What is a pre-law major? You may be surprised to learn that there are no coursework prerequisites for law school. While some majors, such as history, philosophy and political science are traditionally considered good preparation for legal studies, the fact is that students are admitted to law school from virtually every academic discipline, including the sciences, engineering, art and theater, for example. As such, Tufts does not offer a specific pre-law major. Instead, there are 150 majors and minors to choose from as well as a multitude of graduate degree programs and professional schools. Moreover, students may pick from thousands of courses.
In general, take classes that interest you and find a major or program you’ll really enjoy. Try to gain a broad foundation by taking courses that develop logic, reading, research, writing, analytical skills and critical thinking. These are skills that will prepare you for the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) and to be successful in law school. Perhaps most important, try to do well in your classes. The law school admissions process is highly competitive, and the better your GPA, the wider the range of choices you will have for admission.
Please note that the American Bar Association warns against assuming that any particular class or major is best for preparing for law school, but you may nonetheless feel motivated to take one or more law-related courses while at Tufts. This can be advantageous in two ways. If you have a genuine interest in the subject matter, it can serve as an excellent way for you to discover the extent of your interest in law. It may also confirm to law schools and future employers that your interest in law is well-considered. Tufts offers an array of law-related courses. Some are listed below.
- Logic
- Law and Ethics
- Islamic Law
- Law of the Sea
- Environmental Law
- Philosophy of Law
- Race and the Criminal Law System
- Justice, Equality, and Liberty
- Introduction to International Relations
- Law, Religion, and International Relations
- The Civil Rights Movement
- Immigration Law and Policy
- The Presidency and Executive Branch
- International Business Transactions
- History of Human Rights in Latin America
- Congress, Bureaucracy and Public Policy
- Human Rights and Justice in Cultural Context
- Water: Economics, Law, Negotiation and Policy
- Current Issues in Global Immigration Policy
- Legal and Institutional Aspects in International Trade
For more information or questions, we encourage you to meet with Dovie King, Tufts Pre-Law Advisor. To schedule an appointment, log into Handshake. Additionally, students can directly contact Dovie King via email at dovie.king@tufts.edu.
