Pre-Law
Pre-Law – Understanding College Degree Types
If you're in high school upperclassmen researching your career options, it may be helpful to clarify what 'pre-Law' is, and to understand the different college degree types. Four-year institutions like Hanover College offer undergraduate degrees, or 'bachelor' degrees. Also known as 'baccalaureate' degrees, these are the first level required before continuing on to a graduate program or 'law school', where students ultimately earn their 'J.D.' (doctor of jurisprudence). Once you have earned your J.D., you will then qualify to take the 'bar exam', which is necessary for practicing law.
'Pre-law' is not an actual degree, but an area of focus during undergraduate studies. While certain majors may lend themselves well to a pre-law focus, it is not always necessary to declare a political science major. Depending on the policies of each college, you may be able to earn your undergraduate degree in business, history, or a variety of other majors in the pre-law program. Some institutions are more restrictive while others, like Hanover College, are more flexible.
The Advantage of Liberal Arts over Other College Degree Types
For centuries, the liberal arts format of education has been the foundation from which the world's greatest leaders began their careers. Of the numerous college degree types, none prepares you better for law school; with its broad curriculum, you can explore other interests to see how they might relate to a law career.
Not all Hanover graduates who practice law began their studies enrolled in a pre-law program. It has often been the case that they developed an interest in law through experiencing various liberal arts classes. Students with majors ranging from biology to philosophy frequently start the pre-law program well into their undergraduate career. This doesn't mean you would need to change your major to one of the traditional pre-law college degree types such as business, history or political science. At Hanover College, it simply means:
For Careers in Law, Government and Business, the Hanover College Degree is Legendary
One of the many attributes that distinguishes you as a Hanover College graduate is the experience you'll gain if you choose to participate in one of our many overseas study programs. You can augment your credentials by taking advantage of the off-campus study and internship programs available through Hanover's partnerships with The Washington Center and The Philadelphia Center. Due to their affordability (no additional tuition expenses!), these programs have become almost an integral part of the pre-law curriculum.
With the expectation that most students will continue on to graduate school, Hanover's pre-law program produces graduates of the highest caliber. Each year, 95 percent of our pre-law graduates gain entry into their first choice graduate program. You'll learn how law applies to your primary interest and this overview will establish the fundamental basis for narrowing the focus in graduate school. For example, if your primary interest is in science or business, the pre-law focus of your Hanover College science or business degree will set the post-graduate stage for a career as a corporate executive, lawyer or specialist for the EPA and other government agencies.
Regardless of your career goals, you'll benefit not only from the diverse and solid background you have built, but also the superior writing and analytical skills you develop which will serve you well in any professional endeavor.
Contact Matt Vosmeier in the History Department and learn more about the types of majors from Hanover College suitable for pre-law. You can also get additional information by telephoning 812-866-7127.