Anaya Nolan
Howard University, a historically black university in Washington, D.C., offers a Bachelor of Arts to Juris Doctor program (BA/JD) for incoming students majoring in legal communications, political science, philosophy, English, criminology, sociology, or economics. The program allows students to complete both degrees in six years, rather than the traditional seven. Howard University's School of Law has a rich history of producing leaders in law and public service, with notable alumni including Thurgood Marshall, the first African-American Supreme Court Justice, and Pauli Murray, who published a critique of state segregation laws. The school offers a diverse and inclusive environment, with students from a variety of backgrounds and a curriculum that emphasizes legal writing and human and civil rights.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name of the pre-law program | Howard University School of Law (Howard Law or HUSL) |
| University | Howard University, a private, federally chartered historically black research university in Washington, D.C. |
| History | One of the oldest law schools in the country and the oldest historically black law school in the United States. |
| Accreditation | Accredited by the American Bar Association and the Association of American Law Schools in 1931. |
| Number of degrees conferred | About 185 Juris Doctor and Master of Law degrees annually |
| Student body | Approximately 500 students from diverse backgrounds and nationalities |
| Curriculum | Emphasis on legal writing with four semesters of required training. A rich selection of courses in human and civil rights, environmental law, business and securities law, tax, criminal law and procedure, international law, civil litigation, property, intellectual property, entertainment law, family law, and trusts and estates. |
| Supplemental curriculum | Annual lectures and symposia: the C. Clyde Ferguson Lecture, the Charles Hamilton Houston Lecture, the James Nabrit Lecture, and the Wiley Branton Symposium. |
| Cost of attendance | $68,620 as of 2023-2024, lower than some schools in the D.C. area but higher than others. |
| Employment rate | 78% of the Class of 2022 obtained full-time, long-term, bar passage-required employment within nine months of graduation, similar to the national average for ABA-approved law schools. |
| Notable alumni | Thurgood Marshall, the first African-American Supreme Court Justice; Pauli Murray, author of States' Laws on Race and Color; Mahala Ashley Dickerson, the first African-American president of the National Association of Women Lawyers. |
| Pre-requisites | Admission decisions are based on a holistic review of all aspects of each application, including the personal statement, undergraduate major, cumulative GPA, resume, LSAT, and letters of recommendation. |
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What You'll Learn
Howard University's Bachelor of Arts to Juris Doctor program
Howard University's Bachelor of Arts to Juris Doctor (BA-JD) program is a six-year program that allows students to complete their undergraduate and law school education in a condensed timeframe. The program is designed for incoming freshmen who are interested in pursuing a career in law and offers a cost-effective way to obtain both degrees.
The BA-JD program is open to students majoring in various disciplines, including legal communications, political science, philosophy, English, criminology, sociology, or economics. Admitted students will complete 90 undergraduate credits in their first three years and then begin their law school studies in the fourth year. During their time in the program, students will have the opportunity to develop critical legal skills, such as legal writing and analysis, and build mentorship relationships within the legal profession.
To be considered for the BA-JD program, applicants must submit a 500-word essay expressing their interest in the program, along with strong SAT or ACT scores, a high GPA, a compelling personal statement, and a well-rounded record of extracurricular activities. This rigorous selection process ensures that only the most qualified and dedicated students are accepted into the program.
The Howard University School of Law has a rich history and is known for its commitment to social justice and civil rights. It was the first law school in the nation to have a non-discriminatory admissions policy, admitting students regardless of race or gender. The school continues to foster a diverse and inclusive community, dedicated to advancing racial equity and producing leaders in law and public service.
The BA-JD program at Howard University offers a unique opportunity for aspiring law professionals to accelerate their academic journey and gain a strong foundation in legal studies. By completing both their undergraduate and law degrees in six years, students can save time and resources while benefiting from the university's renowned faculty, resources, and mentorship opportunities.
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Howard University School of Law's history
Howard University School of Law, also known as Howard Law or HUSL, is the law school of Howard University, a private, federally chartered historically black research university in Washington, D.C. It is one of the oldest law schools in the country and the oldest historically black law school in the United States. The school was founded in 1869 during a time of dramatic change in the United States, with the aim of training lawyers who would help Black Americans secure and protect their newly established rights.
The school has a rich history and tradition of producing leaders in law and public service, with notable alumni including Thurgood Marshall, a 1933 graduate who became the first African-American Supreme Court Justice, and Pauli Murray, who published a critique of state segregation laws in 1950. Howard Law was also the first school in the nation to have a non-discriminatory admissions policy, admitting White, Black, male, and female students from its founding. However, only eight women graduated from the law school during its first 30 years, and early female graduates like Eliza A. Chambers faced discrimination from the faculty.
Howard Law offers a range of degree programs, including Juris Doctor and Master of Law degrees, and confers about 185 of these degrees annually to students from the United States and countries in South America, the Caribbean, Africa, and Asia. The school was accredited by the American Bar Association and the Association of American Law Schools in 1931 and has maintained its commitment to social justice and racial equity throughout its history. The school publishes a variety of journals and newspapers, including the Howard Law Journal, the Howard Human & Civil Rights Law Review, and The Jurist.
The campus is located on its own 22-acre campus in the Northwest quadrant of Washington, D.C., approximately five miles from the main campus. The main building, Houston Hall, is named after Charles Hamilton Houston, a former dean of the law school, and the library was named after Vernon Jordan. The school has a diverse student body, with two-thirds of the students being women, and a significant majority identifying as Black or African-American. Howard Law is dedicated to producing "social engineers" who are committed to advancing justice and equity through public service.
