Pre-Law
Why Pursue Pre-Law?
A pre-law concentration not only sets you up for entry into law school, but it also gives students the opportunity to learn from a wide variety of coursework that may prove valuable as they move on with their education and career. And at Piedmont University, you have the added incentive of earning both a Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Juris Doctor (JD) in just 6 years total.
Piedmont & Mercer 3 + 3 program – a collaboration by Piedmont University and Mercer Law School – allows college students to achieve both degrees a year earlier than is typical. The 3 + 3 accelerated JD program helps qualified students reduce education costs and launch their legal career sooner. Select Piedmont students who are majoring in Political Science History and Government or English and have completed at least 90 credit hours of coursework are eligible for the program.
How a Piedmont Pre-Law Degree Helps You
- Choose from a wide range of educational pursuits that you feel will either best prepare you for your career or that pique your interests.
- By choosing Piedmont and Mercer’s 3+3 JD program, you can obtain your law degree a year early and start your professional career more quickly.
- Determine how you want to shape your career in the law through the personal attention afforded by smaller class sizes and an advantageous student-to-faculty ratio.
Career Opportunities
A Pre-Law degree from Piedmont opens doors and a wide range of professional pursuits. For instance, our graduates have gone on to build successful careers in:
A Pre-Law degree equips individuals with strong critical thinking, research, and communication skills—essential for a career in law. This foundation prepares students to analyze legal issues, build persuasive arguments, and navigate the complexities of legal systems, providing a solid pathway to becoming a successful attorney.
A Pre-Law degree helps develop strong analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills—essential for a career in teaching. This foundation prepares individuals to engage students in critical thinking, foster effective discussion, and convey complex concepts, especially in subjects like government, civics, and history.
A Pre-Law degree provides strong analytical, negotiation, and communication skills—crucial for a career in business. This foundation prepares individuals to navigate legal frameworks, make informed business decisions, and handle contracts, compliance, and corporate governance effectively.
A Pre-Law degree provides a strong foundation in legal principles, public policy, and critical thinking—skills essential for a career in government. This background prepares individuals to analyze legislation, advise on policy, and contribute to the development and implementation of laws and regulations.
More About Pre-Law
Learn more about Pre-Law and the variety of options available to you as a Piedmont student.
As part of Piedmont University’s School of Arts & Sciences, pre-law majors will complete a well-rounded liberal arts education that emphasizes critical thinking, as well as an ability to choose a position and, through research and presentation, support that position. These are skills that are key to all manner of law careers. At Piedmont, pre-law students may choose a focus and learn from a committed, experienced, and knowledgeable faculty.
Select Piedmont students who are majoring in Political Science or English and have completed at least 90 credit hours of coursework are eligible for the program. Other requirements include: A cumulative GPA of 3.5 at the time of law school application, as well as at the end of the applicant’s third year; a score at or above the median LSAT score of the preceding year’s entering class; two academic letters of recommendation from members of the College faculty, with one of these letters written by the college pre-law advisor and one letter from the chair of the applicant’s department. The letters should address the maturity of the student and his or her ability to meet the rigors of the law school environment and curriculum; demonstrate the character, fitness and capability of satisfactorily completing the law school program and being admitted to the bar; and complete the law school application process through the Law School Admission Council no later than January 15 of the year for which the applicant is applying to law school.
Credits earned during the first year of law school are applied to both JD and BA degrees. After successfully completing their first year at Mercer Law, participating Piedmont students earn a BA and graduate with their class.
Related Programs
Intrigued by Pre-Law? You might also be interested in one of these programs:
Where do I start?
To begin your journey toward becoming a Pre Law student at Piedmont University, you can start by applying today! Or, schedule a campus visit and meet with admissions and financial aid advisors, as well as faculty members in Pre Law.