Undergrad Paths for Future Law Students

Aspiring Law Student? Begin Your Pre-Law Journey with SoPA’s ABA-Approved General Legal Studies Degrees!

Law school applications are at a record high and still rising. According to the Law School Admissions Council (LSAC), which oversees the law school admissions process across the country, 64,779 students submitted law school applications in the 2024-2025 academic year, and the numbers continue to surge. Given the competition, students are increasingly concerned about selecting an undergraduate major that will lay the groundwork for future law school acceptance. In addition, almost all U.S. law schools require applicants to take the challenging Law School Admissions Test (LSAT), adding one more layer of anxiety to would-be lawyers. (Please visit LSAC.org for access to a wealth of information about the test, preparation, the application process, and much more.)

If applying to law school is your ultimate goal, read on to learn how Tulane SoPA’s General Legal Studies Program can supply the knowledge and skills to prepare you for a satisfying career in the legal services profession.

SoPA Online Majors Tailored for Aspiring Lawyers

According to the American Bar Association (ABA), no specific undergraduate major is “best” for law school preparation. U.S. law schools actually admit students from a broad range of disciplines each year. The ABA does, however, note the benefits of pursuing an undergraduate program that hones reasoning, research, and writing skills, all of which support success in law school and beyond. Fortunately, Tulane SoPA offers two ABA-approved legal studies programs specifically designed to meet these needs and lay the groundwork for your success in your legal career.

BA in General Legal Studies and Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Paralegal Studies—Both Online, Both Just as Focused on Law as You Are

If you're planning to apply to law school after completing your undergraduate degree, consider SoPA’s four-year BA in General Legal Studies. On the other hand, if you’ve already graduated and are seeking to fill a gap year, want to learn how a law practice operates before entering law school, or are looking to retool for the next chapter of your life, the Post-Baccalaureate Certificate (PBC) in Paralegal Studies is for you. Either way, SoPA’s General Legal Studies Program is the place to begin your legal career.

The curriculum for both programs provides the rigorous training and in-depth knowledge that law schools require and legal employers demand. All classes are taught by experienced practicing attorneys or paralegals and focus on substantive knowledge and practical skills. Both degrees provide a thorough background in legal research and writing, terminology, court structures and systems, law office software, litigation, and legal ethics.

Finally, whether you’re pursuing our General Legal Studies BA or our PBC, top off your studies and create a concise roadmap for yourself by taking GLSP 4400—Pre-Law Bootcamp!

Start Your Journey to Law School Today

Whether you’re pursuing your undergrad degree or moving into a legal career from another field, Tulane SoPA’s General Legal Studies Program can equip you with the core skills, values, and experiences essential for success.

To begin your pre-law journey, contact Program Director Robyn Ice or Associate Program Director Jacqueline Epstein. Request more information about our recommended programs or apply online today.