Several Texas-based public universities offer prelaw training.
A solid prelaw education is essential for being accepted into a good law school. A prelaw program is a four year bachelor's degree usually encompassing a liberal arts program as well as courses in politics, government and history. There is no set course of study for future lawyers, but the best usually include credits in logic, ethics and philosophy. These are all good topics to understand before taking the Law School Admission Test (LSAT). Texas provides several public universities with programs designed to prepare students for law school.
University of Texas-Austin
The University of Texas at Austin was voted 47th on U.S. News & World Report's best colleges list as of 2008, making it the state's highest ranked public institution. Prelaw students can select a major from any area of study, and are guided by prelaw advisers. Since the American Bar Association doesn't require any one curriculum to make it to law school, UT Austin's program allows students to tailor their degree to a specific interest or area of law. Communications majors can continue on to study communication or entertainment law, while those who study business can find careers as corporate lawyers. Prelaw students should closely follow the recommended courses set out by the Bar Association, including some credits in government, ethics, English composition and government. No matter what undergraduate degree, these courses are essential to making it in law school
University of Texas- Austin
WCH 4.132, Mailcode G9300
Austin, TX 78712
512-471-3550
www.utexas.edu/
Texas A&M
Texas A&M is a leader among Texas universities for sending students to law school. According to the university's enrollment statistics, nearly 80 percent of Aggies who applied to law school in 2008 were accepted to schools across the nation. The prelaw program encourages all students to adopt habits and develop skills that will make them successful in college and as lawyers. Those looking to study prelaw must complete courses in analytical thinking, critical reading, writing and oral communication. Additionally, they are encouraged to get involved both at school and in the community. The university provides volunteer and internship connections, and boasts an active prelaw community with debate, mock trial and other skill building activities. Each student is assigned a prelaw adviser who has experience guiding students and helping them make decisions regarding their education. During the first year, the counselor assists in outlining courses, and later with law school applications and graduation.
Texas A&M
114 Henderson Hall
4233 TAMU
College Station, TX 77843
979-845-1957
www.tamu.edu/
Texas Tech University
Texas Tech University is a public institution in the northwestern town of Lubbock. The school offers more than 25 degree programs, including a four-year track for prelaw students. The program focuses on what the Bar Association considers optimal for law school admission. These areas include comprehension and clarity in writing and speaking, analytical reasoning and an understanding of social institutions and human nature. Students are assigned an academic adviser who specializes in preparing undergraduates for the challenges they will face in law school. Texas Tech encourages all prelaw students to participate in undergraduate research, and get involved with local ABA-sponsored groups. These activities will provide contacts for after school, and promote relationships with faculty and mentors. The program is based heavily in government and politics, and students are trained in research, listening and public speaking skills.
Texas Tech University
079 Holden Hall
Box 41038
Lubbock, TX, 79409
806-742-2189
www.ttu.edu/
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