Studying history at GC taught me the critical thinking and reasoning skills needed to get a perfect score on the LSAT, and I am looking forward to applying those skills next year at Notre Dame Law School. Most importantly, though, Goshen taught me to be a better, more well-rounded person inside and outside of the classroom.
Bachelor of Arts
History Pre-Law
Major | Minor
Built for law school, grounded in humanity
Sharpen the reading, writing, and argument skills law school runs on, alongside a values-driven education.
As a History Pre-Law major, you’ll build a guided plan of study with a faculty advisor, pairing your history coursework with recommended courses such as philosophy, political studies, writing and logic. You’ll also study ethics, public policy, political theory and conflict transformation, while strengthening your writing, analytical and communication skills.
With pre-law you’ll build a guided plan of study with a faculty advisor. You will choose a primary major that complements your interest in law, and layer it in recommended courses such as philosophy, political studies, writing and logic. You’ll also study ethics, public policy, political theory and conflict transformation, while strengthening your writing, analytical and communication skills.
Where Goshen College pre-law graduates go
Goshen pre-law alumni have gone on to law degrees at:
- Harvard Law School
- University of Notre Dame,
- University of Michigan,
- Indiana University,
- Valparaiso University,
- American University.
They now work as attorneys, judges, public defenders, human rights advocates, policy analysts and immigration lawyers. With a Goshen College education grounded in ethics, peace, and justice, you’ll be prepared for a career that reflects your values.
What you’ll study, and how the track works
As a History Pre-Law major, you’ll take core history courses alongside coursework in philosophy, political studies, writing and logic, exploring topics such as ethics, public policy, political theory and conflict transformation. Along the way you’ll sharpen the reading, writing and argument skills that law school demands.
Beyond the classroom, pre-law students pursue internships with local law offices, public defenders, court systems, advocacy groups and non-profit organizations, and take part in research, student government and public speaking. These real-world experiences help you test your interest in law, and build a compelling law school application. View the complete program requirements in our catalog.
Daniel James '24
Notre Dame Law School Student
Prefer a different pathway? Add the pre-law studies minor
The minor in Pre-Law Studies is an 18 credit hour program that prepares you for the LSAT exam and law school studies. The minor can be combined with any major and is the pathway for students who want pre-law preparation while majoring in a different subject.
The minor is built to give you flexibility in the courses you take while developing skills in logic, text analysis, and communication, all things you’ll need for the LSAT, your future studies, and your career.
Paying for Goshen
Goshen offers a range of scholarships for incoming and continuing students, including academic achievement awards that can be applied to any area of study. To see your own price after aid, run the net price calculator or explore your options at the financial aid and scholarships pages.
Common questions about the history pre-law major
Pre-law students intern with local law offices, public defenders, court systems, advocacy groups and non-profits. They also take part in research, student government, public speaking and the C. Henry Smith Peace Oratorical Contest. These experiences help test your interest in law and build a compelling law school application.
Students can also participate in opportunities like the 2026 UN Student Seminar, which take place in New York City. The seminar gathers students from Anabaptist colleges and universities across the US and Canada to tour the UN Headquarters and meet with diplomats, peace advocates, and NGO leaders.
Yes. History Pre-Law pairs well with a second major such as Political Studies, Peace and Justice, Business or English. Your faculty advisor will help you build a plan that fits both majors while keeping your LSAT and law school preparation on track.
You prepare for the LSAT through faculty advising, reading and writing intensive coursework and law-related internships with local law offices, public defenders, court systems, advocacy groups and non-profits. Students also join research, student government and participate in public speaking to test their interest and build an application.
No. The 18 credit hour Minor in Pre-Law Studies combines with any major except History Pre-Law. Because the History Pre-Law major already includes LSAT and law-school preparation, the minor is the pathway for students who want pre-law preparation while majoring in a different subject.
The 2026 UN Student Seminar which takes place in New York City from November 4-6, gathers students from Anabaptist colleges and universities across the US and Canada. Accepted students will tour the UN Headquarters, speak with diplomats, peace advocates, and NGO leaders. Learn more or apply at the link below. Once accepted, GC students can apply for GC scholarships covering lodging and round trip transportation. The deadline for applying to the conference is September 18.
Ready to get started?
Philipp Gollner
Professor of US History
Elizabeth Miller
Director of the Institute for the Study of Global Anabaptism
Assistant Professor of History
& Convocation CoordinatorJulia Schiavone Camacho
Professor of History
