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Specializing in Pre-Law

Specializing in Pre-Law

For those interested in pursuing a legal career, plenty of military-friendly colleges and universities offer pre-law programs. Pre-law is offered as an academic "track" rather than a specific degree for undergraduates committed to getting an advanced law degree. That said, pre-law is an important option to consider for anyone thinking of a legal career.

Because pre-law is not a degree itself, public universities sometimes have pre-law advising programs designed to guide students interested in law school. Public universities often have a strong commitment to serving veterans and may provide additional support services specifically for military-connected students such as dedicated campus offices and services for vets.

What can you do with a Pre-Law Degree?

Of course, one main career goal with an academic track in pre-law is to become a lawyer. However,  many other law-related career options become evident as one accomplishes their educational milestones.

A solid undergraduate education and a foundation in pre-law are great starts towards entry into an accredited law school, but if a student decides to change focus, a pre-law track can be used with other options.

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 comprehension
  • 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

As mentioned above, there is typically no such thing as a pre-law degree. It's a program or track offered by colleges to guide students through their undergrad work before settling into the advanced degree studies they need to earn a law degree.

Many law schools do not require a particular undergraduate degree. However, they require a strong undergraduate GPA and solid scores on the LSAT (Law School Admission Test).

A Pre-Law 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.

Pre-Law Bachelors Degree

A Bachelor’s awarded after following a Pre-Law track may incorporate 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.

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

Career Options With Pre-Law Education

Juris Doctorate (JD)

This is the law degree you seek to become a lawyer. After completing undergraduate work such as a pre-law track, students typically enter advanced degree programs to earn a Juris Doctorate.

After graduating from law school, graduates must pass the bar exam in the state where they intend to practice. The bar exam tests knowledge of state and federal law and legal procedures. In addition to passing the bar exam, applicants must also undergo a character and fitness evaluation to ensure they possess the ethical and moral qualities necessary for the legal profession.

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

Jobs with a Juris Doctorate

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.