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University of New Hampshire
What major?  What classes?


There is no Prelaw major at the University of New Hampshire.  In fact, the American Bar Association (ABA) does not recommend any specific undergraduate major or course list for law school admission purposes.   The suggestion given by ABA and Law Schools alike is to take challenging courses from demanding professors, and take as many writing intensive courses as you can fit into your schedule. 

Here’s what the ABA says about majors and classes (from “Preparation for Legal Education,” by the ABA):  “Students who are successful in law school come to their legal education from widely differing educational and experiential backgrounds.  Some have majored in subjects that are traditionally considered paths to law school, such as history, English, philosophy, political science, economics or business.  Other successful law students, however, have focused their undergraduate studies in areas as diverse as art, music theory, computer science, engineering, nursing, or education.” 

The ABA goes on to describe "core skills and values" necessary for law students and lawyers.  This list includes:

  • Critical Reading Skills
  • Writing Skills
  • Oral Communication and Listening Abilities
  • General Research Skills
  • Task Organization and Managment Skills
  • The Values of Serving Others and Promoting Justice
However, many Pre-law student ask, "What classes should I take?"   There are many UNH classes that support development of the above skills and values and that promote  a broad, liberal, diverse and challenging program of study--probably the best preparation for law school.  The list provided here offers some examples; this is not a complete list.  

Please understand that you do not have to complete these classes for law school admission purposes.


UNH Prelaw Committee
06/2009

ACFI 502 Intro. to Financial             Accounting

CMN 600 Public Speaking as a Civic Act

ECON 401 Principles of Macro  Economics

ECON 402 Principles of Micro  Economics

ENGL 419  Intro. to Critical Analysis

ENGL --any upper-level English literature or writing class

HIST 509 Law in American Life

HIST 609 Special Topics in American Legal History. 

JUST 401 Intro. to Justice Studies

JUST 550 Mock Trial

PHIL 401  Intro. to Philosophy

PHIL 412 Beginning Logic

PHIL 430 Society and Morals 

PHIL 530  Moral Philosophy 

PHIL 635 Philosophy of Law

PHIL 740 Adv. Topics in Philosophy of Law 

POLT 407 Law and Society 

POLT 502 American Public Policy 

POLT 504 American Presidency

...and many others.
UNH Prelaw Advising
106 Hood House
89 Main Street
Durham, NH  03824
 603.862.3485
prelaw.advising@unh.edu