Undergraduate Catalog 2018-19 
    
    Mar 19, 2024  
Undergraduate Catalog 2018-19 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Pre-Law Program


Castleton's Pre-Law Program equips students to gain entrance to law school and pursue a successful career in the legal profession.

Law school applicants have traditionally majored in History, Political Science, Philosophy, English, Business, or Psychology, but any major offers good preparation for pre-law students. Indeed, the data shows that Law schools seek undergraduates who have a liberal arts degree and possess strong skills in writing, reading, research, and problem solving. Because of the breadth and depth of Castleton's academic program, students who are successful here are highly attractive to law schools.

Pre-Law students are encouraged to join the Pre-Law Club and consult often with the Pre-Law Advisor. Castleton also provides many opportunities for pre-law students to participate in relevant extra-curricular activities (e.g. student government), do internships, and network with professionals in the field.

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Note that Vermont Law School guarantees admission into their JD program to any Castleton student who has achieved a GPA and LSAT score above the median scores of the current JD class at VLS.  See below for details about this articulation agreement.

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Castleton and Vermont Law School (VLS) offer a dual-degree program leading to a Bachelor's degree (BA or BS) in just three years at CU and a Juris Doctor (JD) degree in just two years at VLS.  This 3+2 program enables highly focused students to earn both degrees and embark upon a law career in a total of five years (instead of the usual seven), thus saving much time and money. Go to the Law Degree page  for details.

 

PRE-LAW COURSES


Regardless of your major, the best preparation for law school is to take a broad range of challenging courses from demanding instructors who will help you to hone your writing, reading, research, and analytical reasoning skills.

Below are some of the many courses where you can develop these critical skills.

ARTICULATION AGREEMENT WITH VERMONT LAW SCHOOL


Vermont Law School is home to the country's top-rated environmental law program.

Master's degree

Any Castleton University student with a GPA of 3.0 or higher is guaranteed admission into any Vermont Law School masters program (Master of Environmental Law & Policy, Master of Energy Regulation and Law, Master of Food and Agriculture Law & Policy).

JD

Vermont Law School guarantees admission into their JD program to any Castleton student whose GPA and LSAT score equal or exceed the median GPA and LSAT score of the current JD class at VLS.

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Note: If you intend to apply to Vermont Law School, we suggest you take ENV 1210 - Environmental Harm and Mitigation Strategies  

 

APPLYING TO LAW SCHOOL


Click here for information about preparing for the LSAT, getting into law school, and legal careers.