Guide to Pre-Law and How to Prepare at WGU
Are You Looking to Enroll in a Pre-Law Program?
While WGU doesn't have a law school or offer a pre-law degree program, there are many excellent bachelor’s degree programs that will prepare you to apply for and attend law school. If you don’t already have an undergraduate degree, then a bachelor’s in business management, accounting, marketing, human resources, data management and data analytics, or educational studies are all excellent starting points for your career as a lawyer. There is no specific bachelor’s degree program you must hold to be eligible for law school admission and this is because law schools are more interested in what’s revealed through the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT). With that said, the best law school prep is about developing critical thinking skills, learning to digest complex reading, and nurturing the drive to conduct thorough research. There are a variety of degree programs that will equip you with relevant knowledge as well as the hard and soft skills needed to pursue your Master of Law (LLM) or Juris Doctor (JD). Keep reading to learn about the different pathways at WGU that can prepare you for law school.
Essential Skills for Pre-Law
Lawyers' roles vary greatly in responsibility, and their work spans many different fields. As a pre-law student, you want to choose a bachelor’s degree program that equips you with the education and skills needed to pass the Law School Acceptance Test (LSAT) and gain admittance to law school. If you're pursuing a career as a lawyer or attorney, no matter what field you choose to work in, it's important you have the right set of hard and soft skills to do the job well.
Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management
A bachelor’s degree in business management helps students become confident leaders in any field. In this degree program, you’ll hone your business acumen and prepare to take on a role as a corporate attorney once you finish law school. Upon graduation, you will have developed a breadth of skills that apply to the practice of law and poise you for success in law school. This program includes several relevant courses such as Business Ethics and Values-Based Leadership, which are two areas you should gain expertise in to be a successful lawyer. You’ll also learn about management, finance, and international business topics that offer an important perspective on the legal issues you’ll encounter in your career. As a common pre-law degree, business management will give you the head start you need to begin your career in law.
Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting
An accounting degree provides a stable foundation for just about any type of law practice. If you have an interest in corporate or securities law and tax law, then this bachelor’s degree is essential and will make you eligible for those kinds of jobs. In WGU’s accounting degree program, you’ll learn how to leverage the law to help firms and corporations meet regulations, achieve financial security, and make money. You’ll develop a knack for numbers and a great understanding of financial performance that can help you get into law school and thrive in your career. In this online accounting degree, you’ll learn auditing, financial recording, taxes, payroll, financial planning, and other essential accounting principles. Earning a bachelor’s degree in accounting is an appropriate starting point for any law track you may decide on.
Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing
An education in marketing will help you develop critical thinking and a high level of discipline, which are important for practicing law. WGU’s Bachelor of Science in Marketing degree is designed to be high-impact, giving you the skills you need to position yourself as an attractive law school applicant. Along with learning traditional marketing, you’ll gain knowledge of digital and emerging methods, data literacy, and customer-focused strategies. This marketing bachelor’s degree equips you with soft skills that will come in handy in law school, including digital marketing, consumer behavior, marketing analytics, sales management, branding, content creation, communication, and more. You'll study and analyze consumer behavior, which will come in handy down the road in your legal studies.
Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources
A bachelor’s degree in human resources is another well-suited major for prospective law students. The study of psychology and relationships included in this degree program will provide you with background knowledge about human behavior, motivation, and pathology. This scientific understanding of the human mind can allow you a competitive edge in law school and in your future career.
WGU’s bachelor’s degree is designed to help you gain critical HR skills and equip you with knowledge in areas such as ethics, legal practice, and talent development. The HR department plays an important role in helping organizations run smoothly and efficiently, so having the knowledge of these inner workings can set you up to practice law in this arena.
