Pre-Law Plan of Study

Bachelor of Arts or Science: Pre-Law Concentration

“The American Bar Association does not recommend any particular group of undergraduate majors, or courses, which should be taken by those wishing to prepare for legal education; developing such a list is neither possible nor desirable.  The law is too multifaceted, and the human mind too adaptable, to permit such a linear approach to preparing for law school or the practice of law.  Nevertheless, there are important skills and values, and significant bodies of knowledge, that can be acquired prior to law school and that will provide a sound foundation for a sophisticated legal education.”  (Original Pre-Law Committee of the ABA Section of Legal Education and Admission to the Bar)

Following the above statement, Lourdes University does not require any specific courses for the pre-law program beyond those required for the Core Curriculum or General Education.  At the same time, the Pre-Law advisor and others on campus with expertise in the legal profession have developed a list of key skills that will prepare students for law school and a career in the legal profession.  The courses listed next to the key skills will provide students with a solid foundation in these skills.  Completion of the requirements listed above will provide students with the skills and knowledge to prepare them for a career in the law.  It will also give students the designation of “Pre-Law Concentration” on their official transcripts.

 

1) Communication and Critical Thinking Skills (6 credit hours)	Pick 1: ENG 220: Structures of English ENG 316: Foundations of Rhetoric ENG 352: Professional Writing DMS 300: Introductions to Digital & Media Studies ENG 440: Studies in Rhetoric PHL 102: Introduction to Critical Thinking SWK/CSJ 327: Social Science Research	Pick 1: ART 490: Senior Thesis in Art History BUS 490: Business Policy ENG 490: Senior Research HST 490: Historical Methods IDS 491: B.A.I.S. Capstone PSY 490: Psychology Capstone SWK/CSJ 413: Practice Oriented Research CSJ 490: Criminal Justice Capstone Experience THS 490: Senior Integrative Seminar
2) Understanding of the U.S. Legal System (6 credit hours)	History of U.S. Legal System: Pick 1 PLS 122: American National Government PLS 310: The Constitution and the Supreme Court Any 300 or 400-level US history course	Application of U.S. Legal System: Pick 1 CSJ 444: Constitutional Law in Criminal Justice BUS 330: Legal Environment of Business HRM 440: Employment Law ENV 418: Environmental Policy PLS 250: Introduction to the Legal Profession PLS 299: Trial Practice PLS 492: Pre-Law Internship (3 credit hours) CSJ 331: Criminal Law & Procedure
3) Foundation in Ethics and Social Justice (6 credit hours)	Pick 2: PHL 103: Introduction to Ethics CSJ 324: Ethics and Criminal Justice BUS 430: Business Ethics THS 265: Christian Ethics THS 435: Peace, Justice, and Forgiveness CSJ 360: Ethical Decision-making
Total Credit Hours = 18 credit hours