If a law-related career may be in your future, Augustana’s liberal arts curriculum is the best preparation for the Law School Admission Test and law school. Studying at a liberal arts college will develop your ability to think critically, to read and comprehend complex materials, to communicate effectively, and to research and defend a position or argument.

Pre-law at Augustana is not a major; it is a program affiliated with the political science department, which offers several law-related courses and is one of the most globally focused departments at the college. It provides extensive coursework in international and comparative politics, and serves as a key resource for several of the our international study programs, especially Asian studies and Latin American studies.

In addition to political science, the pre-law program is closely associated with communication studies, business administration, sociology and economics. You are free to choose the academic major and electives that align with your career goals. If you would like to declare an interest in pre-law, fill out this form to contact an advisor.

Distinctions

Citizenship and leadership opportunities. Beyond the rigorous academic program and liberal arts background, Augustana’s community and learning environment are ideal for pre-law students for important social reasons. Students here are encouraged to develop their citizenship and leadership qualities. In the competitive law school admission process, these characteristics combined with strong mentoring and high scholastic ability make our graduates stand out.

Outside the classroom. Students interested in law school often participate in the Pre-law Club. Activities include LSAT practice, guest speakers and law school visits. Other activities sponsored by the political science department that may interest pre-law students include Model United Nations, Model Illinois Government and the Politics Club.

Internships. Pre-law students often use their $2,000 Augie Choice funds to support law-related internships, including experience with legal services agencies.

Alumni support. Our engaged alumni fund scholarships, offer advice, and recommend internships and positions at the firms and companies where they work. They share a deep appreciation for their preparation in the classroom and faculty mentors. In return, they welcome opportunities to pay it forward with current students.

Recent graduates

Recent Augustana graduates have attended the law schools at the universities of Illinois and Minnesota, DePaul, Drake, Elon, Marquette, John Marshall, Loyola, Michigan State, Northwestern, Notre Dame, Texas Southern, Valparaiso, Wake Forest and Washington, among others.

Joe Marcucci '23 is pursuing a law degree at the University of North Carolina School of Law.

Allison Bandera '21 is pursuing a law degree at Marquette University Law School in Milwaukee, Wis.

Monica Thompson '21 is a J.D. candidate at Saint Louis University School of Law in St. Louis, Mo.

Maggie Jokinen '20 earned a J.D. from Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law in May 2023 and is an incoming associate at Sidley Austin LLP in Chicago. 

Luke Sawicki '21 is a J.D. candidate at DePaul University College of Law in Chicago.

Nicholas Zammuto '19 is an associate attorney at the Chicago-based law firm Heyl Royster Voelker & Allen, P.C., specializing in commercial litigation, bankruptcy and professional liability.

Jake Schoeck '19 earned a J.D. from William & Mary Law School in Williamsburg, Va., and is an associate attorney at BrownWinick in Des Moines, Iowa.

Tim Maroder ’15 is corporate counsel for Caterpillar Inc., in Chicago.

Samantha Tonn ’15 is an attorney with McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLC, in Chicago.

Cameron Onumah ’14 is head of public policy, Southern California and Amazon Studios, in the Los Angeles metropolitan area.

Kierra Smith ’14 is head of finance and accounting at Longtail Re in Hamilton, Bermuda.