"Getting ready for law school can be a confusing and nerve-wracking endeavor. However, under the guidance of Duquesne's Pre-Law Program and its amazing professors, I was able to understand the process and receive crucial feedback that prepared me for law school in countless ways."

Zachary Valkovci '19, B.A. in Political Science and Government and L3, Duquesne Kline School of Law

Be Prepared for Anything

We know that acceptance into law school is not dependent on a particular undergraduate major. But we also know that the cutting-edge skills you'll develop in our 15-credit Pre-Law Certificate Program will successfully prepare you for law school, graduate public policy and foreign affairs programs, political careers and public service opportunities.

A Horizon-Expanding Education

At Duquesne, learning happens everywhere.

In our Pre-Law Program, you’ll have access to over 50 courses from multiple disciplines across the University, including business, English, philosophy and political science, that count toward your Pre-Law Certificate.

You’ll engage in experiences that will develop your research, analytical and advocacy skills and build foundational knowledge for legal, governmental and public service. And you’ll learn to think critically, analyze deeply, communicate clearly and argue persuasively about important civil, legal and scholarly issues.

Our Pre-Law Center is housed in the Thomas R. Kline School of Law of Duquesne University and is offered in cooperation with the multiple undergraduate schools and departments within the University. The program supports undergraduates in all disciplines who are exploring cutting-edge subjects that will prepare them for law school, graduate public policy and foreign affairs programs, political careers and public service opportunities inside and outside of government.

We're Behind You, 100%

You'll have access to many resources that will help you succeed during your time on campus and beyond.

We take the responsibility of educating you seriously, and we do everything we can to help you succeed. You'll engage in experiences that will develop your research, analytical and advocacy skills and build foundational knowledge for legal, governmental and public service. And you'll learn to think critically, analyze deeply, communicate clearly and argue persuasively about important civil, legal and scholarly issues.

Open to undergraduates in all majors at Duquesne, our Pre-Law Certificate Program offers many benefits including:

  • Earn a 15-credit certificate that shows on your official transcript, a desirable qualification for employment, law school admission and/or continued professional education.
  • Gain access to the 3+3 Early Admissions Program if you are an exceptional student, scoring in the 60th percentile on your LSATs, and seeking to complete your undergraduate studies in three years to begin Duquesne Kline School of Law in your fourth year. Requirements also include a 3.5 or higher GPA and an admission interview.
  • Experience expedited consideration for admission into Duquesne Kline School of Law (a four-week turnaround from the date the completed application is submitted) if you successfully complete the certificate program with a 3.0 GPA or higher.
  • Receive a $5,000 scholarship (in addition to other scholarships) upon enrollment into Duquesne Kline School of Law if you complete the certificate program with a 3.0 GPA or higher.

Academic Internship Opportunities

Our location in the heart of Pittsburgh will put you in the center of a city full of opportunities for gaining career experience. Students in our Pre-Law Program have found a wide range of internships throughout the region, including with:

  • The Allegheny County Courthouse
  • The Borgen Project
  • Court of Common Pleas
  • The Education Partnership
  • U.S. and State Senators
  • Members of Congress
  • State Representatives

Our Graduates Get the Job Done

Whether you go to law school or jump right into the workforce, you'll have a bright future ahead of you.

Our Pre-Law Certificate graduates have gone on to work for leading companies, law firms, non-profits and public institutions, or have enrolled at law schools throughout the country, including:

  • Arizona State University Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law
  • Columbia Law School
  • Duquesne Kline School of Law
  • Emory University School of Law
  • Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law
  • Emory University School of Law
  • Gonzaga University School of Law
  • Northeastern University School of Law
  • Penn State Law
Megan Toomer headshot

The key benefits of the Pre-Law Program were the small class sizes, which allowed me to meaningfully connect with my classmates and professors, and the opportunity to work closely with professors to edit my resume and personal statement in preparation for law school applications. The Pre-Law Program's professors also worked with me to ensure Emory's program best suited my interests and academic endeavors.

Megan Toomer '19 B.A. in Political Science, Duquesne University, 3L, Emory University School of Law
Ryan Thomas headshot

I chose the Pre-Law Program because it offered me a chance to take a diversified list of selected classes to help prepare me for the law school experience. The classes in Duquesne's Pre-Law Program give you a great foundation to launch your law school career.

Ryan Thomas '20 B.S. in Business, Duquesne University, 3L, Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law
Claire Neiberg

The most stand-out attribute of the Pre-Law Program is the 3/3 Early Admissions Program and the program's partnership with Duquesne School of Law. Not all colleges and universities have a 3/3 option, and going through undergrad and law school so quickly has helped shape me into a more dedicated student.

Claire Neiberg '21 B.A. in English and Political Science, Duquesne University, 2L, Duquesne Kline School of Law
Jessica Schmitz headshot

I knew when I came to Duquesne, I wanted to continue on to law school. The Pre-Law Program not only helped me plan my courses to prepare for a legal education, but also connected me to a variety of legal professionals to help me start thinking about my own path forward in law. It’s a great way to meet other students with like-minded goals. I’m incredibly thankful for the program.

Jessica Schmitz '23 McAnulty College of Liberal Arts and President of the Student Government Association

Learning Together

We’ll help you discover what you’re good at and why that’s good for the world.

Our faculty are enthusiastic about your future, walking alongside you to help realize your boldest goals.

In our Pre-Law Center, you can:

  • Learn more about law schools and legal careers.
  • Meet with our Pre-Law Program Director to discuss your career goals, courses of study, LSAT registration and preparation, law school options and much more.
  • Get involved with Duquesne’s Undergraduate Mock Trial Team and Pre-Law Society.

Helpful Resources

Law School Prep

Use this timeline and checklist as you prepare for law school.

LSAT

Most law schools require the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT). The test is administered online multiple times a year. Students are encouraged to take the test in June after their junior year or the fall of their senior year. Information about the LSAT and other aspects of law school admission can be found online at the Law School Admissions Council. The Pre-Law Director maintains a collection of books about the LSAT, law school and law careers.

Dr. Kristen Coopie working with student at Pre-Law Center

Learn more

Pre-Law Certificate

Scholarships for Law School

Pre-Law Certificate Scholarship

Duquesne undergraduates who successfully complete the requirements of the Pre-Law Certificate with a 3.0 GPA or higher are eligible to receive a $5,000 scholarship for their first year at the Thomas R. Kline School of Law of Duquesne University. This scholarship is in addition to, and does not preclude consideration for, any other scholarship for which the student may qualify.

Merit Scholarships

Law schools offer merit scholarships to attract top students. These may pay for some or all of law school tuition. Before accepting any scholarship, make sure to check with other schools to see whether they might meet or better the first offer. Check too on conditions of the scholarship, e.g., whether it is conditional on maintaining a "B" grade or higher after the first year.

Contact

Dr. Kristen Coopie

Director of Pre-Law, Teaching Assistant Professor of Political Science

Dr. Kristen Coopie headshot