Pre-Law In Arts & Letters

What does the Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters offer pre-law students?

Skills. The College of Arts and Letters has a great deal to offer students who want to prepare for the LSAT while learning about the study and practice of law.

• Analytical reasoning. The LSAT measures logical thinking, analytical reasoning, and the ability to read and comprehend difficult prose. These skills are the very foundation of a traditional liberal arts education and many of the courses in the College develop them.
• Communication. The study and practice of law also require good written and oral communication skills. A student who chooses to major in the College of Arts and Letters, or who complements his or her major with electives in the College, will complete a course of study that develops the communication skills that the American Bar Association considers essential for the successful practice of law. These skills include analyzing and advocating; reading and listening; writing and speaking; and negotiating.
• Legal Institutions. Legal institutions play a very important role in modern societies, and the College offers courses that help students understand the political, sociological, historical, and economic roles of law and legal institutions in society. The study of the United States legal system, international legal systems, and comparative legal systems helps students understand law while developing empirical research skills that are essential for the modern practice of law.
• Ethics. The legal profession has increased its emphasis on civic values, ethics and public policy, and public service. The College of Arts and Letters offers courses and programs of study that help articulate and develop the values and ideals that make individuals and lawyers good citizens.

Departments. Students from every major in the Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters have gone on to careers in law. Several departments (English, History, Philosophy, Political Science, Philosophy) explicitly focus on the connection between their majors and the skills needed to succeed in a legal career.

Students from every major in the Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters have gone on to careers in law. Several departments (English, History, Philosophy, Political Science, Philosophy) explicitly focus on the connection between their majors and the skills needed to succeed in a legal career. The College also offers a certificate in Ethics, Law and Society.