FAQ FOR PRE-LAW STUDENTS

Is there a specific pre-law curriculum?

No.

Why not?

The American Bar Association (ABA) does not recommend a particular major, and law schools do not require a specific program of study for admission.

What, then, should I major in?

Pre-law students are strongly recommended to major in Political Science, History, English, sociology or criminal justice. However, a growing number of applicants are coming from Humanities, Physical Sciences, and Biological Sciences. Law school requires strong writing and clear thinking, not extensive preparation in a specific discipline. You should major in an area that interests you for two reasons: first, such a major will yield you a higher grade point average, which is a very important criterion in law school admissions; and second, you don’t want to spend four years taking courses in a major which you do not enjoy.

What are law schools looking for—what is necessary for admission?

In general, law schools are seeking students with three attributes:

· A broad liberal arts education featuring strong preparation in analysis and communication. Your transcript should reflect a broad educational background (i.e. you should take courses in a wide variety of disciplines).

· A high grade-point average.

· A good score on the Law School Admission Test (LSAT).

Are there particular courses that will help prepare me for law school?

The following courses are recommended for consideration:

Political Science 222: Introduction to Jurisprudence

Political Science 442: Constitutional Law and Judicial Process

English 332: Pre-Law Composition

English 333: Advanced Writing: Non-Fiction

Economics 231: Principles of Macro Economics

Economics 232: Principles of Micro Economics

Philosophy 251: Logic

Other courses will also be valuable depending upon the student’s interests and major. Pre-law students should consider taking courses in accounting and general business, anthropology, computer science, criminal justice, economics, English, foreign language, history, political science, psychology, speech or sociology. It is also recommended that a second major or minor, as well as electives, should be chosen from these subject-matter areas.

What about the Emphasis in Legal Assistant Studies offered through the Department of Political Science? Is that a good choice for a pre-law student?

Normally the Department of Political Science does not recommend the Legal Assistant emphasis for pre-law students. While some Legal Assistant classes (for example, PSCI 222 – Introduction to Jurisprudence may be helpful for future attorneys, the general aim of the Legal Assistant program is to provide specific preparation for students who wish to become legal assistants, not lawyers. For most students, the broad liberal arts curriculum is the preferred choice. On the other hand, for various personal reasons, over the years a number of Legal Assistant students have gone on to law school and then to successful careers as attorneys. So the possibility of moving from the Legal Assistant emphasis to law school cannot be ruled out.

Is there an organization for Pre-Law students at TAMU-Commerce?

Yes. Interested students can join Phi Alpha Delta Pre-Law Fraternity. Membership advantages include on-site visits to law schools, personal meetings with law school admission representatives, discounts on LSAT prep materials, and a chance to meet new friends and share ideas.

I need additional information. Where can I get it?

Contact Dr. Ayo Ogundele, pre-law advisor, at (903) 468-3094, or call the Department of Political Science at (903) 886-5317.