Pre-Law Program
Chart a path to law school that’s tailored to your unique interests through Drake’s Pre-Law program.
Multiple Colleges | On-Campus
Program Options
Law students need to think analytically and critically, read widely and well, and communicate effectively—skills you’ll learn through a school-wide curriculum that’s rooted in the liberal arts. Common Pre-Law majors include:
Accounting
Combine technical accounting courses with problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills that you can apply to numerous careers. Fusing these two disciplines allows you to gain insight into many different areas of tax law.
American Politics
See politics up close while earning direct experience in government, state agencies, and campaign organizations. In addition to courses covering the American political system and political theory, you’ll engage in topical discussions and learn how the media and public opinion influence behavior.
Artificial Intelligence
At the same time artificial intelligence revolutionizes the way law is practiced, it also raises a host of issues lawyers must help their clients confront. Drake’s AI major focuses on the intersection of computer science, statistics, philosophy, psychology, linguistics, design, business, and law.
Business Law
Begin learning about the legal issues faced by businesses today. You’ll take classes in basic concepts such as contracts, torts, and tax law while putting those concepts into real-world contexts with an internship.
English
Careful analysis and close attention to detail are the hallmarks of a good lawyer—and also of an English major. As you interpret, write, and share stories, you’ll acquire the critical thinking, communication, and analytical skills needed for law school.
History
As a history major, you’ll examine how and why change happens. By studying the events that have shaped people, cultures, and societies over the ages, you’ll get insight into the social institutions, philosophies, and practices behind many modern-day legal topics.
International Relations
Take courses in international relations, law, security, political economy, and comparative politics as you develop a framework for understanding our world and learn to craft forward-looking strategies.
Law, Politics, and Society
Understanding the law gives you a window into the way society works. In this major, one of a handful of undergraduate legal studies programs in the country, you’ll explore how the law intersects with culture, economics, politics, and social structure.
Marketing
Incorporate strategy, psychology, sociology, and business acumen as a Marketing major. You’ll become adept at understanding human behavior and crafting messages that influence people to act.
Multimedia Journalism
Learn to report, tell, and produce stories for traditional and digital media platforms. Multimedia Journalism majors develop a nose for news, finding narratives that resonate with audiences and honing the ethical principles behind the profession.
Politics
Delve into the theories behind politics, and then observe them in action at Drake. Required courses cover the four major subfields of political science: American politics, comparative politics, international relations, and political theory.
Psychology
Drake’s Psychology program illuminates how people think—a skill you’ll draw on time and again in your legal career. Translate theory into action through internships and research opportunities.
Strategic Political Communications
Learn how to influence public opinion through courses in public relations, politics, rhetoric, and specialized strategic political communication—as well as extensive real-world experience in the Des Moines political scene.
Meet the Faculty
The strength of Drake’s Pre-Law program is the breadth of material it covers. You’ll have the opportunity to take classes from faculty in nearly every discipline offered by our College of Arts and Sciences.
William Garriott III
Professor, Law, Politics, and Society; Department Chair, Law, Politics, and Society
Outside the Classroom
The intensive liberal arts education you’ll get at Drake is just part of what will prepare you for law school. Personalized guidance from caring faculty and real-world experiences that boost your career prospects help round out your application.
LSAT Preparation
Your Pre-Law advisors collaborate with Law School faculty and local alumni experts to develop lectures and practical experiences that enhance your LSAT prep.
Mentorship and Advising
At Drake, Pre-Law isn’t one size fits all—it’s customized student by student. You’ll work with faculty mentors, academic advising specialists, and career services staff who will help you get where you want to go.
Clinics and Centers
Even as an undergrad, you can participate in Drake Law School’s top-ranked Legal Clinic and our centers in agricultural law, constitutional law, children’s rights, and legislative practice.
Opportunities in Des Moines
Iowa’s capital city is a hub for government, politics, insurance, and business—and it’s where you’ll get your start through internships and other opportunities that bring classroom lessons to life.
Scholarships
In addition to campus-wide scholarships available to all students (such as our Presidential Scholarship), some competitive awards are available to specific majors. Check with individual departments for more information.
Student Organizations
Connect with aspiring lawyers through Delta Theta Phi, a professional fraternity geared toward students interested in legal careers. Or hone your defense, critical thinking, and public speaking skills by joining a competitive mock trial team.
Careers & Skills
Regardless of the path you take at Drake, you’ll become adept at analyzing texts, communicating clearly, research, and critical thinking—and, most of all, you’ll develop the curiosity and work ethic that will guide you to a successful career in the law.
Where Pre-Law Students Go
- Arizona State University
- Boston College
- City University of New York
- Creighton University
- DePaul University
- Drake University
- Emory University
- Georgetown University Law Center
Skills
- Build an understanding of social institutions and practices
- Critical reasoning
- Analytical thinking
- Reading comprehension
- Clear writing
- Public speaking
Salary & Growth Outlook
Median salary for lawyers in 2024. (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)
Take the Next Step
The best preparation for law school is reading, writing, and thinking—the kind of liberal arts mindset you can get from many majors at Drake. Ask us how you can get there from here.
Contact us
College of Arts & Sciences
Lisa West (she/her/hers)
Associate Dean
lisa.west@drake.edu
515-271-3708
School of Journalism and Mass Communication
Kelly Bruhn (she/her/hers)
Associate Dean
kelly.bruhn@drake.edu
515-271-2124
Zimpleman College of Business
J Royce Fichtner (he/him/his)
Ellis and Nelle Levitt Distinguished Professor of Business Law
royce.fichtner@drake.edu
515-271-4159
