Top Schools for Pre-Law Programs

The pursuit of a law degree is a challenging yet rewarding journey that requires a solid foundation in critical thinking, writing, and a deep understanding of societal issues. For many students, this journey begins with a pre-law program, which serves as a preparatory phase before applying to law school. Pre-law programs are designed to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in law school and eventually in their legal careers.

In the United States, several prestigious institutions offer pre-law programs, each with its unique approach to preparing students for the rigorous demands of legal education. Among these are Adelphi University, the University of Missouri-Kansas City, Furman University, Colorado Christian University, and Trinity Washington University, all of which provide excellent pre-law programs that serve as a stepping stone for students interested in pursuing a legal career.

Adelphi University, located in Garden City, New York, offers a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Literature with a pre-law track. This program is specifically designed for students who aim to enter law school upon graduation. The pre-law track at Adelphi provides students with a solid liberal arts education that emphasizes critical reading, writing, and analytical thinking, all of which are essential skills for a successful law career. Students in this program are encouraged to take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT), which is a prerequisite for acceptance into graduate law programs. The LSAT is an important part of the law school admissions process, and Adelphi’s pre-law program helps students prepare for this challenging exam. Adelphi has earned recognition as a “Best Buy in Education” by the Fiske Guide, further enhancing the value of the pre-law program. The university’s commitment to academic excellence, combined with its supportive environment, makes it a strong choice for students interested in law.

At the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC), students pursuing a pre-law education have the flexibility to choose from a wide range of academic disciplines. The pre-law program at UMKC allows students to select their major from various fields of study, including the arts, humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. This interdisciplinary approach reflects the understanding that law is not confined to a single subject but rather intersects with many areas of human knowledge. UMKC’s pre-law program equips students with the diverse skills necessary for success in law school, such as critical thinking, research, and communication. Graduates of the pre-law program at UMKC have gone on to successful careers in law, working in various sectors such as government, private practice, business, and non-profit organizations. The program’s flexibility and emphasis on a well-rounded education make it an excellent choice for students who want to pursue law but may not want to limit themselves to a single major. Moreover, UMKC's strong reputation in Kansas City and beyond ensures that its pre-law graduates are well positioned for successful careers in the legal field.

Furman University, located in Greenville, South Carolina, is another prestigious institution offering a pre-law program that has helped many students gain acceptance into some of the most competitive law schools in the country. Furman’s pre-law track is designed to provide students with the academic foundation and practical skills needed for success in law school. The university has a strong track record of its pre-law graduates being accepted into top law schools such as Duke, Tulane, Harvard, Vanderbilt, and the universities of Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Virginia. Furman’s pre-law students benefit from a rigorous academic environment that emphasizes critical thinking, writing, and problem-solving, which are key components of legal education. Additionally, Furman offers study abroad programs that provide students with valuable international perspectives on law, governance, and justice. These programs often include opportunities to observe courts, legislatures, and governments in countries across Europe, the Middle East, and the Far East, providing students with a well-rounded global perspective on legal systems. Furman’s reputation for academic excellence and its impressive track record of successful law school admissions make it a highly attractive option for pre-law students.

Colorado Christian University (CCU) offers a pre-law program designed to equip students with the skills necessary for admission into law school and a successful legal career. The pre-law track at CCU is distinctive in that it integrates Christian principles with legal studies, providing students with a unique perspective on justice and ethics. The program is designed to give students a broad foundation in fields such as business administration, psychology, global studies, and liberal arts, with a minor in social science or leadership. These areas of study complement the core legal concepts students will encounter in law school, making CCU’s pre-law program a comprehensive preparation for legal education. The university’s emphasis on critical thinking, leadership, and ethical decision-making aligns well with the demands of the legal profession. Many graduates of CCU’s pre-law program have gone on to successful careers in law, demonstrating the program’s ability to produce well-prepared students ready for the challenges of law school and beyond.

Trinity Washington University, located in Washington, D.C., offers a specialized pre-law advising program that provides students with tailored support as they prepare for law school. Trinity’s pre-law advising program helps students navigate the law school admissions process, including LSAT preparation and application strategies. The university’s academic programs provide a strong foundation for law school, focusing on areas such as critical thinking, research, and writing—skills that are essential for success in legal studies. Trinity has a proven track record of graduates being accepted into some of the nation’s most prestigious law schools, including Columbia University, Cornell University, George Washington University, Georgetown University, and Indiana University. Trinity’s location in Washington, D.C., also offers students unique opportunities to interact with legal professionals and participate in internships with law firms, government agencies, and non-profit organizations. This exposure to the legal field in one of the nation’s legal hubs provides Trinity students with an invaluable advantage as they move forward in their legal careers.