Pre-Law

Degree Overview

There is no single path to getting into law school. That means the bachelor’s degree you earn now can be anything you believe is your calling or that you think will best drive your success after law school. For example, if you want to work in family law, the knowledge and skills you’ll gain from a social work degree might be a good match. Or, if you see a future in litigation, USF’s degree in media studies might top your list of possible majors. The pre-law track is your path to completing the prerequisites necessary for law school.

Reasons to Earn Your Bachelor’s Degree from USF

No matter your degree or major, you’ll find inspirational leaders among USF’s faculty.

As a result of the personal attention you’ll receive as part of your education at USF, you’ll get the information, skills and help you need to succeed. More importantly, you’ll be prepared for your career in law, regardless of the legal path you choose in the future by gaining values such as:

  • Critical thinking skills
  • Broad knowledge and perspectives on complex issues facing modern society
  • Strong communication skills in person, in writing and across a variety of media

Outcomes

A pre-law degree is often an interdisciplinary program designed to prepare students for law school and careers in the legal field. While a pre-law degree itself does not qualify someone to practice law, it provides a strong foundation in critical thinking, writing, and analytical skills.

USF’s pre-law graduates find great jobs in top law firms, law enforcement and other careers.

Career Outlook

  • Average Salary: $103,390
  • Job Postings: 38,076

Average salary is based on a lawyer position from Salary.com. Job posting data is for lawyer positions and is provided by Lightcast. This number represents unique job postings from companies looking to hire in the last 30 days as of Oct 2024.

A lawyer position would require a graduate degree.

If you would like to pursue law school, some undergraduate majors you may want to consider include the following:

Business Administration

Criminal Justice

English

History & Political Science

Social Work

Media Studies

Visit Campus

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LSAT

The Law School Admission Test (LSAT) examines students' abilities in reading comprehension and logical and analytical reasoning. Students planning to apply for admission to law school should contact the pre-law advisor at the beginning of their junior year for information about preparing for the LSAT and test dates. Pre-law students usually take the LSAT during the summer before their senior year or during the fall semester of their final year. The Career Services office can also assist students with applications to law school and review supplemental materials

Pre-Law Advisor
Elisabeth O'Toole
Elisabeth.Otoole@usiouxfalls.edu 

Law Schools

Many students at USF decide to pursue law school. Here is a list of some noteworthy law schools that our students have attended:

  • Creighton University
  • Georgetown University
  • Hamline University
  • Oklahoma City University
  • Phoenix School of Law
  • University of Hawaii
  • University of South Dakota
  • University of St. Thomas
  • University of Virginia
  • Washburn University