In its Pre-Law Handbook, the Law School Admissions Council recommends no particular program as the ideal preparation for law school. Any undergraduate program which encourages the development of skills in reasoning, critical reading, writing, and oral communication provides an excellent background for law school.

The Pre-Law advisor does, however, suggest specific courses which pre-law students may find helpful. Thus, it is recommended that a student use his/her Core Curriculum requirements, minor, and free electives to take courses from the following list: 1) English 2020, 3275, or 3400, 2) History 3001, and 3) Philosophy 2040, 3190, or 3260, and 4) Political Science 2100, 3250, 3270 or 4100.

Accelerated Pre-Law Curricula

Xavier students who are interested in attending a law school may shorten by one year the total time required to complete both the bachelor’s degree and the law degree by participating in approved 3+1 programs. These programs are currently offered by the Departments of Philosophy and Political Science. In a 3+1 plan, the student completes three years at Xavier and spends his or her senior year at an accredited law school. After successfully completing 27-30 semester hours at the law school, the student transfers the law school credit to Xavier and receives the bachelor’s degree. Thus, after four years, the student will have completed all the requirements for graduation from Xavier and have successfully finished the first year of law school.

The accelerated programs do not assure a student's acceptance into law school. Admission to law school is the responsibility of the student. There are several law schools in the United States that allow admission of the exceptional student who has not completed an undergraduate degree. The student who is interested in a career in law should express this intention to and arrange for an on-going consultation with the Pre-Law Advisor at his or her first registration at Xavier.