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Professional Legal Studies / Pre-Law 

Bachelor of Arts

Whether you’re aiming for law school, public service, or politics, our Pre-Law major gives you the knowledge, skills, and experience to lead with confidence. You’ll study constitutional rights, ethics, and political systems, sharpen your logic and reasoning, and gain real‑world experience through internships and mentoring from professors who know you by name.

What You’ll Learn

  • A strong foundation in legal theory, procedures, and ethics
  • How to research, analyze, and clearly present complex legal issues
  • Drafting legal documents and preparing case materials
  • Exploring key areas of law—constitutional, criminal, contract, and more
  • Applying your skills through hands‑on internships
     

Graduates are ready for law school or careers in law, government, business, or nonprofits.

 

Program Details & Curriculum

Program Details & Curriculum

Start Date: August or January of each year
Program Length: 4 years

Explore our curriculum to see the classes, skills, and hands-on experiences that will shape your path. View Program in Catalog

Admissions Requirements

Admissions Requirements

Undergraduate Admissions Requirements for College of Saint Mary

  • Submit your application

  • Transcripts from any post high school institutions for transfer students. Students who have earned 12 or more credit hours with a minimum GPA of 2.0 from other institutions qualify as transfer students.

Test-Optional Admissions

CSM accepts undergraduate students with or without test scores (ACT/SAT). Below are a few key details to consider:

  • Choosing not to submit test scores will not result in any penalties during the admission or merit scholarship evaluation process.
  • If you decide to submit scores after being admitted, we will assess your eligibility for a potential increase in merit scholarship (scores must be submitted by March 31). No merit scholarship will be revoked due to test scores submitted after admission.

Faculty

Faculty

Learn from Experts Who Practice What They Teach

You will be guided by professionals who live it every day. Every course in our Legal Studies program is taught by licensed attorneys—an opportunity that sets us apart in the region. Our faculty bring deep legal knowledge, real-world experience, and a passion for mentoring women who are ready to lead in law, policy, and justice.

Career Outlook

Career Outlook

Law school graduates have a wide range of career options—from practicing as attorneys in private firms, corporations, or government, to serving as judges, policy makers, or nonprofit advocates. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for lawyers is projected to grow 8% from 2022 to 2032, with strong earning potential and opportunities to specialize in areas like criminal law, family law, corporate law, or environmental law. A law degree also opens doors to leadership roles in business, education, and public service.

Accreditation

Accreditation

The Assurance of Accreditation

The assurance of regional accreditation means that our degrees have been evaluated for their outcomes — including how well they prepare you to meet the needs of your employers, yourself and our global society.  College of Saint Mary is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.

College of Saint Mary’s Bachelor of Arts Degree in Legal Studies program is approved by the American Bar Association, Standing Committee on Paralegals, 312-998-5618.