Pre-Law course catalog

2024-25 catalog edits in-progress

Advisor: Paul Baumgardner, Assistant Professor (Political Science)
B.A., Baylor; M.A., Ph.D., Princeton

Pre-law is not a major or minor, but rather an area of study. The practice of law requires three years of study in Law School following the completion of a bachelor’s degree. The key to preparing for law school is a broad and demanding liberal arts education. Such an education equips students to think critically, to read and comprehend difficult material, to write and speak clearly and effectively, to do research, and to develop and defend an argument. Law schools do not specify a preference for any particular undergraduate major. Accordingly, Augustana does not offer a pre-law major, but offers relevant courses and pre-law advising to assist students majoring in any field.

In order to develop the skills needed for law school and the practice of law, pre-law students are encouraged to take a basic curriculum of: COMM 101 Public Speaking, PHIL 100 Critical Reasoning, POLS 260 The Legal System, PHIL 324 Philosophy of Law, POLS 361 Constitutional Law I, and POLS 362 Constitutional Law II.

All students considering a law-related career should contact the pre-law advisor. Admission to law school is highly competitive. For a good chance of admission to an accredited law school, students generally need a grade average of B or better and an LSAT score above the median. In addition to strong grades and LSAT scores, law schools seek students who engage in activities that demonstrate the qualities of leadership and citizenship. Additional information regarding the law school application process is available from the pre-law advisor.