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Department of Government

The Princeton Review 371 Best Colleges

Pre-Law

Advising gives students direction.

Angelo State University does not offer a major in pre-law, but does offer assistance for students pursuing law careers. The Department of Government advises all pre-law students, regardless if they are majoring in government or in another area.

The pre-law adviser talks to students about appropriate majors, minors and courses that help prepare them for taking the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT) required for all those seeking admission to law school. The adviser also informs students about what they can expect in law school and how it differs from undergraduate education.

Some ASU pre-law students go on to nationally recognized law schools, including Columbia, University of Texas at Austin, Georgetown, Baylor, Texas Tech and Harvard.  

A good foundation creates a jumping off point.

While many pre-law students major in government, ASU has several other areas of study that are beneficial to those considering law school. Criminal justice knowledge can help students preparing for a career as a criminal prosecuting attorney, while a business major can be helpful to those planning to practice business law.

Studying the social sciences – history, government, psychology or sociology – or the humanities – English or modern languages – can also benefit pre-law students. Courses in law are also helpful. Across several academic departments, ASU offers courses in U.S. Constitutional law, judicial process and behavior, criminology and penology, and business law, among others.

The Honors Program gives students the upper hand.

Joining the Honors Program may have special advantages for students pursuing careers in law. Honors students who are eligible for the Honors Advantage Program and interested in going to the Texas Tech University School of Law can receive an early decision of their acceptance during their junior year. To qualify, students must be in good standing in the Honors Program, have at least a 3.5 undergraduate GPA and have an LSAT score that places them in the top half nationwide. Students will apply during the fall semester of their junior year and must commit to enroll at the TTU School of Law if they receive and accept an early decision. For more information, contact the Honors Program.

PRE-LAW ADVISING

Ed Olson, professor & head of government and chairman of the Pre-Law Advisory Committee, works with all pre-law students.

PRE-LAW CAREER PATHS

These are some popular areas of expertise for students pursuing law degrees:

  • Family law: Negotiate divorces and child custody.
  • Criminal law: Practice both privately and directly for federal, state or county courts of law as prosecutors or as public defenders.
  • Business law: Draw up contracts, litigation, mortgages, trusts and wills for individuals and businesses.

Lawyers are also needed in virtually every business area to assist in the interpretation of rules and regulations. A law degree can enable students to pursue careers as judges and in politics as either an elected official or a government adviser.