Pre-Law Emphasis Programs and CoursesSanta Clara, in keeping with advice given by most Law Schools, has not established a pre-law major or program of study. Many Santa Clara major programs and the University's Core curriculum provide much of the necessary preparation and background. In addition to those courses, two departments in the College of Arts and Sciences do offer an emphasis as part of their regular course offerings. The Department of Philosophy's program, open to any SCU student, requires a cluster of five courses from among the department's offerings. The Political Science program, open only to majors, requires eight courses beyond the major, five of which are outside the department and often fulfill other University or College requirements. In addition, these and other departments from time to time offer courses related to law within their discipline, for example:
More information about these programs and courses can be obtained from the departments. In considering these options, students should note that taking numerous "Law" courses or acquiring a "Pre-Law Emphasis" notation on a transcript does not improve their chances of gaining admission to law school. While these courses and programs may help students "test out" their academic interest in law, students should not feel they need to specialize in law at the undergraduate level. The bottom line is that any number of courses---and virtually any major in the College---can provide students the opportunity to prepare for the study of law. |
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