History's emphasis on reading and interpreting evidence, appreciating context, and writing makes it an ideal major for students preparing for law school.
The specific intra- and extra-departmental requirements of the Ohio University history program have been tailored to provide the knowledge base, intellectual rigor, and academic skills necessary to prepare students for law school and a legal career.
History pre-law majors benefit from requirements that ensure chronological and geographical breadth and depth of knowledge while allowing for the opportunity to focus on courses especially useful for law school preparation.
Careers with a History Degree
Alumna Leah Wolfe's Advice for Students Interested in Law School
Admission Requirements
This program has no requirements beyond University admission and transfer requirements.
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Tuition & Fees
U.S. News & World Report ranked Ohio University the #1 Best Value Public University in Ohio and 26th in the nation. We're continuously striving to make college more affordable and accessible, while maintaining the high quality and value of an OHIO education.
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Financial Aid & Scholarships
Our Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships provides services to students and parents both in-person and remotely. You can visit our office on the ground floor of Chubb Hall or reach us at financial.aid@ohio.edu or 740.593.4141 .
History Pre-Law B.A. Courses & Curriculum
View Courses & Degree Requirements in the Official Academic Catalog
Students must complete a total of 33 semester credit hours of HIST coursework.
You can choose a course in each of these introductory categories:
- European History
- World History
- United States History
Then choose an upper-level course in two of these chronological categories:
- Pre-Modern History
- Early Modern History
- Modern History
Also choose an upper-level course in two of these geographical categories:
- World History
- European History
- North American History
Pre-Law History Major Course Requirements
Intradepartmental:Take two HIST courses in this category; courses may also satisfy the Chronological and Geographical requirements for your major.
Extradepartmental:Complete two courses in this category. Most of them will also fulfill your Arts and Sciences breadth requirements.
Historical Research and Writing
Complete HIST 3111J - Historical Research and Writing during your junior year.
How to Prepare for Law School
If you plan to enter law school after earning an undergraduate degree, it is prudent to choose a major that reflects your true academic interest. Law schools draw students from a variety of majors, and history has proven to be one of the most successful in launching students toward successful careers in law. This is because our courses provide an understanding of the context within which the western legal tradition emerged. They explain the impact that laws and courts have had on shaping society and, conversely, how societal change has reshaped legal practice. The habits of a historian teach students to read and contextualize evidence, to consider multiple perspectives, and to frame and express arguments, skills that numerous lawyers and administrators of law schools suggest are the closest approximation of legal practice that can be simulated in an undergraduate curriculum.
In addition to our diverse array of history courses, you are advised to use your general electives to take other courses helpful in enhancing your analytical abilities. Those may include courses from English composition and literature, American literature, political science, economics, sociology, philosophy (including ethics and logic), accounting, psychology, and a foreign language. Courses in public speaking as well as activities that develop the capacity for independent thought and action, are recommended.
Ohio University offers an award-winning pre-law advisor, a fully engaged alumni network, mock law classes, Law School Day, a Mock Trial team, and much more.
Study Law in Northern Ireland or South Africa
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Related Programs
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History Major B.A.The Bachelor of Arts in History prepares you for successful careers in business, government service, publishing, teaching, consulting, medicine, law, museum work, and more.
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History MinorA history minor is an excellent choice for students looking to supplement their primary fields of study with historical context or who just have a passion for history.
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Honors Tutorial College History B.A.The Honors Tutorial College offers a B.A. in History that provide unique opportunities for exceptional students. At the heart of the program is the tutorial, in which the student studies selected material under the guidance of a faculty member acting as tutor.