Regardless of where a student prepares for law school, pre-law is not a major, but a career path.

One of the best features of a pre-law education is that it contains absolutely no requirements or restrictions. However, students should consider that law schools want students who can think logically, read well, and write in a clear, well-organized manner. Skills of analysis and logic can be developed in virtually every discipline. Students are advised to choose a major that they feel passionate about, and select courses that challenge them to think and expand their capabilities.  Courses that require the preparation of research papers and other assignments involving the collection and analysis of data are especially valuable. College education stands on its own merits as preparation for a lifetime of active involvement in a diverse and changing society.

The following characteristics have been noted in various pre-law guides throughout the country as essential to pre-law education:

• Habits of thoroughness, intellectual curiosity, and scholarship;
• The ability to organize, analyze critically, and communicate ideas and information;
• A broad understanding of human nature, human institutions, and values; and
• A mastery of a specific body of knowledge or discipline.

Also suggested are the following skills and courses that would help to develop these characteristics:

I.    Verbal and Written Communication Skills - The ability to communicate clearly and concisely.

Recommended courses:

a.   English - Literature, Composition, Creative Writing

b.   Communication/Journalism - Public Speaking, Writing, Interpersonal Communication

c.   Social Sciences or Humanities (emphasizing critical writing and reading) - History, Philosophy, Religious Studies, Anthropology, etc.

II.   Analytical Skills - The ability to analyze, interpret and evaluate facts, data, numbers and ideas in a logical and methodical manner.

       Recommended courses:

a.   Philosophy - valuable for training in logic and abstract concepts.

b.   History, Religious Studies, Sociology, Political Science, Psychology, Economics, Foreign Languages - courses using primary source materials are especially helpful in developing analytical skills.

c.   Mathematics, Accounting - aids in developing logical thought.

d.   Computer Science - helpful tool for dealing with expanding information networks.

e.   Natural and Physical Sciences - develops skills in scientific methods.

f.    Debate

III. Broad Awareness of Our Society and the World at Large - The ability to understand human institutions and values in view of the comprehensive nature of law.

Recommended courses:
a.   History - United States, Latin America, Western

           Civilization
b.   Political Science
c.   Sociology and Anthropology
d.   Economics and Business
e.   Literature
f.    Philosophy
g.   Religious Studies
h.   Foreign Language
i.    Art History
j.    Natural and Physical Sciences
k.   Great Books
l.    Psychology

Undergraduate Education Hints
Regardless of where a student prepares for law school, pre-law is not a major, it is a career path. There is no best major for those who wish to pursue law school. Students who would like to take some time to narrow their options should feel comfortable being undecided on a major for their first year. This will allow students time to learn about options and make an informed decision. Students can take courses to fulfill their general education requirements while deciding what major they should choose.

Students should take courses that develop critical thinking, writing, and speaking skills throughout their undergraduate course work. In most cases, these courses can be used to fulfill either general education requirements or major area requirements necessary for graduation. Students should also consider taking upper-level courses outside their major(s) and minor(s).

Whenever possible, students should enroll in courses where professors assign term papers and give essay examinations. Some law school applications will ask students to list how many courses they took as an undergraduate where term papers were assigned and essay exams were given.

Advising Session
Mercer's pre-law advisor, Dr. Lori Johnson, has many years of teaching and advising experience. Pre-law students are encouraged to work closely with her. Many Mercer graduates have entered some of the nation's finest centers of legal education including Georgia State University, Emory University, University of Georgia, Rutgers University, Harvard University, Samford University and Mercer University's Walter F. George School of Law.

Pre-Law Advising at Mercer
Lori A. Johnson
Assistant Professor and Pre-Law Advisor
    B.A., University of Georgia
    J.D., University of Virginia
    Ph.D., University of California, Berkeley

Walter F. George School of Law