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

In preparation for Law School, pre-law students should consider one or more of the following majors:

Political Science
History
English
Philosophy
Business Management
Economics
Criminal Justice
Communications.

In addition to registering for a major, the student should also register for the Legal Studies minor, designed for students interested in pursuing law school. The interdisciplinary minor includes a set of courses that emphasize the development of solid communication, argumentation, and critical thinking skills, which are essential in legal analysis. Additional courses focus on exposure to law and legal concepts, including content focused on case law.

The chosen set of courses is designed to be consistent with the recommendations from the American Bar Association and the Law School Admission Council.

View Pre-Law course requirements

Why Simpson College for Pre-Law

What Will I learn?

Great preparation for law school can be found in majors like history, political science, economics, philosophy and others. As a pre-law student, you can even double-major in two fields. Courses will vary based on your interests or specialization.

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

What can I do with a pre-law degree?

Simpson alumni have gone on to great things. They thrive in excellent law schools nationwide, from Notre Dame and Drake to Loyola and Georgetown. But you don’t have to become a lawyer. Simpson is a great place to prepare for success in various careers. Take a look at the positions our alumni have held.

Pre-Law Degree Career Options

The Legal Profession

Judge, District Court of Nebraska
Assistant Attorney General, State of Iowa
Clerk, Missouri Supreme Court
Legal Staff, Child Support Recovery Unit
Iowa County Attorneys (Polk, Clarke)
General Counsel, Fareway
Clerk, 8th Circuit Court of Appeals
Public Defender, Polk County
Anti-Trust Attorney, U.S. Justice Department
Counsel/Lobbyist, Nebraska Hospital Assoc.
Environmental Clerk, law firm

Politics & Communications

Scheduler, U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA)
Senior Researcher, Center for Media & Democracy
Scheduler, Office of Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds
Communications Director, Next Gen Climate
Public Affairs Reporter, Des Moines Register
Senior Executive, LS2 Political Consulting
Consultant, Victory Enterprises (R)

Government

Administrator, Florida Dept. of Veterans Affairs
Assistant to the President of the Iowa Senate
Analyst, Iowa Legislative Services Agency
Analyst, Kansas Legislative Research Department
Legislative Affairs, Transportation Security (TSA)
Senior Legislative Analyst, Colorado Legislature
Tax Auditor, NY Department of Tax & Finance
Attorney, Iowa Insurance Division

Corporate & Lobbying

Vice President, Assoc. of General Contractors of Iowa
Executive Director, Iowa Renewable Fuels Assoc.
CEO, Greater Des Moines Partnership
Legislative Assistant, Capital Edge Lobbying
Research Analyst, American Bar Association (ABA)
Senior Applications Analyst, Sony Entertainment
Government Relations, Cerner (London, UK)
Government Relations, Iowa Hospital Association
Director of Government Relations, Cyngenta

International & Military

Officer, U.S. Secret Service
Logistics Officer, U.S. Marine Corps
Senior Associate for Security, Command Consulting Group
Linguistics Officer, U.S. Air Force
Foreign Service Officer, U.S. State Department
Language Trainer, Wissen International
Officer, U.S. Special Operations Command
Pilot, U.S. Navy
Peace Corps

Explore areas related to Pre-Law

You can combine pre-law with various other majors to make yourself marketable in your chosen career path. Plus, many activities outside the classroom can enhance your education. Can you see yourself at Simpson yet?

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

Political Science Clubs and Organizations

Simpson creates leaders! This has been true throughout our history and even more so today. One way we encourage leadership skills is through our clubs and organizations.

Learn More About Political Science Clubs and Organizations

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