Planning Your Curriculum

At Syracuse University, there is no prescribed pre-law curriculum. There is neither a formal pre-law major nor any specific major in which students should enroll in order to be considered "pre-law." Law school admissions committees have no preferred majors, but the American Bar Association recently emphasized the importance of a liberal arts background. Students should seek breadth in their undergraduate programs, which is precisely the purpose of the Liberal Arts Core and elective courses. It is helpful to take courses that develop and sharpen your writing, reasoning, analytical, quantitative, listening, presentational, and research skills. You should discuss the selection of such courses with your advisor or a member of our staff. In addition to the core skills and values previously discussed, there are fundamental areas of knowledge that are important for students considering a career in law. These include:

• history, particularly American history;
• political thought and theory, particularly of the contemporary American political system;
• ethical theory and theories of justice;
• economics, particularly microeconomic theory;
• mathematical and financial skills;
• human nature and social interaction;
• diverse cultures within and outside the USA*

Your pre-law advisor can assist you in identifying courses that will equip you with essential knowledge in these seven areas.

*Excerpted from the 2004 ABA/LSAC Official Guide to ABA-Approved Law Schools, p. 6.