Studying history at GC taught me the critical thinking and reasoning skills needed to get a perfect score on the LSAT, and I am looking forward to applying those skills next year at Notre Dame Law School. Most importantly, though, Goshen taught me to be a better, more well-rounded person inside and outside of the classroom.
History Pre-Law
Major
Built for Law School, Grounded in Justice
Sharpen the reading, writing, and argument skills law school runs on, alongside a values-driven education.
The History Pre-Law major at Goshen College is a four-year bachelors degree designed to build a strong foundation for law school. Students receive personalized advising, access to law-related internships, and the support you need to prepare for the LSAT and apply to top law schools.
With pre-law you’ll build a guided plan of study with a faculty advisor. You will choose a primary major that complements your interest in law, and layer it in recommended courses such as philosophy, political studies, writing, and logic. You’ll also study ethics, public policy, political theory, conflict transformation, while strengthening your writing, analytical, and communication skills.
Where Goshen Pre-Law Graduates Go
Goshen pre-law alumni have gone on to law degrees at the University of Notre Dame, the University of Michigan, Indiana University, Valparaiso University, American University, and Harvard Law School. They now work as attorneys, judges, public defenders, human rights advocates, legal aid counsel, policy analysts, and immigration lawyers. With a Goshen education grounded in ethics, peace, and justice, you’ll be prepared for a career in law that reflects your values.
What You’ll Study, and How the Track Works
Beyond the classroom, pre-law students pursue internships with local law offices, public defenders, court systems, advocacy groups, and non-profit organizations, and take part in research, student government, and public speaking. These real-world experiences help you test your interest in law, and build a compelling law school application. View the complete program requirements in our catalog.
Daniel James '24
Notre Dame Law School
Paying for Goshen
Goshen offers a range of scholarships for incoming and continuing students, including academic achievement awards that can be applied to any area of study. See your real number with the net price calculator on the financial aid page, explore scholarships, and walk through the steps to apply with a counselor you can reach by name.
Common Questions About The History Pre-Law Major
You’ll study ethics, public policy, political theory, conflict transformation, and U.S. history while strengthening writing, analytical, and communication skills. With your advisor you choose a complementary primary major and recommended courses in philosophy, political studies, writing, and logic. The plan is customized to your interests and law school goals.
Pre-law students intern with local law offices, public defenders, court systems, advocacy groups, and non-profits, and take part in research, student government, public speaking, and the C. Henry Smith Peace Oratorical Contest. These experiences help test your interest in law and build a compelling law school application.
Start your application at the Goshen College apply page, or request information first if you’d like to talk through fit, your primary major, and the path to law school before committing. You can additionally schedule a visit to meet faculty advisors. Admission to Goshen is the first step into the pre-law path.
Ready to get started?
Philipp Gollner
Professor of US History
Elizabeth Miller
Director of the Institute for the Study of Global Anabaptism
Assistant Professor of History
& Convocation Coordinator
