It’s time to get excited about Summer and Fall 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.
The general recommended course lists include classes from many disciplines that might serve one or more of the goals articulated above. We encourage you to consider departments that offer courses in areas you would like to further explore!
eXPLORE the Pre-Law Curricular & Course Planning GUide!
Note: The Course Recommendation Charts are in Canvas. Self-enroll in the course by clicking here.
Please keep in mind that the sample course list within the Guide is not an exhaustive list, as there are many beneficial courses offered each semester. This list should be viewed as a highlight to help you identify potential courses but also assess additional courses for value in your prelaw journey. Not all courses listed will be as valuable to you as another, it is also important to remind all prelaw students that there is no required course work for law school. Courses should first and foremost service your academic and professional goals – with many courses having high value for future legal studies.
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…
- BTW 280: Global Business Communication – “I recommend this course because I think it teaches a lot of great skills about intercultural competence and globalized communication skills.”
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…
- IS202: Social Aspects of Information Technology – “I enjoyed this class because it discusses how technology has and will change society. In some weeks we discussed policies and laws that impact citizens rights when it comes to technology. Overall, super informative and I highly recommend.”
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 383: Politics of Terrorism – “The class is way different from what a ‘normal’ political science class usually entails, making it more interesting to learn. There was a ton of discussion in the course, which helped me gain more knowledge from my peers. I learned so much information about political violence and terrorism and I would recommend the course if you want to expand more knowledge on different aspects of politics!”
Elizabeth King
Elizabeth is currently a Class of 2026 Representative of the PLAS Advisory Council. She shared the following perspectives on her favorite pre-law-related courses…
- LAW 305: Art and Cultural Property Law – “Such an interesting topic taught in a very interesting way. Great exposure to reading and briefs cases and applying them to discussion about different issues.”
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!