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Pre-Law

Build the skills that law schools value most and pave the way for your successful legal career with our pre-law program.

Program Snapshot

Campus

Salem

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Department Info
Two students walking up the inside steps of the state capitol

Our Pre-Law Program

Willamette’s law school is conveniently located just across the street from the main campus, giving you frequent opportunities to attend law school events and activities. This allows you to gain firsthand insight into the life of a law student and the legal profession. Moreover, being within a one-minute walk to the Oregon State Capitol and several courts opens up numerous legal internship opportunities, even for undergraduates.

Why choose pre-law at Willamette? 

  • Steps away from the state government. Both our School of Law and undergraduate school are next to the State Capitol. Gain first hand experiences within policymaking and the legal process through hands-on learning experiences.
  • Unique Resources from our Law School. Students can regularly meet with the Dean of Admissions at Willamette's Law School. Join our pre-law events to learn more about the application
    process and tips to stand out during your law school application.
  • Direct Admission Program. Save time and money by working towards your law degree during your undergraduate program. We offer a 3+3 Direct Admissions Program, which includes generous scholarships. 

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Curriculum

No matter your major, Willamette offers a rigorous academic environment that equips you with the essential skills for law school. Whether you're studying political science, English, or any other discipline, you'll develop the strong reading, writing, and critical thinking abilities that law schools value.

As a Willamette undergraduate, you’ll have unique opportunities to engage directly with the legal field—explore criminal justice initiatives, connect with law professors, and witness the legislative process unfold at the State Capitol. Our hands-on learning experiences ensure that students are not only well-prepared but also exceptionally strong candidates for law school.

Undergraduate Majors

Pre-Law Advisors

Our pre-law pathway encourages students to meet regularly with the Dean of Admissions at Willamette's School of Law. We know how complicated the admissions process can be, which is why we offer support throughout your academic journey.

A student working with a state capitol employee during their internship

FAQs

"Pre-law" itself is not typically a specific undergraduate major offered at most universities. Instead, it refers to a track or focus that students can follow, often within other majors, to prepare for law school. Students who are "pre-law" usually take courses that develop skills in critical reading comprehension, writing, thinking, and analysis. They may seek out internships, activities, and other experiences related to law to strengthen their law school applications.

At Willamette, we offer a pre-law track for students interested in attending law school. Through our liberal arts curriculum, students can explore a variety of courses that provide the essential skills needed for law school. Having Willamette’s law school right on campus provides unique benefits and insights for undergraduates aspiring to a legal career.

No. Willamette doesn't offer a pre-law major. Most universities also don't offer a pre-law major. In order to get into a top law school, students can choose to study anything they'd like. However, pre-law students should develop law-related skills to prepare for the law school admissions process.

Our pre-law track allows students to connect with advisors to prepare for law school, get advice on the Law School Admission Test (LSAT), and learn more about the Law School Admissions Council.

Pre-law students can choose any major they're interested in and still apply to law schools. We offer a variety of programs that could benefit students such as:

  • Civic Communication and Media
  • English
  • Classical Studies
  • History
  • Philosophy
  • Politics, Policy, Law, and Ethics
  • Psychology
  • Public Health
  • Women's and Gender Studies

However, every major at Willamette provides students with skills that will help them be admitted to and thrive in law school. Depending on your career goals, having an undergraduate degree in a specific field could also be beneficial. An environmental science degree would be beneficial if you are interested in pursuing environmental law. You could also major in biology to prepare for a career in health law.

Private law firms offer a variety of jobs that don’t require a law degree, including these:

  • Office assistant
  • Receptionist
  • Researcher
  • Investigator
  • Paralegal
  • Litigation support
  • Temp worker

Past Willamette students have worked or interned at a variety of places near campus such as:

  • Legislature
  • Governor’s Office
  • Treasurer’s Office
  • Oregon State Supreme Court
  • Oregon Court of Appeals
  • Marion County District Court
  • Oregon Tax Court
  • Department of Justice
  • Local law firms

Want to get a taste for law without committing to law school? Try working at a local law firm. There are eight law firms within walking distance of the Willamette campus and 20 firms within a five-minute drive. In addition, the Oregon State Capitol, four courts, and all of the agencies that make Oregon’s government run are across the street from campus.

Our faculty and advisors will meet with you one-on-one to discuss your goals and interests. We'll help you along your journey and offer practical insights into whatever interests you. We'll offer the support you need during your legal education.

Willamette University

Pre-Law