The IU School of Liberal Arts at Indianapolis offers exciting opportunities for undergraduate students who are thinking about law school and a future in the legal profession.
Our Pre-Law and Legal Studies programs are designed to help you build a strong foundation for law school and a dynamic career in law, government, business, healthcare, entertainment, and more. (Disclaimer: Pre-Law Advising and Legal Studies do not prepare students to work as paralegals and are not part of the Paralegal Studies program approved by the American Bar Association.)
Law schools welcome students from every academic discipline, so you’re free to choose a major that truly interests you. Whether it’s Political Science, English, History, Law in Liberal Arts, or another field entirely, your curiosity and passion matter more than following a specific track.
Our courses help you develop core skills that are essential for law school success, including strong writing, confident public speaking, critical thinking, and analysis. We also offer a variety of law-related courses that give you insight into legal concepts and systems—perfect for students who want to explore the field before applying.
Pre-law advising
Whether you are just thinking about law school or have already committed to pursuing a legal career, our pre-law advisor can assist you through all stages of law school preparation. Pre-law advising is available to all IU Indianapolis students.
Join our Pre-Law Student Canvas site to find information on our pre-law events, internships, and activities, helpful resources for law school preparation, and detailed modules covering everything from undergraduate course planning to navigating the law school application process and LSAT preparation.
If you would like to be added to our pre-law student Canvas site or wish to schedule an appointment, send an email to pre-law advisor, Shana Stump.
Legal Studies Minor
Interested in how law shapes everyday experiences across different contexts? The Legal Studies minor offers a broad, liberal arts-based introduction to the U.S. legal system and the law’s role in society.
This multidisciplinary minor helps you understand how laws are created, interpreted, and applied—perfect for students curious about law’s connection to public policy, business, culture, and change. It’s designed to be a solid foundation for those looking to explore legal analysis from multiple angles and build important skills like careful reading, thinking, and persuasive writing.
It’s perfect for students who want to understand the role of law in everyday life, public policy, and social change and a popular way to consider whether law school or further legal study is for you.
Six Year BA/JD Program
If you are a qualified and motivated first-year student planning to attend law school, you can fast-track your education and earn both a Bachelor of Arts and a Doctor of Jurisprudence (JD) in just six years—instead of the usual seven.
How it works:
- Years 1–3: Complete your undergraduate coursework for the Law in Liberal Arts BA through the School of Liberal Arts, Department of Political Science. Take the LSAT and apply to the IU Robert H. McKinney School of Law in your third year.
- Years 4–6: If accepted, begin law school at the IU Robert H. McKinney School of Law. Finish your BA after the first year of law school and your JD in year 6 of the program.
Students must meet GPA and SAT minimums and apply to the BA/JD Program by March 1 during the spring of their freshman year at IU Indianapolis. Contact Professor Stump, J.D., if you have questions about the program or application.
Upon acceptance, students will prepare a course plan in consultation with the BA/JD academic advisor. The BA/JD program does not prepare students to work as paralegals.
Related Interest
Political science and paralegal studies are closely related fields. Exploring their course offerings could help you determine how they align with your specific career goals.
Some pre-law students plan to work as paralegals before or during law school. Visit Paralegal Studiesto learn more about this bachelor's degree and certificate program, which is approved by the American Bar Association and designed to prepare you for a career as a paralegal.
Disclaimers:
- Paralegals must not engage in the unauthorized practice of law and must work under the supervision of a licensed attorney except as otherwise permitted by law.
- Students must take at least nine (9) semester hours of required paralegal specialty courses through synchronous instruction.
- Not all previous courses meet the required departmental guidelines. It is strongly recommended that transfer students meet with a Paralegal Studies Advisor in order to avoid conflicts and missing important courses, which may delay your graduation. Only up to four legal specialty courses will be accepted on transfer. The Director of Paralegal Studies reviews these transfer requests for adherence to our student learning outcomes and paralegal competencies.
More information
Contact pre-law advisor, Shana Stump.
