Law schools prefer applicants who have a broad liberal arts education, and who have specialized in a major that interests them.

There is no Legal Professions or Pre-Law major or minor at Elon. Instead, students in the Legal Professions program are given individualized recommendations from their Legal Professions advisor about which courses to take to improve their chances of gaining admission to law school — and doing well once they are there. Legal Professions students are encouraged to major in whatever field they choose and to earn excellent grades. There is no “preferred” major when applying to law school.

What is important is that Legal Professions students develop sharp skills in writing, reading, and critical thinking. Therefore, there are some courses at Elon that your Legal Professions advisor will suggest to you because they help develop these skills. Meanwhile, it may also be helpful to engage in courses focusing on aspects of judicial systems and legal development.

Among the courses that you may be advised to take:

  • Critical Thinking (PHL 113)
  • American Government (POL 111)
  • U.S. History (HST 121 or 122)
  • Constitutional Law (POL 323)
  • Civil Liberties (POL 324)
  • Judicial Process (POL 327)
  • International Law (POL 343)
  • Law and Humanities (ENG 255)
  • Introduction to Professional Writing and Rhetoric (ENG 215)
  • Grammar (ENG 205)
  • Speech and Debate from Aristotle to Eminem (ENG 377)
  • Understanding Rhetoric (ENG 304)
  • Philosophy of Law (PHL 341)

Again — this is not a list of required courses, and your Legal Professions advisor may recommend different classes based on your interests and strengths. You should discuss your classes with your major advisor first, and then with your Legal Professions Advisor.