Pre-Professional Programs

Pre-Law

Students interested in a legal education are encouraged to pursue an area of study that interests them while develop reading, writing, public speaking, critical thinking and research skills.

There is no single path that will prepare a student for legal education. Students who are successful in law school and who become accomplished professionals choose various majors at the undergraduate level; and students are admitted to law school from almost every academic discipline. Many pre-law students choose to major in Political Science, History or Philosophy. However, whatever major is selected, students are encouraged to pursue an area of study that interests and challenges them, while taking advantage of opportunities to develop research and writing skills. Completing a broad range of challenging courses from influential instructors is excellent preparation for legal education.

The Pre-Law Committee of the American Bar Association's Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar recommends the development of the following skills for successful study in the legal profession:

  • Analytic/Problem-Solving Skills
  • Critical Reading Abilities
  • Writing Skills
  • Oral Communication and Listening Abilities
  • Organizational and Management Skills
  • Values of Serving Others and Promoting Justice
  • General Research Skills

Emmanuel College offers many courses that develop skills in these areas. Specific advising for students interested in a career in Law is provided by the Pre-Law Advisory Committee (PLAC). The PLAC helps students determine a specific program geared to their particular aspirations. For more information, contact committee chair Dr. Marie Natoli of the Political Science Department.

Recommended Courses

The following courses have been found to provide an excellent preparation for the Law School Aptitude Test (LSAT) as well as guidance for students who wish to explore a career in the practice of law.

  • THTR1111 Public Speaking: Voice and Diction
  • THTR3111 Public Speaking: Interactive Speech
  • PHIL1115 Recent Moral Issues
  • PHIL 2108 Critical Thinking
  • PHIL2119 Symbolic Logic
  • PHIL2203 Philosophy of Law
  • POLSC2602 Introduction to Law and the Judicial System
  • POLSC2603 Problems of Law and Society
  • POLSC3209 Public Policy, the Law and Psychology
  • POLSC3607 Constitutional Law

Recommended Courses

The following courses have been found to provide an excellent preparation for the Law School Aptitute Test (LSAT) as well as guidance for students who wish to explore a career in the practice of law.

  • PERF1111 Public Speaking: Voice and Diction
  • PERF3111 Public Speaking: Interactive Speech
  • PHIL1115 Recent Moral Issues
  • PHIL 2108 Critical Thinking
  • PHIL2119 Symbolic Logic
  • PHIL2203 Philosophy of Law
  • POLSC2602 Introduction to Law and the Judicial System
  • POLSC2603 Problems of Law and Society
  • POLSC3209 Public Policy, the Law and Psychology
  • POLSC3607 Constitutional Law
Academics