Pre-Law
Law schools want students who are well-educated and well-rounded. The Pre-Law track at Manchester is an undergraduate pathway designed to prepare students for law school and careers in the legal field. Rather than prescribing a specific major, it emphasizes the development of critical skills and experiences essential for success in legal education and public service.
Manchester’s Pre-Law Degree Lays Paves the Way
The Pre-Law advisor will help you customize your own pre-law program, which may include courses in business, criminal justice, history, philosophy, political science, sociology and other disciplines. In addition, you can prepare for law school by participating in extracurricular activities such as Mock Trial and Model United Nations and taking advantage of an array of off-campus experiences. Whatever path you choose, Manchester will provide you with a strong foundation for law school.
Program Information:
Major | BA or BS
- Pre-Law Track
- Credit Hours will vary
Location
- North Manchester
Why Choose MU for Pre-Law?
Customized Academic Planning
Experiential Learning Opportunities
Advising and Mentorship
Skill Development
What You Can Do with Your Pre-Law Degree
Attorney
Legislative Assistant
Urban Planner
Diplomat
Average Starting Salary for Pre-Law Degree Holders
MU Graduates who continue their education in Law can expect to earn just under $151,160 annually according to the median pay released by the Bureau of Labor and Statistics. Median pay reflects the average income for all U.S. professionals working in this field. Entry-level salaries are typically lower.
How the Pre-Law Program Supports Your Growth
Law School Acceptance
Core Competencies
Developing the skills emphasized by the American Bar Association (ABA) through a Pre-Law program not only strengthens a student’s preparation for law school but also lays a strong foundation for a career dedicated to justice and public service. According to the American Bar Association (ABA), students aspiring to enter law school should focus on cultivating the following skills:
CORE COMPETENCIES
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Problem Solving
Ability to identify and resolve complex issues logically. -
Critical Reading
Comprehension and analysis of intricate texts. -
Writing and Editing
Clear and precise written communication.
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Oral Communication and Listening
Effective speaking and attentive listening skills.
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Research
Proficiency in gathering and interpreting information.
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Organization and Management
Efficient handling of tasks and time.
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Public Service and Promotion of Justice
A commitment to ethical practice and community service.
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Relationship-Building and Collaboration
Working effectively with others.
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Background Knowledge
Understanding of history, politics, and human behavior.
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Exposure to the Law
Familiarity with legal systems and practices.
Model UN
Manchester Model United Nations Organization
Model United Nations (MUN) is an educational simulation where students assume the roles of diplomats representing countries or organizations in United Nations committees. Participants engage in debates on pressing global issues, draft resolutions, and collaborate to find solutions, mirroring the procedures of actual UN conferences.
The Indiana Consortium for International Programs brings together students from colleges and universities across Indiana and the Midwest to address current global challenges. MUN’s experiential learning programs provide students with a platform to hone skills in diplomacy, negotiation, critical thinking, compromise, public speaking, writing, and research.
Participation in MUN offers numerous benefits
- Diplomatic Skills
Students develop the ability to negotiate and build consensus among diverse perspectives. - Public Speaking
Regular debates enhance confidence and articulation. - Research and Writing
Preparing position papers and resolutions strengthens analytical and writing abilities. - Global Awareness
Engaging with international issues fosters a deeper understanding of global affairs. - Leadership and Teamwork
Collaborative problem-solving and committee leadership roles cultivate essential leadership qualities.
Through MUN, students not only gain insights into international relations and the workings of the UN but also acquire transferable skills applicable in various professional fields.
Mock Trial
Mock Trial
Mock Trial is an academic simulation of courtroom proceedings where students assume the roles of attorneys, witnesses, and other legal participants to present a fictional case before a judge or panel. This experiential learning activity allows participants to engage deeply with legal concepts and trial processes, fostering a practical understanding of the judicial system.
Through involvement in Mock Trial, students develop and enhance a variety of skills:
- Critical Thinking and Analysis
Participants learn to assess complex information, construct logical arguments, and anticipate opposing viewpoints. - Public Speaking and Communication
Regular practice in articulating arguments and questioning witnesses sharpens oral advocacy and effective communication skills. - Teamwork and Collaboration
Success in Mock Trial requires coordinated efforts, promoting collaboration and strategic planning among team members. - Understanding of Legal Procedures
Students gain insights into courtroom etiquette, rules of evidence, and trial procedures, providing a foundational knowledge beneficial for legal studies.
The American Mock Trial Association (AMTA) oversees intercollegiate Mock Trial competitions in the United States, involving approximately 700 teams from over 400 universities and colleges. Each academic year, AMTA facilitates regional and national tournaments, offering a platform for over 7,300 undergraduate students to engage in competitive mock trial experiences.
Participation in Mock Trial not only prepares students for potential legal careers but also equips them with versatile skills applicable across various professions, including public policy, business, and education.
Political Science Club
Meet the Faculty
FAQs About Manchester University’s Pre-Law Degree
What is the Pre‑Law track at Manchester University?
How do I select courses and get advising?
What experiential opportunities can Pre‑Law students expect?
Manchester’s Pre‑Law track strongly encourages co‑curricular and off‑campus experiences, such as:
- Participation in Mock Trial and Model UN
- Internships with law firms or government agencies
- Legal-focused experiences
These are designed to reinforce classroom learning and build a strong law school application.
What are the highlights of the Pre-Law Program?
- In the last decade, 74 percent of Manchester University seniors applying to law school have been accepted for admission. Nationally, during that same period, the acceptance rate was 65 percent.
- Manchester teams have competed in tournaments sponsored by the American Mock Trial Association (AMTA) since 1989. During that time, Manchester students have won 33 individual awards as outstanding attorneys and witnesses. Manchester Mock Trial teams have won six national tournament bids and three Spirit of AMTA awards.
- Manchester’s Mock Trial team placed sixth at the regional tournament of the American Mock Trial Association at the University of Notre Dame in February 2014, and advanced to the Opening Round Championship Series in Waukegan, Ill., where they won two Best Witness trophies.
Non-Discrimination in the Admission Process
Manchester University is committed to non-discrimination in campus life. The University does not discriminate on the basis of national origin, ancestry, race, color, age, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, familial status, religion, disability or veteran status in admissions or any area of campus life, including its educational programs, scholarships and loan awards, residence life programs, athletic programs, extracurricular programs, promotion and tenure policies and practice, and alumni affairs.
Manchester University is committed to carry out the provisions of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans With Disabilities Act, which provide for accessibility of University programs to the physically disabled.