Pre-Law

With high-profile internships, opportunities for a semester in D.C., and an accelerated pathway to law school, Simpson is a great place to start your legal career.

Pre-Law

Pre-law students can best prepare for graduate school by completing either a political science major or a legal studies minor. Students interested in pre-law should contact specific graduate schools for general information and admission requirements.

Working with your academic advisor is very important when considering a pre-law program. Faculty from across campus will assist in your planning by identifying required and recommended coursework and sponsoring undergraduate research and internships.

Recent Simpson grads have pursued law degrees at Arizona State University’s Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law, Boston University, Georgetown University Law Center, George Mason University’s Antonin Scalia School of Law, the University of Tennessee, and more.

VIEW COURSE REQUIREMENTS

Why Simpson College for Pre-Law?

3+3 Pathway with Drake Law School

Simpson College and Drake Law School have created a great opportunity for our students. Under the 3+3 pathway, students can complete both a Simpson undergraduate degree and a Drake law degree in six years, resulting in a substantial reduction in expense over the normal seven-year progression.

Interested students should contact Mark Juffernbruch at mark.juffernbruch@simpson.edu

Career Ready

Our graduates are prepared to launch successful careers and make an immediate impact in the workforce. Here are a few examples of where Simpson alumni are building their careers:

Judge, District Court of Nebraska
Assistant Attorney General, State of Iowa
Senior Researcher, Center for Media & Democracy
Public Affairs Reporter, Des Moines Register
Scheduler, Office of Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds
Assistant to the President of the Iowa Senate
Tax Auditor, NY Department of Tax & Finance
Executive Director, Iowa Renewable Fuels Assoc.
CEO, Greater Des Moines Partnership
Foreign Service Officer, U.S. State Department

Pre-Law Experiences & Opportunities

Internships

Our political science majors find great internship opportunities as close as Des Moines and as far away as Washington. D.C. Many of our interns receive job offers, some before they graduate.

Capitol Hill Internship Program (CHIP)

Simpson’s Capitol Hill Internship Program (CHIP) is a life-changing opportunity for political science, pre-law, and international relations students.

You spend a semester in Washington, D.C., and earn a semester of credit in an internship and two seminar classes. Students live in a 3-story brick brownstone just blocks from the Capitol. An on-site director helps with internship placement, and costs are similar to a semester on campus.

Learn More About CHIP

Culver Fellows Program

If you’re interested in political science, the Culver Fellows Program sets Simpson apart. Check it out:

The John C. Culver Fellows program honors former Senator Culver’s career and legacy in public service. Each year, a select group of incoming students passionate about politics and public service will be awarded a renewable annual scholarship of $2,000 — in addition to all other merit- and need-based financial aid awarded by Simpson College.

Learn More About the Culver Fellows Program

Speech and Debate

The Simpson College Speech and Debate team is a nationally ranked, top 10 Pi Kappa Delta Program. It’s a dynamic group of students and coaches who place extremely well in competition, support each other’s efforts, and love what they’re doing. Isn’t that something you’d want to be a part of?

Learn More About Speech and Debate

Pre-Law Society

Pre-Law Society is open to any student who is thinking about law school. The group invites speakers to the campus and takes field trips related to the legal profession. Pre-Law Society is a link to advice on choosing and applying to a law school, information on areas of legal specialization and practice, and current issues in law. Each year, the group co-hosts an alumni dinner, giving current students the opportunity to connect with alumni working in the legal field and law school. The group has previously attended Dwight Opperman Lectures featuring U.S. Supreme Court Justices and arranged field trips to Drake Law School, University of Iowa Law School, and Nebraska law schools.

Mock Trial

Mock Trial at Simpson College has been gaining in popularity, benefitting from the success of its companion team, Speech and Debate. By participating in Mock Trial, you will improve your public speaking skills, learn to think critically and practice the art of effective communication—all important skills to help you succeed on the team and in the workplace.

Learn More About Mock Trial

Model UN

Simpson College students participate in the Midwest Model United Nations (MMUN) every year. Simpson is the only college in Iowa to compete in this event regularly.

Model UN is an exciting role-playing simulation where students work together on important international issues.

Learn More About Model UN