History

students outside of Sherman Hall

History Pre-Law Option

Why Study Pre-Law?

The Bachelor of Arts in History Pre-Law option will help you explore a calling to the legal profession and prepare you for the intellectual rigors and moral complexities in the study and practice of law.

The Pre-Law option provides students with access to a variety of classes, resources, activities, and events that focus on preparation for a legal education, mastering the law school admissions process, and understanding various career paths in the legal profession.

Western’s 3+3 accelerated degree plan offers students majoring in history the opportunity to begin law school at the University of Illinois Chicago School of Law after three full-time years in college.

Curriculum

As the only History pre-law degree offered by a public college or university in Illinois, Western’s pre-law major prepares students for success in law school. The pre-law option offers courses in constitutional law, comparative law, the nature of justice, law enforcement, and the relationship between law and social institutions. In a WIU history class, you will:

  • Evaluate historians’ accounts and primary sources for how they interpret past events
  • Identify patterns in history and develop historical analogies
  • Articulate why a past event should matter to us now

View the catalog for details and course descriptions.

student in a class

Opportunities

WIU's opportunities outside of the classroom include:

  • An annual Pre-Law Symposium in which students may discuss law school admissions and legal careers with judges, practicing attorneys, and law school admissions counselors
  • Western participates in the Model Illinois Government Simulation held every year in Springfield, which includes a moot court competition, as well as legislative roles for students
  • The Model United Nations club simulates the UN General Assembly and its other multilateral bodies where students perform an ambassador role while debating global topics
  • History student clubs host regular meetings to discuss politics and history in the news, arrange field trips, and other social events

Resources

The Law School Admissions Council (LSAC ) is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to advance law and justice by promoting access, equity, and fairness in law school admission and supporting the learning journey from prelaw through practice.

An integral part of law school admission, the LSAT is also the only test that helps prospective law students determine if law school is right for them.

History

Dr. Timothy Roberts, Chair
Office: Morgan Hall 438
Phone: (309) 298-1053
Email: TM-Roberts@wiu.edu
Website: wiu.edu/history

Academic Advisor

Ellen Poulter
Office: Morgan Hall 436
Phone: (309) 298-1129
Email: E-Poulter@wiu.edu
Schedule an Appointment