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Howard University School of Law's ranking
Howard University, a private federally chartered historically black research university in Washington, D.C., has a law school that is one of the oldest in the country and the oldest historically black law school in the United States. The Howard University School of Law has produced many leaders in law and public service, including Thurgood Marshall, the first African-American Supreme Court Justice. The school has significant ties to the civil rights movement and has a rich history of championing racial equity and justice.
The Howard University School of Law confers about 185 Juris Doctor and Master of Law degrees annually to students from the United States and countries in South America, the Caribbean, Africa, and Asia. The school was accredited by the American Bar Association and the Association of American Law Schools in 1931. The total cost of attendance at Howard Law is $68,620, which is lower than some schools in the D.C. area but higher than others. The student-faculty ratio is 8:1, and the student body is two-thirds women, with just over three-fourths of J.D. students identifying as Black or African-American.
In terms of rankings, Howard University School of Law has seen some fluctuations in recent years. U.S. News & World Report ranked Howard Law 98th out of 192 schools in its 2023 rankings. However, its ranking fell to 125th in the 2024 rankings due to a change in methodology. Additionally, Howard Law's bar passage rate is in the bottom quarter of all law schools, and its employment score is in the bottom half, contributing to its lower overall ranking.
Despite the lower ranking, Howard Law has produced many successful graduates who have gone on to prominent careers in law and public service. The school offers a unique opportunity for students committed to social justice and racial equity, providing an alternative path to enter prestigious law firms and government positions.
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Howard University School of Law's curriculum
Howard University School of Law (Howard Law or HUSL) is the law school of Howard University, a private, federally chartered historically black research university in Washington, D.C. It is one of the oldest law schools in the country and the oldest historically black law school in the United States. Howard Law has a rich history and tradition of producing leaders in law and public service, with a strong commitment to advancing racial equity and justice. The school offers a diverse and inclusive environment that encourages academic excellence, community involvement, and social progress.
The curriculum at Howard Law is designed to provide a comprehensive legal education with a strong foundation in legal writing and a focus on human and civil rights. The program typically spans three academic years, each consisting of two semesters. Students are required to complete four semesters of legal writing training, ensuring they develop strong analytical and communication skills. In addition to doctrinal courses, Howard Law offers a range of skills-based courses each semester, including trial advocacy, pretrial litigation, alternative dispute resolution, legal drafting, interviewing, and client counselling.
The school provides a rich selection of courses, allowing students to tailor their legal education to their interests and career goals. Course offerings include environmental law, business and securities law, tax law, criminal law and procedure, international law, civil litigation, property law, intellectual property law, entertainment law, family law, and trusts and estates. Students have the flexibility to take courses during the summer or study abroad to accelerate their degree completion.
Howard Law also emphasizes practical experiences and offers a variety of clinical programs, externships, and moot court opportunities. In their third year, students can gain diversified experiences by participating in clinics or externships with nonprofit organizations, governmental agencies, and public interest settings. The school also provides specialized externships in tax and environmental law and at the Securities and Exchange Commission. Additionally, students can earn course credit by contributing to the Howard Law Journal, a student-managed publication with a longstanding history at the school.
Howard Law is committed to making legal education accessible and affordable. The total cost of attendance, including tuition and living expenses, is lower than many other schools in the D.C. area. The school also offers scholarships and financial aid to support students in their academic pursuits. Howard Law's employment outcomes are positive, with a similar bar passage-required employment rate to the national average for ABA-approved law schools.
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Howard University's Department of Political Science's pre-law courses
Howard University's Department of Political Science offers pre-law courses as part of its curriculum. The department offers a range of courses that provide a solid foundation for students interested in pursuing law as a career.
The pre-law courses at Howard University cover various areas of law and legal studies, equipping students with the necessary knowledge and skills for their future legal endeavours. The curriculum is designed to give students a comprehensive understanding of the legal field, including its theoretical and practical aspects.
One of the key features of Howard University's pre-law program is its focus on a diverse range of legal topics. The courses offered include Black Politics, American Politics, International Relations, Comparative Politics, Public Policy, Public Administration, Political Theory, and Political Science Methods. This diverse curriculum ensures that students gain a well-rounded education and a broad perspective on the legal field.
In addition to the academic curriculum, Howard University's pre-law program also emphasizes practical skills development. The Political Science Independent Study Classes (POLS IS) are designed for POLS majors and require students to develop their own topics and complete a substantial research paper or project within a single semester. This hands-on approach allows students to apply their knowledge and develop critical thinking, analysis, and research skills valued in legal professions.
Howard University also offers a Bachelor of Arts to Juris Doctor program (BA/JD), which provides a streamlined path for students aspiring to become lawyers. This program allows students to complete both their undergraduate degree and Juris Doctor at Howard Law School in six years instead of the traditional seven. Students in this program can major in various disciplines, including political science, philosophy, English, and criminology, providing a strong foundation for their legal studies.
The Department of Political Science at Howard University is dedicated to providing a robust academic foundation and practical skills training to prepare students for success in law school and their future legal careers. With a combination of diverse coursework, hands-on learning opportunities, and accelerated degree programs, Howard University's pre-law courses offer a comprehensive and well-rounded educational experience for aspiring legal professionals.
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Frequently asked questions
Howard University offers a Bachelor of Arts to Juris Doctor program (BA/JD) for incoming students majoring in legal communications, political science, philosophy, English, criminology, sociology, or economics. The program allows students to complete both degrees in six years, instead of the usual seven.
The total cost of attendance at Howard Law is $68,620, which is lower than some schools in the D.C. area. For example, George Washington University Law School's total cost of attendance was $100,000 for the 2023-2024 academic year.
Howard Law places a strong emphasis on legal writing, with four semesters of required training. The curriculum also includes a range of courses in human and civil rights, environmental law, business and securities law, criminal law, international law, and more.
