with a multitude of comprehensive programs. At the undergraduate level a Pre-Law advising program is offered and an accelerated Bachelor’s + JD (as a 3+3), allowing students to earn both degrees in just 6 years. There are also Dual Degree programs for JD in combination with a variety of Masters. There are also full-time and part-time programs for students seeking their JD and a variety of optional concentrations. Quinnipiac University has GI Bill-approved programs, offers credit for military experience, and awards credit for both the CLEP and DSST exams. Quinnipiac University is a MyCAA-approved school, is approved for Tuition Assistance and Quinnipiac University is a Yellow Ribbon school.

Upper Iowa University

Offers Pre-Law as a minor for its undergraduate degrees. Upper Iowa University has GI Bill-approved programs, offers credit for military experience, and awards credit for both the CLEP and DSST exams. Upper Iowa University is a MyCAA-approved school, a Yellow Ribbon school, and is approved for Tuition Assistance.

University of North Georgia

Offers a Bachelor of Science in Political Science with a Pre-Law Concentration. The University of North Georgia also offers a Pre-Law advising program. The University of North Georgia has GI Bill-approved programs, offers credit for military experience, awards credit for the CLEP and DSST exams, and is approved for Tuition Assistance. The University of North Georgia is a MyCAA-approved school and the University of North Georgia proudly participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program.

University of Baltimore

Is home to the UBalt School of Law! As an undergraduate at the University of Baltimore, students have a variety of educational pathways for earning an undergraduate degree. Early Entry and Automatic Admit options are available to undergraduate students seeking entry into UBalt School of Law, provided they meet certain requirements. Early Entry is available for students in the following degree programs:The University of Baltimore has GI Bill-approved programs, offers credit for military experience, and awards credit for both the CLEP and DSST exams. The University of Baltimore is a Yellow Ribbon school and the University of Baltimore is a MyCAA-approved school.

St. Bonaventure University

Offers a Law and Society minor for its undergraduate degrees. St. Bonaventure University also has the Center for Law & Society which provides numerous opportunities for students interested in pursuing a law degree including advising, workshops, and internships. St. Bonaventure University has GI Bill-approved programs, offers credit for military experience, and awards credit for the CLEP exam. St. Bonaventure University is a Yellow Ribbon school and is approved for Tuition Assistance.