Congratulations on your decision to explore CSUSB Pre-Law Pathway. While CSUSB does not offer a Pre-Law major, you do have the option of pursuing coursework that will position you to be a successful law school applicant as you pursue your undergraduate degree. The first step on this journey is to become a successful applicant.
According to the American Bar Association there are important core skills, values, knowledge and experience that one must acquire prior to law school that will provide a solid foundation for a legal education. They include:
- Analytical and Problem Solving
- Critical Reading
- Strong Writing and Editing
- Oral Communication and Listening
- Research
- Organization and Management
- Public Service and Promotion of Justice
- Relationship-building and Collaboration
- Background Knowledge
- Exposure to the Law
The Pre-Law Pathway is designed to develop these skills in students using an interdisciplinary approach. While there is no single path to success in the law field, law schools look for students with skills and knowledge that intersect various majors. There is an intrinsic interrelation between law and other disciplines which inherently shapes the field of law. While law schools require that you have a bachelor’s degree prior to beginning law classes, you do not need to major in any particular subject to apply to law school.
The Pre-Law Pathway will provide a series of learning opportunities in which students can receive detailed information and guidance on pursuing a legal career. Initially, the Pathway Program will introduce students to the legal profession, explore whether students would like to be lawyers and attend law school, discuss the different career paths students can take to prepare for law school, and survey the various roles lawyers play in society.
Once students move past the exploratory stage and have decided that they wish to enter the legal profession, the Pre-Law Pathway will help them with the law school admissions process. The Pre-Law Pathway Program will advise students on preparing for the LSAT, help them apply to law schools, identify financial resources to pay for law school, including finding scholarship opportunities, and help them network with law school personnel, lawyers, and law students.
The Pre-Law Pathway will focus on helping students prepare themselves for the academic rigors of law school after students have been admitted to the law school of their choice. This will include a discussion concerning resources that are available to students that may help ease their transition to law school.
The College of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Department of Political Science does offer a Minor in Pre-Law. We encourage you to discuss your goals with a Pre-Law Advisor.