The pre-law program at Concordia is grounded in the college’s strong liberal arts tradition. Preparatory courses are drawn from across the disciplines, and help instill the skills and habits of mind that are beneficial to the study and practice of the law. This means there is no single undergraduate major for pre-law students. While some may major in history or political science, others may choose business or chemistry. Whatever their major, interested students should take liberal arts courses that encourage critical reading, careful argumentation, strong research skills, and intensive writing.
A number of opportunities beneficial to students who are considering applying to law school are offered, which provide enhanced understanding of the law school experience and the legal profession. These include:
- A Concordia College Pre-Law Speakers Series that brings practicing attorneys and judges to campus on a regular basis to discuss law-related issues and career opportunities
- Shadowing opportunities with area law firms and practicing attorneys to give students the chance to observe legal professionals in action, ask questions, and make contacts
- A pre-law student organization that provides support and guidance to students interested in the law, including law-related social engagements, visits with law school admission officers, and guided legal case study exercises.
Law schools primarily consider an applicant’s Law School Admission Test (LSAT) score and undergraduate GPA when making admission decisions. Pre-law advising is, therefore, instrumental in understanding how to approach LSAT preparation, and it can also be helpful in identifying which law schools to apply to. Students generally take the LSAT in the spring or summer prior to their senior year so they have time to retake the exam should they wish to improve their score. Application deadlines vary by school but are often in the spring semester prior to fall enrollment. Law schools typically follow a rolling admission policy, which means they assess and accept applications continuously as they are received. As a result, the earlier a student can complete a quality application, the better. Students should be sure to work with a pre-law advisor throughout the application process.
Concordia’s pre-law advisors will help students craft individual programs of study that fit their strengths and interests. While students may approach a pre-law advisor for assistance at any time during their Concordia careers, they are encouraged to do so early, as pre-law advisement helps students select courses and discern whether they have an aptitude for the study and practice of the law.
Faculty Advisor
Nicholas O. Howard
Pre-Professional Coursework
Supporting coursework and activities – Because there is no defined course of study for pre-law students, a pre-law advisor can help students identify which of the following courses and activities best fit their specific needs.
Foundational courses – These courses address the foundations of law and the justice system, and will assist students assessing whether to pursue law as a vocation.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation Courses | ||
| BUSN 305 | Introduction to Business Law | 3 |
| COM/ENG 422 | Mass Communications Law and Ethics | 4 |
| HCL 378 | Healthcare Law and Ethics | 3 |
| PHIL 331 | Philosophy of Law | 4 |
| PSC 362 | Constitutional Law: Civil Liberties | 4 |
| PSC 363 | Consitutional Law: Governmental Powers | 4 |
| SOC 322 | Crime, Deviance, and Social Control | 4 |
Courses to enhance skills and capacities – The courses listed in this section develop skills in critical analysis and persuasive speaking and writing. They will also help students succeed on the Law School Admissions Test.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Courses to Enhance Skills and Capacities | ||
| COM 203 | Argumentation | 4 |
| COM 305 | Business and Professional Speaking | 4 |
| ENG 316 | Business Writing | 4 |
| ENG 317 | News Writing | 4 |
| ENG 371 | Editing and Grammar for Professionals | 4 |
| PHIL 230 | Symbolic Logic | 4 |
Contextual courses – These courses provide broad contextual knowledge instrumental to understanding the application of the law.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Contextual Courses | ||
| BUS 201 | Principles of Global Economics | 4 |
| PHIL 110 | Thinking About Values | 4 |
| PSC 121 | Thinking about Politics: An Introduction to Political Science | 4 |
| PSC 211 | U.S. Political System | 4 |
| PSYC 357 | Psychopathology | 4 |
| REL 379 | Religion, Race & Social Justice | 4 |
| SOC 111 | Human Society | 4 |
| SOC 231 | Sociology of Families | 4 |
| SOC 328 | Class, Race, and Ethnicity | 4 |
| SWK 150 | Social Work and Social Justice | 4 |
Activities – The following activities develop foundational skills and expose students to law-related content:
- Forensics
- Mock trial team
- Job shadow opportunities with area law firms
- Concordia College Pre-Law Lecture Series
- Pre-Law Society student organization