Pre-Law Concentration

Admissions & Aid College of Arts and Sciences

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Pre-Law Concentration

What Will I Learn in the Pre-Law Program?

Thinking about a career in law? University of Portland’s pre-law resources will help you develop the critical thinking, communication, and analytical skills that top law schools look for. Law school is a significant commitment, and choosing this path requires careful planning. Our pre-law resources help you explore career options, gain hands-on experience, and navigate the law school application process so you can enter the legal profession with confidence.

Pre-Law Courses

Since law schools do not have any prerequisite courses for admission, you can feel confident about pursuing a career in law no matter what major you choose at UP. Thanks to our University Core, your coursework will include classes in philosophy, political science, communication, and related areas. Common undergraduate majors for pre-law students are:

You may also consider enrolling in UP’s Constitutional Studies minor, an interdisciplinary course of study that introduces students to US constitutional law and its historical, political, and philosophical roots, while providing students who are considering law school with a foundational experience in writing about and discussing the law.

Have questions about course selection or law school preparation? Our pre-law advisor, Dr. William Curtis (PhD, JD), is here to answer them.

University Core

UP’s Core Curriculum equips you with the broad knowledge and skills that law schools seek. Courses in ethics, philosophy, critical reasoning, writing, and social justice help you build the academic foundation to succeed in legal studies.

The Core

How to Apply to Law School

If law school is your next step, an early understanding of the application process can set you up for success. Unlike undergraduate admissions, law schools don’t follow a universal timeline—many begin accepting applications in August or September, with rolling deadlines. To maximize your chances, start preparing at least a year in advance and aim to apply early in the cycle.

Review the Law School Admissions Council's (LSAC) steps for applying to law school, Princeton Review’s application overview, and AdmissionsDeans’ application timeline.

The Law School Admission Test (LSAT) remains the primary standardized test for law school admissions, though some programs also accept the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). If you plan to attend law school immediately after graduation, you should begin preparing for the LSAT no later than the spring of your junior year.

How you study for the exam depends on your personal circumstances and learning style. However, you should not take the test without adequately preparing with LSAC materials or reputable test preparation companies. Expect to dedicate at least eight weeks to test preparation and plan to take the test early enough to allow for a retake if needed.

Discover additional ways to prepare:

Your personal statement is a critical part of your application—it’s your chance to stand out beyond your GPA and LSAT/GRE score. You should customize your statement for each law school application; highlight your motivations, experiences, and goals; and allow time for multiple rounds of revisions or feedback from your advisors. Review the articles below for guidance when writing your personal statement:

Strong letters of recommendation can enhance your application by showcasing your academic abilities, work ethic, and potential as a law student. For the best results, choose professors or mentors who know you well and provide them with your resume, personal statement, and list of schools to help them tailor their letters. Get more information about recommendation letters:

Earning a law degree is a significant investment, with costs often exceeding $150,000, so it’s important to plan ahead. Tuition, housing, transportation, textbooks, and other expenses can add up quickly. To make law school more affordable:

Research law school scholarships and grants to reduce debt.
Consider cost-of-living expenses in addition to tuition.
Explore federal and private loan options before committing to a program.

Explore the following resources that can help you navigate costs and financial aid opportunities:

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Mock Trial Team

Build confidence in the courtroom with UP’s award-winning Mock Trial team. As both a class and a club, Mock Trial gives you real-world experience arguing cases, thinking on your feet, and sharpening your public speaking skills, just like an actual attorney.

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Pre-Law Society

Connect with peers interested in legal careers, network with current professionals, access law school application resources, and learn more about legal procedures and issues as a member of UP’s Pre-Law Society.

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Holy Cross Tradition

University of Portland emphasizes ethics, social justice, and service through our Holy Cross values. Each of these qualities is essential for legal professionals who seek to uphold justice, advocate for others, and serve with integrity.

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Student-to-Faculty Ratio

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Undergraduate Degree Programs

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Of Students Receive Financial Aid or Scholarships

"When I came to UP, I thought I wanted to be a doctor, but quickly realized my passions were elsewhere. I reached out to my advisor who suggested I switch my major from biology to political science. I immediately fell in love with the field and the incredible faculty at UP, who advised me in my junior year to consider law school, given my passion for racial and social justice. In 2022, graduated from UCLA School of Law with a specialization in environmental law. I definitely encourage all students to pursue academic areas they are genuinely excited about.”

Still considering if a pre-law concentration is right for you? Explore our career development resources so you can learn more about law school and the professional opportunities that come with it:

Becoming a lawyer means attending law school, and UP’s pre-law program can help you get there. Our graduates have gone on to top law schools across the country, including:

Boston University
Harvard Law School
Northwestern University
University of California, Berkeley
University of California, Los Angeles
Arizona State University
University of Michigan
University of Notre Dame
University of Virginia

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BA in Political Science & Global Affairs

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BA in Economics

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BA in History

Your Path to Law School Starts Here

University of Portland’s pre-law resources will help you develop applicable skills and experience for your postgraduate studies. With us, you can stand out in the application process and make a difference as you embark on your legal career.

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Pre-Law Concentration

Pre-Law Concentration