Pre-Law Advising Track
Pre-law can prepare you for a range of law-related careers and can be an important background and stepping stone for careers in government, business, higher education, health care, communications, and many other fields. Legal Practice is intellectually challenging and requires the use of ethics, reason and judgment.
Common Career Paths
Some of the top jobs for those with a Law educational background include lawyer, judge, adjudicator, hearing officer, law teacher, and so much more.
Common Salary Ranges for Graduates
As mentioned above, there’s a long list of career opportunities for those with a Pre-Law educational background. But, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the average annual salary for the following positions (which may require additional education) in North Carolina in 2021:
- Lawyer: $131,960
- Administrative law judge: $116,930
- Law teacher (postsecondary): $152,660
Average Tuition Cost
The average cost for an incoming residential freshman to attend MU is less than $18,000 – similar to the cost of attending one of the big-box public schools, but with the enhanced value of a highly-regarded private school with a 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio.
While tuition varies, depending on a student’s financial aid package, it’s important to know that the average financial award for an incoming residential freshman at MU is more than $34,000.
Financial Aid & Scholarships
More than 97% of MU students receive some form of financial aid, with the University offering more than $24 million annually to students for scholarships. If a student is active military, family of active military, or a veteran, they may also qualify for MU’s military education benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Choose a major that interests you. This is your opportunity to study what you really like. Law schools will look at how you performed in your discipline. A solid GPA will be expected—especially in your major. Taking courses outside your major also demonstrates an intellectual curiosity that is important for law school.
- Create opportunities for yourself to provide service to others, participate in research, join the pre-law club, and volunteer to work at law firms. Take initiative and show leadership.
- Contact Wendy Vonnegut, MU’s Pre-Law advisor, as soon as possible! She can help you get started in your preparation. Reach her at 910.630.7491 or [email protected].
A sound foundation for a legal education includes important skills, values, and knowledge. The American Bar Association indicates the importance of these skills including:
- Analytic/problem solving skills
- Critical reading
- Writing skills
- Oral communication/listening abilities
- Research skills
- Task organization/management skills
- Interest in public service and promotion of justice
Interested in law school?
Take advantage of Methodist University's 3+3 program, which allows undergraduate students to pursue both a bachelor's degree and Juris Doctor in six years – saving you time and tuition.