Program Overview
The Pre-Law Program is designed to provide students with the foundational skills required for success in law school and the legal profession. According to the American Bar Association, these skill areas include: critical thinking, reading, and writing; effective written and oral communication; and fundamental concepts of law, government, and ethics.
A Pre-Law Program is not a requirement for admission to law school, however, the program can be beneficial for those who wish to explore the legal field, gain foundational knowledge, and enhance their readiness for law school and an eventual career in the legal profession. Since there is no “best” major for admission to law school, students from nearly all academic backgrounds can pursue legal education. A Pre-Law Program is an excellent complement to any undergraduate degree for an aspiring law student.
Valuable components of a Pre-Law Program include:
- Legal-adjacent Concepts: Exposure to fundamental legal concepts, such as: government, constitutional law, and other relevant topics.
- Critical Thinking and Analysis: Emphasis on critical thinking and analytical skills, helping students develop the ability to analyze complex issues and articulate reasoned arguments.
- Communication Skills: Effective communication in written and oral presentation skills.
- Internships or Externships: Experience the profession through internships or externships with law firms, legal departments, or other relevant organizations.
- Ethics and Professional Responsibility: Understanding the ethical obligations and professional responsibilities of legal practitioners.
- Test Preparation: Encourage and prepare students for Law School Admission Test (LSAT)
The Pre-Law Program options at Athens State include a Pre-Law Certificate (9 credits) and a Pre-Law Minor (18 credits). See below:
Completing a Pre-Law Certificate signals to law school admissions committees that a student has a genuine interest in the legal field. It can serve as a positive factor in law school applications, showcasing a commitment to pursuing a legal education. While a Pre-Law Certificate is not a strict requirement for admission to law school, it can offer advantages for students seeking a structured pathway to legal education and a comprehensive introduction to the field.
The Pre-Law Certificate at Athens State consists of 9 credits which emphasize government, ethics, reading and writing, and logic and reasoning. Students in the Pre-Law Certificate program will also participate in Athens State’s Pre-Law Society which provides enrichment activities for its members, including: guest speakers, LSAT preparation, community service opportunities, resume workshops, networking and mentorships, and support for the aspiring legal professional.
| Choose One: EH 302 EH 330 EH 401 | Professional Writing Literary and Critical Theory Multicultural Communication | 3 CH |
| Choose One: PH 300 PH 321/322 CJ 455 | Moral Values in Today’s Society History of Philosophy 1 or 2 Ethics in the Public Sector | 3 CH |
| Choose One: HY 304 HY 306 HY 307 | Revolutionary America 20th Century America American Constitutional Law | 3CH |
| Total | 9 CH |
A Pre-Law Minor allows students to pursue their primary academic interests while still gaining exposure to legal studies. This flexibility can be attractive to students who want to combine legal knowledge with expertise in another discipline. Law schools admit students from a variety of academic backgrounds. However, a Pre-Law minor can be a strategic choice for individuals who want to supplement their major with a focused exploration of legal studies and demonstrate their commitment to pursuing a legal education.
The Pre-Law Minor at Athens State consists of 18 credits which emphasize government, ethics, reading and writing, and professional experience in the field. The Pre-Law Minor includes the Core courses of the Pre-Law Certificate and additionally features four concentrations from which students may choose. Therefore, students who complete the Pre-Law Minor will also earn the Pre-Law Certificate. Students in the Pre-Law Minor will also participate in Athens State’s Pre-Law Society which provides enrichment activities for its members, including: guest speakers, LSAT preparation, community service opportunities, resume workshops, networking and mentorship, and support for the aspiring legal professional.
Contact Information
Sean Busick, PhD
Professor of History- Phone:256-233-6512 Phone:256-233-6512
- Email:Sean.Busick@athens.edu
- Department:Secondary Education
- Office:
Founders Hall, Room 337
