Learn the history and heart behind our laws – then learn the laws themselves.
Little-known fact: 100 percent of our pre-law graduates who went on to law school were accepted into one of their top three law school choices. So, if you’re drawn to the world of the U.S. legal system, obtaining a degree from our pre-law program could be the first and most important step toward pursuing your legal career.
As a pre-law student at University of the Cumberlands, you’ll gain experience from a diverse range of courses that will cover the writing, researching, and reasoning skills you need to succeed in a variety of legal professions. While engaging with, analyzing, and interpreting legal texts, you’ll grow in areas like research, argumentative writing, and public speaking – all activities that will prepare you for a successful career in law. You’ll also develop answers to some of life’s biggest questions, like what it means to be a good citizen and live a moral life. Dig deeper into history, civilization, the justice system, and your own life philosophy through the pre-law degree program at Cumberlands.
By the numbers
$127,990
10%
100%
22
Programs & Requirements
* The credit hours listed on this page only reference the specific program requirements and is not reflective of the total hours necessary to receive your degree. Cumberlands requires all students obtain a minimum of 60 hours for an associate’s degree and a total of 120 hours for a bachelor’s degree. Transfer and prior learning credits may be counted toward those totals.
To learn more about our General Education Requirements, please visit the page referenced below or explore our Academic Catalog.
Officially, this program is a "Bachelor of Science with a Minor in History and Political Science – Pre-Law Emphasis." Many students are surprised to learn that pre-law is not one specific major, it’s an emphasis on the preparation needed to pursue legal education. In other words, there are no preferred majors for admission to law school – but you do need education in a related field in order to be prepared. This is where our pre-law program shines. Through the study of American government, political theory, public policy, an introduction to the requirements of legal education, and more, you’ll be prepared to take the next step on your journey to becoming a lawyer.
Note: The campus pre-law advisor, as recognized by the Law School Admissions Council (LSAC), the body which produces the LSAT and handles all applications to law school, is Nathan Coleman, Ph.D., a professor in Cumberland's’ Department of History and Political Science.
Course Requirements
- HIST 137 - World Civilization to 1648
- HIST 138 - World Civilization since 1648
- HIST 131 - United States History to 1877
- HIST 132 - United States History since 1877
- POLS 131 - Introduction to Political Science
- POLS 233 - American National Government
- POLS 235 - Introduction to International Relations
- HIST 224 - Research Mechanics
- HIST 225 - Research Composition
- HIST 490 - Senior Research Capstone OR POLS 490 - Senior Research Composition
Elective Courses
- 12 Elective Credits selected from the History or Political Science Section
For Pre-Law Students, the Department recommends selecting from the following courses: intermediate and advanced History courses focusing on constitutional topics:
For Pre-Law Students, the Department recommends selecting from the following Political Science Courses.
A Bachelor of Arts degree requires completing the same courses as a Bachelor of Science with the addition of completing one foreign language sequence through the intermediate level.
- FREN 131 Elementary French I
- FREN 132 Elementary French II
- FREN 231 Intermediate French I
- FREN 232 Intermediate French II
- SPAN 131 Elementary Spanish I
- SPAN 132 Elementary Spanish II
- SPAN 231 Intermediate Spanish I
- SPAN 232 Intermediate Spanish II
3+3 Program with NKU Chase Law
3+3 Accelerated Law Program with NKU Chase Law
Students at University of the Cumberlands have an early enrollment opportunity into law school through a partnership with Northern Kentucky University’s (NKU) Salmon P. Chase College of Law.
The Chase 3+3 Accelerated Law Program combines a final year of undergraduate study with a first year of law school.
Students in the program may complete an undergraduate degree and a law degree in six years – three years of undergraduate work plus three years of law school, hence the program’s name – instead of the traditional seven years. Besides enabling students to become lawyers one year sooner, the program also eliminates a whole year of tuition costs.
Cumberlands students who wish to apply to the Chase 3+3 Accelerated Law Program must be in good academic standing and have completed enough credit hours to meet senior status. Students who are accepted into the program will receive their bachelor’s degree from University of the Cumberlands after successfully completing their first year at Chase.
Take the Next Step
Mission and Goals
The purpose of the pre-law program at University of the Cumberlands is to adequately prepare you to pursue a career in legal fields.
Pre-Law Careers & Outcomes
All stats from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Lawyer: $127,990
Lawyer: $127,990
Lawyers advise and represent clients on legal proceedings or transactions.
Paralegal: $56,230
Paralegal: $56,230
Paralegals and legal assistants perform a variety of tasks to support lawyers.
Political Scientist: $122,510
Political Scientist: $122,510
Political scientists study the origin, development, and operation of political systems.
Professor: $79,640
Professor: $79,640
Postsecondary teachers instruct students in a variety of academic subjects beyond the high school level.
Historian: $63,940
Historian: $63,940
Historians research, analyze, interpret, and write about the past by studying historical documents and sources.
Detective: $66,020
Detective: $66,020
Police officers protect lives and property. Detectives and criminal investigators gather facts and collect evidence of possible crimes.
Common Questions
A pre-law program is designed to equip students with the foundational skills and knowledge necessary for pursuing a legal career. It includes coursework in history, political science, English, and other subjects that develop critical thinking, writing, and analytical reasoning skills essential for success in law school.
A pre-law program typically takes about four years to complete, usually requiring around 47 credit hours in addition to meeting general education curriculum. This duration may vary based on course load and program specifics.
While many pre-law programs are traditionally offered on-campus, some institutions may provide online or hybrid options. It's advisable to check with specific colleges for their online offerings.
A pre-law program can be worthwhile for those interested in pursuing a legal career, as it prepares students for law school and provides essential skills that are applicable in various legal professions.
Graduates of a pre-law program can pursue careers as lawyers, paralegals, political scientists, professors, historians, and detectives, among other roles within the legal and political fields.
To enroll in a pre-law program, you typically need to apply to a college or university offering such a program, complete the required application process, and meet any admission criteria set by the institution.
While there is no specific major required for pre-law, fields such as political science, history, English, philosophy, and economics are commonly recommended, as they provide skills in writing, analysis, and critical thinking.
Yes, pre-law programs can be worth it for students who aspire to attend law school and enter the legal profession, as they offer valuable preparation for advanced legal studies.
No, pre-law is not the same as law school. Pre-law programs prepare students for law school, while law school is a separate, advanced program that leads to a law degree (Juris Doctor).
The difficulty of a pre-law program can vary based on the individual student's strengths and interests. It typically requires strong analytical, writing, and critical thinking skills, which can be challenging but also rewarding for those passionate about law.
Yes, many colleges and universities allow students to transfer into their pre-law programs. You will need to check with the specific institution for their transfer policies, application process, and any credit evaluation procedures.
Faculty Experts in Pre-Law
Learn more about your future pre-law professors.

Catherine Ball, JD

Dr. Michael Spurlock

Dr. Chuck Smith
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