Milligan does not recommend or offer a major in “pre-law” as such. This is in keeping with both the broad educational philosophy of the University and the philosophy expressed by the Statement of the Association of American Law Schools on Prelegal Education. American law schools do not encourage the undergraduate student to “learn the law,” but rather stress the necessity of the pre-law student’s acquiring certain comprehensive skills, such as “comprehension and expression in words,” “critical understanding of human institutions and values,” and the development of “creative power of thinking.”
Students considering law school who wish to have exposure to foundational legal subjects are encouraged to obtain a minor in legal studies. The courses offered in the legal studies minor are designed to enhance knowledge of the American legal system, the legal profession, and foundational legal topics. Embracing a Christian world-view, the legal studies minor will help students develop an appreciation for the unique responsibility Christian legal professionals have in society.
While a student planning for a specific phase of the law (e.g., tax law) may find certain undergraduate majors or courses desirable (e.g., business or accounting), any solid academic major is equally acceptable to American law schools and recommended by Milligan. Majors at Milligan that often are a good path to law school include: Business, Criminology/Criminal Justice, Economics, English, History, Humanities, Political Science, International Studies, and Bible and Theological Studies.
Milligan provides an excellent preparation for law school. In keeping with both the broad educational philosophy of the University and the philosophy expressed by the Statement of the Association of American Law Schools on Prelegal Education, Milligan does not recommend or offer a major in “pre-law” as such. American law schools do not encourage the undergraduate student to “learn the law,” but rather stress the necessity of the pre-law student’s acquiring certain comprehensive skills, such as “comprehension and expression in words,” “critical understanding of human institutions and values,” and the development of “creative power of thinking.” Milligan’s liberal arts education is excellent preparation in these skills.
Although not required, Milligan recommends that—regardless of major—students planning to enter law school also complete the Legal Studies minor, which provides exposure to foundational legal subjects. The courses offered in the Legal Studies minor are designed to enhance knowledge of the American legal system, the legal profession, and foundational legal topics. Several also operate much like law school classes and provide an opportunity to prepare for studying in a similar setting. Embracing a Christian worldview, the legal studies minor helps students develop an appreciation for the unique responsibility Christian legal professionals have in society.
There is no universal definition of how institutions calculate an acceptance rate for graduates entering law school nor are students under any obligation to report their entrance exam scores or their graduate school admission status to their institution. It is a figure that is easily manipulated and not always the best measure of the strength of a program. Therefore, Milligan does not produce an acceptance rate for its graduates entering law school.
Law schools are looking for students who have the skillset and the experience to be a good attorney; it matters less the brand name of where they went to school and more about how prepared they are.
Milligan holistically prepares students to succeed after they graduate, and our track record proves this. In other words, if you excel at Milligan with a strong GPA, take advantage of opportunities provided by attending a smaller school, and prepare for the LSAT using the knowledge base and skill sets that Milligan has instilled, then our graduates are always competitive.
