Pre-Law

<Pre-Professional Services Homepage

Pre-Law Overview

The best preparation for law school is a sound background in liberal arts.  At Rutgers University-Newark, there is no such thing as a “pre-law” major; instead, pre-law refers to all of the academic studies, training, and experience one attains prior to starting a formal law program.  However, it is recommended that a student select a challenging set of courses throughout their undergraduate journey in order to gain highly-regarded skills that include the ability to:

• Comprehend and understand what you read
• Write with lucidity and clarity, to know what words mean          
• Logically analyze and understand complex ideas and issues
• Effectively present thoughts orally
• Exhibit a high level of competence in the English language

It will immediately be seen that familiarity with these skills can come from a wide variety of courses and/or majors.  Many pre-law students at Rutgers University-Newark choose majors in:

• English
• History
• Political Science
• Philosophy
• Economics
• Criminal Justice
• Business

The Department of History at Rutgers University-Newark offers an 18-credit, interdisciplinary Legal Studies minor designed to provide students with an introduction to law.  The minor serves to enhance one’s preparation for a law-related graduate program and/or career with courses offered in a variety of academic departments including political science, history, criminal justice, philosophy, and writing.  Additionally, our very own Rutgers School of Law offers undergraduate students the opportunity to take law-focused courses, such as “Introduction to American Law,” taught by a law school professor; a true golden opportunity for undergraduate students to determine whether they are truly interested in pursuing law school after graduation.

Pre-Professional Services within the Office of Academic Services (Hill Hall 312) assists students who are interested in a legal career.  The office provides advisement and assistance to students interested in attending Law School after completing their undergraduate degree at Rutgers.  This website will provide students with:

• Advice on course selection and preparation for law school
• Information about law school and the legal profession
• Guidance on the law school application process
• Referral to activities, programs, and resources at Rutgers and beyond that will increase knowledge of the legal profession and of the law school admissions process
• Advocacy for students interested in the legal profession