Bachelor’s Degree in Data Analytics
As a lawyer, you’ll need to be able to see issues from multiple viewpoints free of judgment, which will require excellent analytical skills. You’ll also need to have advanced reading skills to absorb, analyze, and synthesize information efficiently. This is why a bachelor’s degree in data analytics is a sound strategic decision for those with the ultimate goal of going to law school and becoming a lawyer. WGU’s Bachelor of Science in Data Analytics degree program was designed with input from industry experts and focuses on IT skills, data analysis, machine learning, Python, R, scripting and programming, and more. After completing this degree, you’ll have the practical data analytics and management knowledge to feel prepared to take on the fast-paced and challenging nature of law school.
Bachelor’s Degree in Finance
A bachelor’s degree in finance opens the door to some of the highest-paying careers in the U.S. In this online program, you’ll take courses in financial modeling and data visualization, fintech, blockchain/cryptocurrency AI, automated trading, valuation and protection of digital assets, financial planning, portfolio management, technology and innovation, and logistics and operations. A technology-forward program designed with input from industry experts, this fully online bachelor’s degree will equip you with the cutting-edge knowledge and in-demand skills needed for a successful career. After completing this degree, you’ll be ready to go to law school to prepare to work in a variety of high-powered roles such as a corporate finance attorney. If you’re interested in a high-powered career where you can help advise people on some of their biggest life decisions, consider WGU’s Bachelor of Science in Finance.
$127,990
is the annual salary for lawyers, according to The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Learn More About Lawyer Careers
The practice of law consists of numerous fields, and each field has many roles. For example, an accounting degree could prepare you to be a tax lawyer, an educational studies degree, where you learn how to appeal to and persuade all different types of students, could help become an effective litigator, and so on. Keep reading to learn about some potential law careers you could pursue after school:
- Bankruptcy Lawyer: Specializes in either consumer bankruptcy (representing individuals or creditors) or in commercial bankruptcy (representing debtor or creditor corporations).
- Business Lawyer (Corporate Lawyer): Helps clients stay compliant with applicable laws and best practices and represents them when legal issues arise.
- Constitutional Lawyer: Focuses on the law and rights of the people as set forth by the U.S. Constitution. They typically work in one industry and are experts in interpreting the Constitution and particularly how it relates to the rights of civilians.
- Criminal Defense Lawyer: Focuses on protecting the rights of their defendants and helps them build defenses that minimize the consequences of their arrest.
- Employment and Labor Lawyer: Represents both employers and employees in disputes and negotiations. They deal with labor unions and their specialized rules and regulations.
- Entertainment Lawyer: Represents and protects the interests of creatives, companies, and others in film, television, new media, theater, publishing, and music.
- Estate Planning Lawyer: Is in charge of planning and implementing plans for the assets people leave behind after death.
- Family Lawyer: Helps resolve legal matters for families, including divorce, abuse, child custody, alimony payments, partitions, inheritance, and neglect.
- Immigration Lawyer: Interprets the law and helps analyze immigrant rights, possibilities, and strategies through the complicated steps of the immigration process.
- Intellectual Property (IP) Lawyer: Helps protect their clients’ intellectual property and acts as an advocate representing clients in court proceedings.
- Personal Injury Lawyer: Helps clients who have experienced injuries in accidents to gain financial compensation.
- Tax Lawyer: Specializes in the interpretation and application of tax laws and policies.
Why Choose WGU?
If you’re interested in pre-law with the goal of becoming a lawyer, then a bachelor’s degree from WGU is a great place to start. Here’s why:
- Low, flat-rate tuition allows you to take as many classes as you want per six-month term for a flat charge.
- Competency-based education allows you to take the reins on your academic journey. You can use your existing knowledge to your advantage, moving through your coursework and graduating as fast as you want.
- We offer scholarships and financial aid to help lessen the weight of tuition, making higher education possible for even more students.
- The coursework in WGU’s programs is career-focused, so the knowledge and skills you gain in your degree are directly applicable to your work after graduating.
Prepared for Success on the Job
*From a 2023 Harris Poll of 300 employers of WGU graduates.
