Campus Contacts: Dr. Fredric Waldstein, Social Sciences Department; Dr. Vicki Edelnant, Pathways Center
Statement on Pre-Law Preparation by the Pre-Law Committee of the American Bar Association Section of Legal Education and Admission to the Bar.
Undergraduate Education:
The American Bar Association does not recommend any undergraduate majors or group of courses to prepare for a legal education. Students are admitted to law school from almost every academic discipline. You may choose to major in subjects that are considered to be traditional preparation for law school, such as history, English, philosophy, political science, economics, or business; or, you may focus your undergraduate studies in areas as diverse as art, music, science, mathematics, computer science, engineering, nursing, or education. Whatever major you select, you are encouraged to pursue an area of study that interests and challenges you, while taking advantage of opportunities to develop your research and writing skills. Taking a broad range of difficult courses from demanding instructors is excellent preparation for legal education. A sound legal education will build upon and further refine the skills, values, and knowledge that you already possess. The student who comes to law school lacking a broad range of basic skills and knowledge will face a difficult challenge.
Consistent with the Philosophy of the American Bar Association expressed above, Wartburg College encourages students to select major areas of study that interest them because they are likely to perform better and have a more enjoyable academic experience. Students interested in entering law school gain excellent preparation through the combination of the Wartburg Plan of Essential Education and their major. Pre-law advisers help students identify strengths and weaknesses, and together with the student, plan a personalized course of study. Law School Admissions Tests (LSAT) scores, student grade point average, letters of recommendation, and students’ interests determine which law school best fits their needs.
Recommended: Writing intensive courses, interactive courses, logic, and courses that require research.