General Information
Law school admissions committees agree that the most appropriate and beneficial preparation for law school is a traditional liberal-arts education combined with relevant co-curricular experiences. The pre-law advising and preparation at Dickinson incorporates these elements in a comprehensive approach to pre-legal studies. Coordinated by the pre-law advisor at the Career Center, the program is inherently flexible and allows students to explore the breadth of their intellectual interests.
Since law schools do not have a preferred undergraduate major, students are free to choose nearly any academic path that emphasizes writing, research and analytical thinking.
Recommended Courses:
The courses listed below are a compilation of classes designed to introduce students to the skills and issues related to the study of law.
Economics:
Contemporary Economics or Introduction to Microeconomics
(ECON 100 or 111)
History:
American History (HIST 117, 118)
Philosophy:
Moral Problems (PHIL 102)
Logic (PHIL 103)
Political Science/Law & Policy:
American Government (POSC 120)
Constitutional Law I, II (POSC 220, 221)
Philosophy of Law (LAWP 255)
The Judiciary (LAWP 248)
The Legislative Process (POSC 246)
English:
Students should take several writing intensive courses to refine their writing, research and argument-formation skills. Possibilities include:
- 220: Introduction to Literary Studies
- Any of the literature courses offered by the department.
The Joint Baccalaureate and Law Degree Program is a six-year program consisting of three years at Dickinson followed by three years at Penn State Dickinson Law. To qualify, Dickinson students need to complete all requirements for the bachelor's degree (except one year of elective courses) within three years, attain a cumulative grade point average that is greater than or equal to Dickinson Law’s most recently reported median and achieve a score on the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT) that is greater than or equal to Dickinson Law’s most recently reported median.
Students accepted into the program enroll in Penn State Dickinson Law in lieu of their final year at ºìÐÓÖ±²¥app. After one year of successful study at the law school, students will earn the baccalaureate degree from ºìÐÓÖ±²¥app. After two additional years of study at the law school, students will complete the law program and earn their JD degree.
Students interested in attending law school should contact Laura Kilko, pre-law advisor, kilkol@dickinson.edu.
