It’s time to get excited about Spring courses! Each semester, we receive many questions from pre-law students regarding courses helpful in preparation for law school. Each semester Pre-Law Advising creates resources with suggested classes that pre-law students might find useful and interesting when planning and exploring a legal education.
In general, students interested in going to law school should take classes that focus on analytical and critical thinking, communication, research and writing, and, when possible, legal topics of interest. Additionally, pre-law students should consider courses in topics that will help foster knowledge in topics helpful to learning law, such as business, history, technology, and more! Finally, students should also focus on developing skill sets in areas that will support future success in law school and the legal profession, including personal development.
Recommended courses have been arranged into two resources:
- General Pre-Law Course Recommendations (relevant for all majors and minors)
- Major/Minor Specific Pre-Law Course Recommendations (most relevant for specific majors and minors)
The general recommended course lists include classes from many disciplines that might serve one or more of the goals articulated above. The major/minor specific course list includes additional courses for those in specific majors and minors and may not be as generally applicable to all. We encourage you to explore both charts, particularly through departments that offer courses in areas you would like to further explore!
Click HERE for the SPRING 2026 course Recommendation Charts!
Note: The Course Recommendation Charts are in Canvas. Self-enroll in the course by clicking here.
Please keep in mind that these lists should not be viewed as exhaustive, as there are many beneficial courses offered each semester. These lists should be used to highlight courses of particular interest only and to help you further explore available course offerings through our many exceptional colleges and departments. There are no required courses for law school, and any courses should first and foremost serve your individual interests and goals.
Want to learn more?
See what Pre-law Advisory Council Members say are some of their favorite pre-law-related courses at Illinois…
Anais Tatem
Anais is currently a Class of 2028 Representative of the PLAS Advisory Council. She shared the following perspectives on her favorite pre-law-related courses…
- CMN 111 & 112: Oral and Written Communications– “I recommend these courses because they prepare you for research, logical reasoning, and help improve your writing and speech skills.”
Josh Ellison
Josh is currently an At-Large Representative of the PLAS Advisory Council. He shared the following perspectives on his favorite pre-law-related courses…
- PS 330: Intro to Political Behavior– “It’s an exciting class that explores topics surrounding voting behavior, political efficacy, and political psychology. It’s a fascinating class if you’re into the more social aspects of political science.”
- PS 323: Law and Representation– “This is a fantastic class that goes over the history of voting rights in the United States! In addition, it’s also a great opportunity to learn how to read SCOTUS decisions and create proper case briefs.”
Alyse Caldwell
Alyse is currently an At-Large Representative of the PLAS Advisory Council. She shared the following perspectives on her favorite pre-law-related courses…
- SOC 275: Criminology & ANTH 246: Forensic Science – “These two courses are my top two out of all the classes I have taken on this campus. This is for the students who are interested in Criminal Law, you will love it, but also these classes will just further your interest.”
Joel Diaz
Joel is currently an At-Large Representative of the PLAS Advisory Council. He shared the following perspectives on his favorite pre-law-related courses…
- PS 301: The US Constitution I – “I recommend this course because it is an introductory course to important legal cases you will continue to encounter in law school. Furthermore, you will get to practice how to write concisely and apply legal cases to hypothetical scenarios.”
Hibba Hoda
Hibba is currently an At-Large Representative of the PLAS Advisory Council. She shared the following perspectives on her favorite pre-law-related courses…
- RST 354: Legal Aspects of Sports – “I really enjoy this class, especially as someone interested in the intersection of sports and law. The course material is engaging, and the instructor truly cares about his students, fostering a strong sense of community where everyone feels supported.”
Pranav Thamballapalle
Pranav is currently a Class of 2028 Representative of the PLAS Advisory Council. He shared the following perspectives on his favorite pre-law-related courses…
- PS 280: Introduction to International Relations– “I recommend this because Professor Grossman is super knowledgeable about the topic and makes this class one of those that you’re actually excited to go to.”
Elizabeth King
Elizabeth is currently an At-Large Representative of the PLAS Advisory Council. She shared the following perspectives on her favorite pre-law-related courses…
- BADM 300: The Legal Environment of Business– “BADM 300 is a really interesting class for those interested in exploring corporate/business law. The course really lays the foundation of the law, which incorporates the intersection of the law with business practices.”
- PSYC 468: Psychology and Law– “PSYC 468 is a great course to learn more about the psychology behind crime and legal decisions. The course looks at very interesting research on topics like how the attire of a defendant in court affects the verdict, etc.”
Eshal Mirza
Eshal is currently a Class of 2026 Representative of the PLAS Advisory Council. She shared the following perspectives on her favorite pre-law-related courses…
- PS 316: Latina/Latino Politics– “Taught by Professor Rodriguez. The class consists of two major writing assignments, as well as a research project. These assignments involve politics catered to Latine communities, and there is a lot of discussion and conversation in the class in regards to policies and laws and marginalized communities. I recommend it for pre-law students as it opens your eyes to learning more about issues and topics within the country that you may not be familiar with, as well as doing research regarding those topics!”
Emma Costello-Wallwage
Emma is currently an At-Large Representative of the PLAS Advisory Council. She shared the following perspectives on her favorite pre-law-related courses…
- LAW 199: Gender and the Law– “It involves analyzation of various court cases, law readings, SCOTUS landmark cases, and other material that helped me understand a bit more what law school readings would be like, and the class and studying for it taught me to handle massive chunks of weekly case/law readings through proper note-taking strategies, studying strategies, annotation improvements, and time management. You also learn a ton about how judicial courts think from multiple perspectives, and it definitely taught me to look at a case in every way possible outside of my own potential bias.”
Still not sure what to take?
Schedule a pre-law advising meeting to discuss course options!
Curious about the Legal Studies minor?
Watch the Information Session and learn more about the Legal Studies Minor in Canvas!