100% of employers said that WGU graduates were prepared for their jobs.*
97% of employers said that they would hire another WGU grad.*
98% of employers said WGU graduates met or exceeded expectations.*
Which Degree Should You Choose?
Choosing between these degrees is a great alternative to a pre-law degree program and can make sure you have training and credentials that will help you succeed.
Business
Business Management – B.S. Business Administration
Hone your business acumen and garner added respect:...
Hone your business acumen and garner added respect:
- Time: 61% of graduates finish within 19 months
- Tuition: $3,755 per 6-month term
- Courses: 40 total courses in this program
Skills for your résumé this program will teach you include:
- Business communication
- Product development
- Decision making models
- Project management strategies
- Budgeting for business
This online degree program is an excellent choice for kick-starting your organizational management career.
Business
Accounting – B.S. Business Administration
Have a knack for numbers or fine-tuning finances?...
Have a knack for numbers or fine-tuning finances?
- Time: 62% of graduates finish within 24 months
- Tuition: $3,755 per 6-month term
- Courses: 41 courses in this program
Skills for your résumé you will learn in this program include:
- Accounting
- Finance
- Financial Statements
- Communication
- Detail Oriented
- Research
Take your first step toward CPA certification and learn how to use GAAP, ledgers, and journals.
Business
Marketing – B.S.
For those who want to lead brands and steer consumer markets:...
For those who want to lead brands and steer consumer markets:
- Time: 60% of graduates finish within 19 months.
- Tuition: $3,755 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 37 total courses in this program.
Skills for your résumé you will learn in this program include:
- Communication
- Marketing
- Sales
- Management
- Project Management
- Product Management
Marketing is a creative and exciting field—and one where an undergraduate degree will open better opportunities.
Business
Human Resource Management – B.S. Business Administration
A SHRM-recognized online business degree program:...
A SHRM-recognized online business degree program:
- Time: 65% of graduates finish within 24 months.
- Tuition: $3,755 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 41 total courses in this program.
Skills for your résumé you will learn in this program include:
- Agile project management
- Employment and labor laws
- Recruiting strategies
- HR technology
- DE&I understanding
Earn your B.S. in Human Resources and help build strong organizations.
Technology
Data Analytics – M.S.
Lead businesses with strong analysis skills:...
Lead businesses with strong analysis skills:
- Time: 61% of graduates finish within 20 months.
- Tuition: $4,520 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 11 total courses in this program.
This program consists of three specialization areas which allow you to gain specific experience and skills that will benefit your future career. You can choose from data science, data engineering, and decision process engineering specializations to enhance your degree.
Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:
- Data Modeling
- Big Data
- Business Intelligence
- Data Quality
- SQL
- Python
Business
Finance – B.S.
This online finance program is career-focused so you will gain relevant...
This online finance program is career-focused so you will gain relevant industry skills.
- Time: 62% of graduates finish similar programs within 24 months
- Tuition: $3,755 per 6-month term
- Courses: 41 courses in this program
Some careers and jobs this business degree will prepare you for:
- Management
- Accounting
- Finance
- Spreadsheets
- Financial Analysis
- Problem Solving
The competency-based model at WGU allows you to move as quickly as you can master the material, and do your coursework on your schedule. Flexibility is key with the B.S. in finance at WGU.
Frequently Asked Questions about a Lawyer Career
- Problem solving
- Critical reading
- Writing and editing
- Oral communication and listening
- Research
- Organization and management
- Public service and promotion of justice
- Relationship-building and collaboration
- Background knowledge
- Exposure to the law
- A broad understanding of history, including the various factors (social, political science, economic, and cultural) that have influenced the development of society in the United States.
- A fundamental understanding of political thought and of the contemporary American political system.
- Basic mathematical and financial skills, including pre-calculus mathematics and the ability to analyze financial data.
- Understanding of human behavior and social interaction.
- An understanding of diverse cultures within and beyond the United States, international laws and issues, world events, and the increasing interdependence of the nations and communities within our world.
