With a liberal arts background, students develop the skills that law schools emphasize. Liberal arts students improve their analytical skills so that they can understand two sides of an argument, critique and evaluate arguments for and against a position, and apply theories to new and changing circumstances. Liberal arts majors increase prospective attorneys� critical reading abilities with the emphasis on close and careful reading of literature, political theory, and history. Since much legal work involves a careful reading of statutes, legal opinions, contracts, and other legal documents in a short period of time, this is clearly important. Moreover, lawyers must listen to legal actors to clearly understand verbal as well as non-verbal communication so as to most precisely present their judgement to all legal and public participants. Finally, students need to develop their research and task management skills so that they can develop a research strategy, conduct the research, analyze large amounts of information, and organize and present this research to others in a timely manner. This is the essence of a liberal arts education.

     Moreover, liberal arts majors provide students with the generic knowledge that they need to be successful lawyers. Political science provides students with a rudimentary knowledge of the legal system and how disputes arise and are solved. It helps students understand the basic framework of the American political system that creates, implements, and interprets the law. A study of history describes how social, political, cultural, and economic variables influence our nation�s development and the law. Students also learn of the connection between economics and policy and the importance of understanding different cultures in an interdependent world. 

     Even if you choose a liberal arts major such as political science (and even if you don�t), there are other courses that you should consider taking that would help you in your legal career. Due to the importance of written and unspoken language in law, prospective law students should consider taking Advanced Composition (ENG 318). With the advent of the Brandies brief a century ago, more and more arguments use statistical data to support their conclusions. To understand much of this research, students should consider taking Introduction to Statistics and Probability (MAT 114) and Statistics (MAT 208). A course such as Critical Thinking (PHL 345) helps develop your reasoning abilities while Interpersonal Communication (COM 235) helps you avoid the common problems in one-on-one and group dynamics. Finally, Principles of Accounting I & II (ACC 211 & 212) provides a rudimentary view of the business world that you are a part of and interact with.

     If you have a good idea of the type of law that you would like to practice or come to a conclusion during your study, consider taking courses that would increase your knowledge of that area. If environmental law interests you, take courses in Biology and Chemistry for scientific knowledge of pollution and ecology. If corporate law interests you, consider courses in Management and Accounting. If patent law interests you, take courses in Chemistry and Physics. If international law interests you, consider comparative politics, international relations, and language courses.

     The law is a multi-faceted empire. While you can prepare for a specific area of law, most law schools suggest that you develop your basic analytical, research, and communication skills and worry about specializing when you get to law school. If you do this, you will be prepared for what law professors and life will throw your way.