Pre-Law and Law School Pathways
Prepare to succeed in law school
When you attend Hamline University, you have access to unique opportunities to prepare yourself for law school. Hamline has three different pathways that allow you to choose 1) your timeline, 2) your major, and 3) what law school you'd like to attend. Whatever pathway you choose, you'll graduate exceptionally prepared to succeed in law school and your career. A Hamline degree equips you with the following in-demand skills:
- Critical and analytical thinking
- Effective writing and communication
- Public speaking and advocacy
- Research
- Logical and structured reasoning
- Ethical judgment and professionalism
Pathways to attend Mitchell Hamline School of Law (MHSL)
Accelerated Pathway: 3 + 3 Early Admission Program
Hamline, in partnership with Mitchell Hamline School of Law, offers you the opportunity to complete both your undergraduate and law school degrees in just six years.
4+ 3 Pathway: Direct Admission + Scholarship
Hamline also partners with Mitchell Hamline School of Law to offer qualified Hamline students and alums to be directly admitted to Mitchell Hamline’s J.D. program and receive a generous scholarship.
MHSL Direct Admission |
MHSL 3 + 3 |
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How long does it typically take to complete both degrees? NOTE: Degree completion times may vary depending on the amount of credits you take each term. |
7 years (4 years for bachelor's, 3 years for JD) | 6 years |
| Is there a required major? | None | None |
| Are there required courses? | None | Yes, 3 courses (12 credits) |
| Do I have to complete the Hamline Plan? | Yes | Yes |
| When do I have to apply to MHSL? | Apply to Mitchell Hamline for admission into the full-time, part-time, or Blended Learning J.D. program between October 1 and May 1 in the academic year before you intend to start at MHSL. | Yes, by March of your junior year. |
| I'm a transfer student at Hamline, can I participate? | Yes | Yes, but you must take a minimum of sixteen (16) credits in your major while enrolled at Hamline University. |
| Do I have to take the LSAT? | Yes, you must earn a minimum score on the LSAT at or above the 50th percentile of the most recent class to matriculate at Mitchell Hamline School of Law. | Yes, please review the Mitchell Hamline School of Law Application page. |
| Is there a GPA requirement? | Yes, you must earn a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 in courses taken at Hamline and on all transferred courses. | Please review the Mitchell Hamline School of Law Application page. |
| Is admission guaranteed? | Yes, if you meet the criteria. | No |
| When do I earn my Hamline undergraduate degree? | You will complete your Hamline bachelor's degree as part of a typical pathway. | After you transfer 28 credits from MHSL to Hamline during your first year at MHSL. |
| Do I qualify for Hamline financial aid once I enroll at MHSL? | No, but you can apply for financial aid through MHSL. | No, but you can apply for financial aid through MHSL. |
| Is there a guaranteed scholarship at MHSL if I am admitted through a Hamline program? | Yes, Hamline students and alumni admitted through the DAP are also guaranteed a scholarship from Mitchell Hamline equal to 50% of Mitchell Hamline’s tuition for the then-current academic year. | No, but you can apply for financial aid through MHSL. |
Pathway to attend any law school
Students also have the opportunity to shape their undergraduate education in a way that best prepares them for admission to law schools other than Mitchell Hamline School of Law.
Law schools consider applicants with a variety of majors. Hamline offers an opportunity for students to be uniquely prepared with a legal studies major. The major is part of a department with special expertise that not only offers an undergraduate legal studies degree but also an American Bar Association (ABA) approved graduate paralegal certificate (which undergraduate students can also complete) and a Master in the Study of Law, all of which provide students with a strong foundation for pursuing further study in law.
Help to determine which path is best for you
Working with Leondra Hanson, associate professor and legal studies department chair, you can get your questions answered and plan a pathway that is best for your needs and goals.
Email: lhanson18@hamline.edu
Phone: 651-523-2678
Since I started saying 'I'm studying at Hamline,' jobs and internships have been calling me back. At every law firm I've seen, at least one lawyer graduated from Hamline. It's so motivating to connect with people professionally because you came from the same school.
Additional pre-law resources
- Law School Admission Council
- LSAC Guide to ABA-Approved Law Schools
- ABA Guide for Preparing for Law School
The Law School Admission Test (LSAT) is required to attend most law schools. The following websites provide information on LSAT review courses:
Contact information
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Undergraduate Admission
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