Pre-Law, Minor

Students may pursue a legal career after completing undergraduate work in any discipline offered by Wesleyan. Students intending to apply to law school will maximize their chances of admission by maintaining a high GPA, earning high LSAT scores, and obtaining strong letters of recommendation. While the American Bar Association (ABA) does not recommend a specific course of study for students interested in enrolling in law school, both the ABA and Law School Admission Council (LSAC) emphasize the importance of coursework that teaches the skills students need to succeed in their study of law. The ability to read as well as listen, critically analyze fact patterns or situations, organize or synthesize a great deal of information, advocate for someone, counsel or give advice to people, write, speak (oral communication skills), and negotiate are critical skills for all lawyers. Strong library research skills are also important. The pre-law minor includes courses across a number of disciplines that will help students develop these skills, prepare them to take the LSAT, and for law school itself.

Student Learning Objectives

1. Demonstrate knowledge and historical application of the principles and theories of law, politics, and public policy.
2. Demonstrate the ability to identify and interpret sources effectively as evidence within the broader context of public policy, legal questions, and social issues.
3. Critically analyze, construct, and support evidence-based arguments from the most common perspectives in the legal profession.
4. Skillfully communicate logical, evidence-based arguments in both written and oral form.>
5. Interpret moral responsibilities within a professional setting.