College of Business and Humanities
Pre-Law Studies
Build a foundation for law school and work connected to the legal system. Develop critical thinking, communication, and legal analysis skills through interdisciplinary study, advising, and practical experiences.
Pre-Law Studies at Findlay
Why study Pre-Law Studies at Findlay?
Build the writing, reasoning, and analytical skills needed for law school and work related to the legal system. Findlay’s Pre-Law Studies program brings together coursework from several disciplines with advising and practical experiences.
- Study across fields. Draw on business, criminal justice, and political science while learning to examine legal issues.
- Prepare for law school. Explore advising, LSAT preparation guidance, and potential early admission paths through articulation agreements.
- Choose your emphasis. Focus on Preparation for the Practice of Law or Public Administration and Policy, with room to consider related majors or minors.
Coursework and internships help students develop a foundation for law school or related careers; admission to law school depends on each school’s requirements.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
Pre-Law Studies by the Numbers
9
Ohio law schools
The curriculum was designed with guidance from all nine.
120+
Required credits
Listed for the Pre-Law Studies program.
College of business and humanities
At a Glance
Degree
Bachelor of Arts in Pre-Law Studies or Minor in Law and the Liberal Arts (Pre-Law)
Format
On-Campus
Required credits
120+ Credits
Curriculum
Course Requirements
Students earning a Bachelor of Arts in Pre-Law Studies must complete the following curriculum.
The curriculum consists of required courses. View the full curriculum in the University of Findlay Undergraduate Catalog.
opportunities
Hands-On Experience
As part of the pre-law program, students have the opportunity to intern with local and regional law offices. Students have worked directly on a variety of cases, involving criminal murder cases, business issues and real estate transactions.
If you are interested in criminal law, you can work with attorneys who are handling murder cases or felonies; in fact, one of our most popular internships is with attorneys who handle capital crime cases, that is, cases where the defendant could potentially receive the death penalty. You will help prepare the written briefs, do investigative research, talk to witnesses, visit the defendants and attend trials.
Other internships involve work with law firms, prosecutor’s offices, public defenders and probation /juvenile delinquency. You are free to create your own internships with judges, attorneys or federal agencies, especially if you have personal contacts with those agencies.
Students have an opportunity to work and study through The Washington Center which enables students to gain the experience needed for entry-level employment and to prepare for lives of achievement, engagement and leadership in order to shape the next generation of leaders.
beyond undergrad
3+3 Opportunities
Motivated students interested in a dedicated career path in law can pursue a track that will provide their first three years of education at the University of Findlay at which point the final year of their undergraduate degree becomes their first year in law school with one of our partners. We’re proud to offer the 3+3 Law Program with the following institutions:
- Cleveland-Marshall College of Law
- Ohio Northern University Pettit College of Law
- University of Toledo College of Law
- Duquesne University
- Michigan State Law School
- University of Dayton School of Law
- University of Akron School of Law
*Certain requirements apply. Contact Elizabeth Buchanan for more information.
beyond graduation
Careers
A degree in Pre-Law Studies prepares students for law school as well as a variety of careers in legal, governmental, and business settings that require strong analytical and communication skills.
- Lawyer or Attorney (with law degree)
- Legal Assistant or Paralegal
- Policy Analyst
- Government or Public Administration Professional
- Compliance or Risk Management Specialist
- Human Resources or Labor Relations Specialist
- Nonprofit Program Coordinator
- Legislative or Political Staff Member
- Legislative Lobbyist
Graduates are well-prepared to pursue law school or careers in government, public policy, business, and nonprofit organizations, where legal knowledge and critical thinking are highly valued.
For national context on related careers, explore the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook profile for Field of degree: Law and legal studies.
financial aid
Cost of Education
Students can earn endowed scholarships in addition to their merit scholarships during their time at Findlay.
opportunities
Clubs and Activities
There are many opportunities outside of the classroom to get involved, including:
University of Findlay has an active Moot Court Program and students are provided the resources to compete in regional and national Moot Court Competitions.
In Pre-Law Society, get the opportunity to participate in:
- Visits to speak with the admission officers of all nine Ohio law schools as well as law schools throughout the Midwest
- Visits to local courtrooms to see the law in action
- Practice LSAT exams and preparation guidance
- Interaction with other pre-law students and professionals within the field
GET STARTED
Explore Your Next Step
Ready to see whether Findlay fits your goals?