Bachelor of Arts in Legal Studies
Pre-Law
The Professional Legal Studies (Pre-Law) degree prepares students for the rigor of law school through a focused curriculum in legal analysis, research, and communication. Students develop the intellectual discipline, ethical foundation, and leadership skills to pursue impactful careers in law.
Dig Deeper Into the program
Explore coursework, personalized advising, and hands-on experiences designed to prepare you for law school, strengthen your application, and position you as a competitive candidate.
Degrees Offered
- Bachelors
Start Terms
- Fall or Spring
Program Format
- On-campus
- Select classes available online to provide added flexibility for students
Credit Hours & Timeline
- Total credits required: 120
- Typical completion time: 4 years
Prepare for law school with a strong foundation in legal theory, research and critical thinking. The Pre-Law curriculum builds the skills needed for success in law school and beyond.
- Preparation for law school and legal careers
- Coursework in legal research, writing and analysis
- Study of law, policy and the legal system
- Development of critical thinking and argumentation skills
- Focus on ethics, justice and legal reasoning
Applicants for admission are evaluated based on the following criteria to gain full admission.
- High school record of cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. An applicant for a degree program must have graduated or will have graduated with 16 high school units from an accredited high school. The college preparatory program is strongly recommended to high school students. Ordinarily this program includes four years of English and two years of social studies, science, and mathematics.
- College/university record of cumulative GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale, if applicable.
Applicants who do not meet the following criteria and show potential for success may be reviewed for an alternate admissions pathway.
Students who have successfully completed the General Education Development Test (GED) and have not accumulated at least 12 collegiate level semester hours credit at a regionally accredited institution with a 2.5 GPA or better will follow the Alternate Admissions Pathway.
Applications open July 1 for the upcoming academic year. CSM follows a rolling admission process, reviewing applications as they are received. We encourage students to apply early for priority consideration for scholarships, housing, and financial aid.
The Mercy Core is CSM’s general education curriculum and the foundation of every degree. Rooted in the Critical Concerns of the Sisters of Mercy, it integrates ethics, reflection, and action to prepare women to lead with purpose and advance justice in their communities.
Tuition & Aid
Investing in your education is a big decision, and you do not have to navigate it alone. Every admitted full-time undergraduate student is guaranteed a merit scholarship, and CSM offers additional aid and personalized guidance to make your degree attainable. Our team will walk you through your options so you can move forward with clarity and confidence.
Your Roadmap to Admission
From application to enrollment, we guide you through each step with clarity and personal support so you can focus on what matters most and take the next step toward your future.
Why Choose CSM?
A True Pre-Law Pathway
A structured, intentional approach that prepares students for law school.
Leadership Development with Real-World Perspective
Learn from practicing attorneys while developing the ethics, critical thinking, and leadership skills needed to advance justice.
Personalized Academic Advising
Work closely with faculty who are practicing attorneys to shape your academic plan, prepare for the LSAT, and build a competitive law school application.
Confidence Through Community
Thrive in a supportive, women-centered environment where practicing attorneys help you build voice, confidence, and leadership.
Legal Career Outlook
Careers in law offer strong long-term opportunity, stability, and impact.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of lawyers is projected to grow steadily in the coming years. With a median annual salary above $135,000, the profession offers significant earning potential alongside the ability to influence policy, advocate for others, and drive meaningful change.
Pre-Law By The Numbers
5+ Legal Areas
Broad Legal Exposure
Study multiple disciplines to prepare for law school and beyond.
3 Core skills
Research, Writing, & Analysis
Develop the essential skills required for success in law school.
1:1 AdvisinG
Law School Preparation
Work closely with faculty to prepare for the LSAT and applications.
Other Legal Studies Programs
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.
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Wherever you’re starting from, we’ll help you build a future with confidence.