Pre-Law Degree

Part of: Behavioral & Social Sciences Department

Offered as: Major Emphasis, Minor

Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Politics & Government Degree

Part of: Behavioral & Social Sciences Department

Offered as: Major Emphasis, Minor

Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Politics & Government Degree

The Pre-Law Degree at Western Colorado University equips students with the critical thinking, research, and communication skills necessary for success in law school and legal careers. This Bachelor of Arts program provides a strong foundation in legal reasoning, government, and ethics.

The Pre-Law emphasis will prepare you for law school through coursework, advising and participation on the Mock Trial team and internships with legal professionals. To ensure that you are ready for the LSAT and law school admission, you’ll have the unique opportunity to work one-on-one with Professor Brian Bernhardt, a Law School Admissions Council (LSAC) adviser.

Western graduates have attended law school at the University of Denver, University of Colorado Boulder, American University and University of Utah–among others. After law school, you’ll have the skills and experience to pursue a rewarding career as an environmental lawyer, state legislator, corporate lobbyist and more.

Students earning a Pre-Law Degree explore subjects including political science, philosophy, ethics, and law-related studies. The BA in Pre-Law emphasizes analytical reasoning, persuasive writing, and preparation for the LSAT and law school applications. Start your path to law school and a legal career by applying to Western’s Pre-Law Degree program today.

Experiential Education

BASS – Beyond the Classroom

Students gain cultural understanding and real-world experience through immersive learning opportunities both in the U.S. and abroad.
Read More

Pre-Law Requirements

A major emphasis dives deeper into a specific interest within your major. It allows you to focus on a particular area of study, replacing the need for a separate minor. By tailoring your coursework, a major emphasis equips you with specialized knowledge and skills to better prepare you for career opportunities or advanced studies in your chosen field.

Program Requirements Degree Plan

A minor complements your major by allowing you to explore a secondary field of interest. It requires fewer courses than a major, making it a flexible way to broaden your knowledge, diversify your skills, or pursue a personal passion alongside your primary area of study.

Program Requirements

Scholarships

Scholarships by Department

The Western Colorado University Foundation offers scholarships for this program. Explore eligibility requirements and funding opportunities.

View Department Scholarships

General Western Scholarships

Western Colorado University offers merit—and need-based scholarships, recognizing achievement, financial need, and special talents.

Explore General Scholarships

FAQ

What is a pre-law degree?

A Pre-Law Degree is an undergraduate program designed to prepare students for law school and legal careers. It focuses on developing critical thinking, research, and communication skills.

Do you need a pre-law degree to go to law school?

No. Law schools do not require a specific pre-law degree, but completing one provides a strong foundation for legal studies and the LSAT.

What skills does a pre-law degree build?

A Pre-Law Degree develops analytical reasoning, persuasive writing, research, ethical reasoning, and public speaking skills—essential for success in law school and legal careers.

What’s the difference between pre-law and political science?

While political science studies governments, policies, and political behavior, a Pre-Law Degree is specifically structured to prepare students for law school and legal thinking. Pre-law may include political science courses along with philosophy, ethics, and legal studies.

Can a pre-law degree prepare me for graduate or professional school?

Yes. A Pre-Law Degree provides the academic skills and knowledge needed for law school, graduate programs in legal studies, or careers in government and public policy.

Analytical Thinking
Communication
Legal Research
Public Speaking
Research
Writing

Attorney
Compliance Officer
Government Official
Judge
Legal Analyst
Lobbyist

Department News

Western’s Mock Trial Team Maintains Momentum at Regional Tournament

Once again, Western Colorado University’s Mock Trial team walked into the American Mock Trial Association (AMTA) Regional Tournament as a small program facing stiff competition…
Read More
Western Students See the Power in Diplomacy at Model UN Conference in Banff

At a time when international alliances are strained, and the role of the United Nations is openly debated, a group of eight Western Colorado University…
Read More
Western Colorado University Mock Trial Team Shines at Regional Tournament

Western’s all-rookie Mock Trial team narrowly missed a trip to the national tournament after securing two impressive trial victories at the 2025 American Mock Trial…
Read More
Western Students Tackle the World’s Biggest Challenges at Model United Nations

War, corruption, hunger, climate change, the struggle for human rights. The next generation of leaders has their work cut out for them. Professor Maria Struble…
Read More
Western Psychology Program Gives Students the Opportunity of a Lifetime

Since the summer of 2018, Western Colorado University’s Behavioral and Social Sciences Department has offered psychology students the opportunity to study for seven weeks in…
Read More
Internships Set Psychology Students Up for Success

Opportunities Both On and Off Campus As part of Western Colorado University’s dynamic Psychology program, students are given opportunities both on and off campus to…
Read More
Western History Through an Expert’s Eyes

A University’s History What better way to know the history of Western Colorado University than from an institutional legend? History Professor Duane Vandenbusche, PhD.—who has…
Read More
Leadership and Experiential Learning Projects at Western

Leadership and experiential learning projects are one of the core components of the Western Colorado University experience. With program-specific clubs, on-campus events, off-campus trips, and…
Read More
Western Adjunct to Discuss Urban Living with International Panel

As cities grow and change, urban studies researchers must answer a difficult question: How can we make urban life more sustainable? Western Colorado University’s Jim…
Read More
Lunchtime Charla Features African Advocate, Alumnus

It was his interest in basketball that brought alumnus Melvin Foote to Western Colorado University. Little did he know that the connections made on campus…
Read More
Model UN Provides Global Experience for Western Students

You never know when a class at Western Colorado University and the involvement in a club can result in the launching of a career. Such…
Read More
Western Alumni Uses Books, Mindfulness to Counsel Young Clients

Jamie Frank-O’Connell ‘91 is the Director of Counseling at Palmetto Scholars Academy, a school for gifted students in South Carolina. Many of the students she…
Read More
School of Graduate Studies announces recipients of Dean’s Award for Inclusive Excellence

Western’s School of Graduate Studies (SGS) is fully committed to fostering and creating a welcoming and rigorous academic and professional environment for all. In its…
Read More