Pre-Law Major Information

Why study law?

Studying pre-law can be beneficial for several reasons, even if you ultimately decide not to pursue a career in law. Here are a few reasons to consider studying pre-law:

• Develop critical thinking and analytical skills: Law school requires a high level of critical thinking and analytical skills. Studying pre-law can help you develop these skills, which can be valuable in many other areas of your life and career.
• Prepare for law school: Preparing for law school is an important part of the pre-law curriculum. You'll learn about the legal system, legal writing and research, and other topics that will help you succeed in law school.
• Explore different areas of law: Pre-law courses can expose you to different areas of law and help you decide which areas interest you the most. This can be helpful when deciding which law school to attend and what type of law to practice.
• Pre-law programs often provide opportunities for students to gain practical experience through internships and our competing with our award winning moot court program. These experiences can help you develop the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in law school and your future legal career.
• Enhance your career options: Even if you don't end up practicing law, studying pre-law can open up a variety of career options. Employers often value the skills and knowledge gained from pre-law courses, and these skills can be useful in a variety of fields.

There are no specific courses required to be admitted to law school. You can major in any subject and still enter law school, as long as you successfully demonstrate that you have completed your Fitchburg State program requirements, maintained your GPA, and met the application requirements of the law school to which you apply.

The most common undergraduate majors for pre-law students include:

• Political Science: This major is often considered the most popular choice for pre-law students because it provides a broad foundation in government and law, as well as critical thinking and analytical skills.
• History: A history major can also be a good choice for pre-law students, as it develops research and writing skills that are essential for success in law school.
• English: An English major can be beneficial for pre-law students, as it focuses on critical reading, writing, and analysis skills, which are essential in law school.
• Economics: Economics majors develop skills in problem-solving, critical thinking, and quantitative analysis that can be valuable in the legal profession.

Law schools do not require a specific undergraduate major, and students from a wide variety of academic backgrounds can succeed in law school. Ultimately, pre-law students should choose a major that they are passionate about and that will allow them to develop the skills they will need for success in law school and beyond.

Beyond the 20+ academic majors at Fitchburg State, the University offers specific pathways for students interested in pursuing the law. For questions, contact Dr. Paul Weizer, Department of Economics, History, and Political Science, at pweizer@fitchburgstate.edu.

Major in Interdisciplinary Studies/Pre-Law Concentration

In collaboration with the Department of Economics, History and Political Science

The Pre-Law degree program is designed to prepare you for the expectations of law school. Advance your ability for analytical and critical thinking, and improve your communication and interpretive skills through an interdisciplinary preparation for law studies. A robust liberal arts curriculum consisting of Political Science, Criminal Justice, Philosophy, Sociology, and Speech, all of which inform the study of the law, will be valuable in acclimating to the challenges of law school or any other career that requires honed skills of critical and analytical thinking.

Pre-Law Program Partnerships

Fitchburg State University has partnered with UMass Law to allow motivated students to finish both a bachelor’s degree (BS) and a juris doctor degree (JD) in six years.

Qualified Fitchburg State undergraduates may enter the Fitchburg State and UMass Law 3 + 3 Program and substitute the first year at UMass Law for the senior year at Fitchburg State. By meeting all program requirements, qualified students enjoy guaranteed admission to the UMass Dartmouth Law School. Admissions and GPA requirements of both institutions apply.

Fitchburg State University also has an articulation agreement with the Massachusetts School of Law at Andover (MSLAW).

Students who complete the required course of study at Fitchburg State may enter MSLAW and be awarded a Bachelor of Arts/Science at Fitchburg State after one year of prescribed studies at MSLAW, and, upon the successful completion of all MSLAW requirements, earn a juris doctor degree from MSLAW.

Learn more about our simulation of an appellate court proceeding, Moot Court.

Watch the video below to learn about Adam Quinlan's experience as a pre-law major.