Good news!

Because the study of law does not require the completion of specific undergraduate majors or courses, prospective attorneys have remarkable freedom in their choice of study.

The choice of major is less important than the acquisition of knowledge and the development skills that will assist the aspiring law student. The most appropriate courses are those that require students to develop and practice analytic and problem-solving skills, reading and interpretation skills, writing and oral communication skills, and active listening abilities. In addition, students are advised to enroll in courses in language study, research, organization, and management.

IC students have been admitted to law school from a variety of majors, including liberal arts majors such as History, Philosophy, Politics, and Psychology, and professional majors such as Business Administration, Journalism, and Legal Studies.

Since 2011, between 35 and 60 students have applied to law school from Ithaca College each year; we have an 85-90% acceptance rate of those students (compared to 78% nationally), indicating that IC students receive the right kind of education, experience, and advising to succeed in their chosen field. Over the past several years, students have been accepted to and have matriculated at a variety of law schools throughout the country, including:

  • Cornell University
  • Albany Law School of Union University
  • State University at Buffalo
  • Hofstra University
  • New York Law School
  • University of Pennsylvania
  • Villanova University
  • Suffolk University
  • American University Washington College of Law

Pre-Law Program Activities

Students involved in pre-law advising participate in workshops on law study and meet distinguished IC alumni who have become successful attorneys. They have access to extensive resources that help them determine the right law school and legal profession based on their interest.

Every semester, the program sponsors Pizza Law night, where students can learn more about the law school application process.

In the spring the program hosts a Seminar Series, during which alumni who work in various positions and practice settings—such as judges, law clerks, in-house counsel, and practicing attorneys—speak to and meet with students.

Pre-Law students are also able to both travel and hone their public speaking skills by participating on the school's Mock Trial Team.

For More Information

Contact Jonathan Chalmers, career engagement specialist.

Explore Pre-Law at IC

Discover what makes the Ithaca College Pre-Law program different, including our faculty, alumni network, and hands-on learning experiences.