Houghton student presenting in business class.

Pre-Law

Pursue your calling in law, governance, justice and public service.

Houghton University’s pre-law studies combines the liberal arts advantage with the lens of Christian understanding. Gain the tools and experience you need to continue onto, and succeed in, prestigious law schools around the nation.

ClassesLSAT Testing

Experiential Learning

Explore courtrooms and law office in Western New York through Houghton’s sponsored excursions. Also, get the opportunity to connect with alumni in the legal profession. Houghton alumni visit campus each year to meet with you. They will discuss their work, the law school experience, and opportunities for those with legal training to make a difference in the world.

Connect with Law Schools

Meet with law school representatives from across the country. Connect with them on campus or during a law school fair road trip.

What will I learn?

Through Houghton’s pre-law studies, you will develop skills in critical thinking, communication, and research as you:

  • Work closely with a pre-law advisor to design a course of study that complements your major of choice
  • Pursue coursework focused on developing a historical understanding of legal systems and concepts
  • Explore the relationship of law to other fields, such as business, international development, or environmental policy
  • Combine theory and practice to apply the tools of intellect to the problems of society
  • Build on the core general education curriculum providing a broad range of knowledge as recommended by the American Bar Association

Explore Possible Coursework

Core Skills

  • Writing in the Liberal Arts (or another appropriate writing course)
  • Logic and Critical Thinking
  • Organizational Communication
  • Presentational Speaking or Advanced Presentational Speaking

Law and Governance

  • In Search of Justice
  • The American Political System
  • Introduction to Political Thought
  • American Constitutional Law I and II
  • Philosophy of Law
  • Business Law I and II
  • Governance and Development
  • Governing Urban Communities
  • International Law and Organization
  • Religion and the Constitution

Historical, Political, Ethical, Economic and Social Contexts

  • American History sequence (includes Colonial America, 1600-1788; Early National Period, 1788-1850; Civil War and Industrial America, 1850-1920; and Recent American History, 1920 to Present)
  • Microeconomics/ Macroeconomics
  • Executive Power and the Presidency
  • Medical Ethics (especially for those interested in public health)
  • Ethical Theory
  • Social Problems (Sociology)
  • Ancient Philosophy
  • Early Modern Philosophy

Law School Admission Test (LSAT)

The LSAT is a standardized test used by law schools to compare the academic performance/readiness of applicants across the country.  This exam is difficult and should be taken seriously. Significant preparation, including study and practice exams will be necessary.

The LSAT tests your abilities to:

  • read and comprehend complex texts with accuracy and insight
  • organize and manage information and draw reasonable inferences from it
  • think critically
  • analyze and evaluate the reasoning and arguments of others

The LSAT is administered four times each year at designated testing centers. You may take the LSAT no more than three times in any two-year period. Many law schools require that the LSAT be taken by December for admission the following fall. However, taking the test earlier—in June or September—is often advised.

Register for the LSAT

The Law School Admission Council (LSAC)

LSAC offers advice about preparing for law school. They follow the recommendations of the Pre-Law Committee of the ABA Section of Legal Education and Admission to the Bar.

For more information visit the official LSAC page

Application Requirements

1

Start Your Application

Complete the application here
Apply Now
2

Documents and Supporting Materials

You’ll be asked to provide your official high school transcript and your test scores (can be waived)
Testing Policy
3

Personal Statement

The personal statement portion of our application for admission is perhaps the best place to truly tell your story, to tell who you are and what is important to you.
Personal Statement

Have Questions?

Discover if Pre-Law preparation at Houghton University is right for you.

Request More Information

Get more details on your program of interest

Call Us

Contact 1-800-777-2556 to connect with an admission representative.

Send an email

admission@houghton.edu