Program Overview

Pre-Law Program

Our pre-law program provides insider access to Widener’s law schools and prepares you for a rewarding career in law.

At a Glance

• Offered as: Pre-Professional
• Format: On Campus
• College/School: College of Arts & Sciences
• Campus Location: Chester, PA

Program Overview

As a pre-law student, you’ll explore the possibilities offered by a career in law from day one. Choose from traditional pre-law majors such as political science or English, or pursue a major of interest to you.

Academic and extracurricular programs, professional advising, LSAT preparation, and special admissions programs to our ABA-approved Delaware Law and Widener Law Commonwealth prepare you for success in law school and beyond.

Pre-Law Program Options

Special Admissions Programs with Widener's Two Law Schools

Widener University has two ABA-approved law schools, Widener University Delaware Law School and Widener University Commonwealth Law School. Both law schools, in partnership with Widener University, offer options to undergraduates:

• 3 + 3 Early Admissions Program
  • Major in political science, history, English, psychology, or fine arts through Widener’s College of Arts & Sciences
  • Complete 75 percent of your bachelor's degree requirements in three years
  • Submit a completed application to either Delaware Law School or Widener Law Commonwealth by April 1 of the calendar year in which you plan to begin law school
  • Rank in the top 50th percentile of your class and/or attain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher in your undergraduate studies
  • Achieve an LSAT score that meets or exceeds the median LSAT score of the most recent entering class
  • Satisfy all admissions requirements relating to character and fitness at the law school you're applying to
• Express Admissions Program
  • Submit a completed law school application by April 1 of the calendar year in which you plan to begin law school
  • Rank in the top 50 percent of your class and/or attain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher in your undergraduate studies
  • Achieve an LSAT score that meets or exceeds the median LSAT score of the most recent entering class
  • Satisfy all admissions requirements relating to character and fitness at the law school you're applying to
• Widener Legal Scholars Program
  • Submit a completed law school application
  • Maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher, or have a GPA in the top 10 percent of your class, through six semesters of study
  • Satisfy all law school admissions requirements relating to character and fitness
  • In addition, students admitted to Delaware Law School under this program will qualify for an annual scholarship, renewable for each succeeding year they are a full-time law school student

Common Majors for Pre-Law

• Accounting
• Criminal Justice
• English
• History
• Political Science
• Sociology

Minor in Legal Studies and Analysis

The College of Arts and Sciences offers a minor in legal studies and analysis to assist students in preparing for the study of law. The legal studies and analysis minor includes courses that require the kinds of reading and analysis that are critical to success on the LSAT and in law school itself.

Career Outlook & Outcomes for Pre-Law Students

• Industry Growth: Job outlook for legal occupations is projected to grow 9% by 2030 as governments, businesses, and individuals require diverse legal services.
• Avg. Salary: $127,990 (2021 median pay for lawyers)
• Potential Careers:
  • Lawyer
  • Judge
  • Court reporter
  • Paralegal, Arbitrator

Why Study Pre-Law at Widener?

• Gain Real-World Experience: Pre-law advisors can help you land internships with attorneys and other legal professionals.
• Benefit from LSAT Preparation Support: Access individualized tutoring and take a nationally ranked LSAT review course at a discounted rate.
• Join the Pre-Law Society: Meet practicing attorneys, LSAT preparation specialists, and representatives from Widener's law schools.

Admissions & Aid

• Admissions Information: Apply as a first-year student or transfer student.
• When to Apply: We accept applications on a rolling basis—there are no hard deadlines.
• What to Expect After Applying: Once we receive your application and all materials, you can expect to hear back from us quickly.

Paths to Savings

• Nearly 100% of Undergrad Students Receive Financial Aid: Nearly 100% of new full-time undergraduate students receive financial aid offers that reduce out-of-pocket costs and make a Widener education not only affordable, but well worth the investment.
• Scholarships Start at $100,000 Over 4 Years: Funding you don't have to pay back after graduation.
• 4+1 Students Save Time & Tuition: In the Accelerated Advantage 4+1 program, you can save up to a year of tuition by pursuing a master's degree.