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Pre-Law

Pursue your calling in law, governance, justice and public service.

At Houghton University, our Christ-centered pre-law program leverages our strong liberal arts education. Gain the skills and experience you need to get into and do well in top law schools across the nation.

Program Snapshot

Undergraduate Pre-Professional Pathway

Recommended Majors: Politics & Philosophy

Pre-Med Advisor: Christian Esh

Explore CoursesInfo on LSAT

What will I learn?

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Through Houghton’s pre-law studies you will:

  • Develop skills in critical thinking, communication and research
  • Work closely with a pre-law advisor to design a course of study that complements your major of choice
  • Pursue coursework focused on developing a historical understanding of legal systems and concepts
  • Explore the relationship of law to other fields, such as business, international development, or environmental policy
  • Combine theory and practice to apply the tools of intellect to the problems of society
  • Build on the core general education curriculum providing a broad range of knowledge as recommended by the American Bar Association

Why study Pre-Law at Houghton?

Experiential Learning

Explore courtrooms and law offices in Western New York through Houghton’s sponsored excursions. Also, get the opportunity to connect with alumni in the legal profession. Houghton alumni visit campus each year to meet with you. They will discuss their work, the law school experience, and opportunities for those with legal training to make a difference in the world.

Individualized Mentorship

The study of pre-law is built around an individualized relationship with the University’s pre-law advisor. If you are considering studying law, you can pursue any major or minor. Your advisor will work with you to develop a study that complements your major. You'll focus on developing skills in analytical thinking, thoroughness, intellectual curiosity, organizing data, communication, and research.

Connect with Law Schools

Meet with law school representatives from across the country. Connect with them on campus or during a law school fair road trip.

Explore Possible Coursework

Core Skills

  • Writing in the Liberal Arts (or another appropriate writing course)
  • Logic and Critical Thinking
  • Organizational Communication
  • Presentational Speaking or Advanced Presentational Speaking

Law & Governance

  • In Search of Justice
  • The American Political System
  • Introduction to Political Thought
  • American Constitutional Law I and II
  • Philosophy of Law
  • Business Law I and II
  • Governance and Development
  • Governing Urban Communities
  • International Law and Organization
  • Religion and the Constitution

Historical, Political, Economic & Social Contexts

  • American History sequence (includes Colonial America, 1600-1788; Early National Period, 1788-1850; Civil War and Industrial America, 1850-1920; and Recent American History, 1920 to Present)
  • Microeconomics/ Macroeconomics
  • Executive Power and the Presidency
  • Medical Ethics (especially for those interested in public health)
  • Ethical Theory
  • Social Problems (Sociology)
  • Ancient Philosophy
  • Early Modern Philosophy

Law School Admission Test (LSAT)

The LSAT is a standardized test used by law schools to compare the academic performance/readiness of applicants across the country.  This exam is difficult and should be taken seriously. Significant preparation, including study and practice exams will be necessary.

The LSAT tests your abilities to:

  • read and comprehend complex texts with accuracy and insight
  • organize and manage information and draw reasonable inferences from it
  • think critically
  • analyze and evaluate the reasoning and arguments of others

The LSAT is administered four times each year at designated testing centers. You may take the LSAT no more than three times in any two-year period. Many law schools require that the LSAT be taken by December for admission the following fall. However, taking the test earlier—in June or September—is often advised.

Register for LSAT

The Law School Admission Council (LSAC)

LSAC offers advice about preparing for law school. They follow the recommendations of the Pre-Law Committee of the ABA Section of Legal Education and Admission to the Bar.

Visit Official LSAC Page
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96%

of Houghton students are employed or in graduate school within 6 months of graduation.

Class of 2023

View Alumni Success and Career Outcomes

Related Majors

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Politics & Philosophy

Undergraduate - BA
Houghton student sitting in class.

History

Undergraduate - BA
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Global Studies

Undergraduate - BA

Ready for what's next?

Discover if Pre-Law at Houghton University is right for you.

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Questions?

Contact Undergraduate Admission

Email: admission@houghton.edu
Call 1-800-777-2556