Pre-Law
About the Program
The Pre-Law program is designed to help students make informed decisions regarding preparation for law school and a career in the law. Students who plan to attend law school ordinarily pursue a standard disciplinary or interdisciplinary major, along with challenging electives outside the major. They may also pursue the Legal Studies minor. The goal is to develop the skills of critical thinking and analysis, clear and persuasive writing, and a broad understanding of human nature and society. The Pre-Law program provides information and advice on career opportunities in law and law-related fields and assists students in preparing for admission to law schools.
As part of this program, students are offered a variety of experiences, including visits to campus by practicing lawyers and law students, trips to area law schools, workshops on applying to law schools, and an annual trip to the Supreme Court in Washington, D.C. The Pre-Law program is organized by the Law Professions Advisory Committee (Law PAC), which includes faculty from a variety of disciplines. The Westminster Student Pre-Law Society allows students to participate in the planning of programs for Pre-Law students
Students interested in law can also apply to participate in one of three Bachelor’s Degree Plus Programs, which save time and money by allowing you to begin law school at the end of your junior year.
Bachelor’s Degree + Law Degree (3+3 Programs)
Westminster participates in three 3+3 law programs, which enable students to earn both a bachelor’s degree and a juris doctor (J.D.) degree in just six years, saving students time and money.
We have articulations agreements with Duquesne University School of Law, The University of Akron School of Law, and Widener University Commonwealth Law School. Through these partnership, eligible students earn both a bachelor's degree and a juris doctor (J.D.) degree in just six years, saving time and money.
Students should express their interest in a 3+3 program to the pre-law advisor no later than the beginning of their junior year, including a plan for completing their major and general education requirements (including Capstone) by the end of their junior year at Westminster College.
Students must take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) no later than February of their junior year. 3+3 students who intend to go to Akron Law will be automatically admitted if they meet the requirements of the agreement. Students who intend to go to Widener Law or Duquesne Law must apply to those institutions by April 1 of their junior year.
For more information about 3+3 Law Programs, please contact Westminster’s Pre-Law Advisor.
