Academics & Choosing Your Major

Any Major Can Be a Pre-Law Pathway

You can major and minor in anything and be on a pre-law pathway. Successful law students come to their legal education from a wide range of educational, professional, and life experiences. There is no subject or major that law school admissions will frown upon. Your academic performance matters so, whatever you choose to study, make sure you prioritize doing well.

Boston University does not offer a specific pre-law major. Instead we suggest that students choose a curriculum based on interest in the subject matter while developing the skills that will help prepare the student for the challenges of law school. The best academic preparation for law school is a stimulating and challenging curriculum.

Develop Skills and Relationships

Pre-Law students should focus on strengthening their reading, writing, critical thinking, oral communication, and research skills. The future law school candidate should seek opportunities to exercise critical readings of texts, complex problem solving, task organization, and substantial research planning and management.

Most law schools require at least one (often two) letters of recommendation from professors who have had the applicant in one or more classes. Pre-Law students should develop strong relationships with professors so they can speak to their academic achievements, goals, and potential success in legal education.

Consider Some Foundational Coursework

Some students may wish to take a course that will expose them to legal issues or materials or that enables them to see what the law is and how it operates. There are many courses related to law, legal thinking, and the legal process in numerous departments within the Schools and Colleges of Boston University. Students are also encouraged to become more familiar with the historical foundations and contemporary function of political, economic, and social institutions.

Consult With Your Advisor

A pre-law advisor can help students choose courses that will develop skills and foundational knowledge that they will need for future success. During a meeting with a pre-law advisor, students can discuss other academic choices such as designating courses P/F, withdrawing, or moving to part-time.

While there is no specific pre-law major, a pre-law advisor can help you to identify areas of interest and affinity within the legal field to explore.

Additional Links

No Single Path: The American Bar Association’s Pre-Law Committee discusses in detail in the No Single Path statement the many ways to prepare for legal education.

26 Lawyering Effectiveness Factors:  The National Association for Law Placement identified 26 core competencies for successful legal practice.