PRE-LAW PROGRAM
This site will explain the pre-law track at Cleveland State University and what is to
be expected at each phase. An enriching undergraduate experience at CSU is the first step in your journey to becoming a professional in the legal field.
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​CSU is also fortunate to have our own law school, the CSU College of Law, which was founded over 125 years ago. The College of Law offers several academic programs including the Juris Doctorate (JD), Master of Laws (LLM), and Master of Legal Studies (MLS).
The Law School Admission Council (LSAC) has additional information about other JD, master’s and certificate programs, the application process, and the LSAT.
The American Bar Association can provide information on enrollment information, Bar passage statistics, employment statistics, and much more.
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IS A LAW DEGREE RIGHT FOR YOU?
You may be wondering if legal is the right career path for you. A law degree opens opportunities in every field and career path, whether in industry, the not-for-profit sector, education, government or public service, policy advocacy or the practice of law. You do not need to decide now—or even when you’re starting law school—which area of law you will practice. Through your undergraduate coursework, extra- and co-curricular activities, volunteering and working, you will have the opportunity to gain skills that will help you in law school and introduce you to ways that lawyers make an impact in our society.
Undergraduate students considering law as a possible career are encouraged to take advantage of the educational events right here on campus offered by CSU College of Law, which will provide you with the opportunity to learn more about careers in law and to meet current law students and faculty. You can ask to be put on the mailing list by emailing law.admissions@csuohio.edu.
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UNDERGRADUATE PREPARATION​
Law schools do not require applicants to have a specific major because the essential skills of acquiring, synthesizing, applying and communicating information—which prepare students for the study of law—can be acquired through a wide variety of studies. Law students come from every major: arts and sciences, STEM, engineering, education and more.
Strong undergraduate grads are a critical component of a competitive law school application. Pre-Law students at CSU are encouraged to select an undergraduate major in an area that interests them and follows their natural interests nad passions. Additionally, CSU offers a Pre-Law designation that students are encouraged to add to their major on CampusNet, which allows academic advisors to assist in course planning and Career Development & Exploration to assist in career planning. Students are encouraged to review any recommendations and guidance about undergraduate coursework given by law schools to which they are interested in applying.
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