Undergraduate Online Pre-Law Program
Have you always wondered what it takes to be a lawyer? Or maybe you’re fascinated by how the legal system works? Perhaps you just want to get a sense of what it’s like to attend law school? Whatever the reason, the Wake Forest Law Undergraduate Online Pre-Law Program is a great way to gain a realistic understanding of the law, the legal profession, and life as a law student. The online, asynchronous format allows you to participate from anywhere, and complete courses on your own time.
Curriculum
The program consists of two online, asynchronous courses taught through the Law School and the Wake Forest Department of Communication and that qualifies for undergraduate course credit. Students may enroll in either course independently. However, the classes are designed to be taught simultaneously so students will receive maximum benefit. The program also includes synchronous components, such as certain activities and voluntary opportunities.
Developed in consultation with Wake Forest College’s nationally ranked Communication Department, the Advocacy, Debate, and the Law course focuses on applied communication theory, with a special emphasis on the demands of legal communication. Participate and receive critique in interactive exercises such as political speeches, debate, trial practice, and moot court arguments, all in a carefully constructed asynchronous format.
Experience what law school is like and learn what lawyers actually do, whether trying a case or drafting legal documents. The course simulates the first year of law school, emphasizing case and statutory analysis. It focuses on learning legal analysis and how various theories of rhetoric advance legal arguments. This course does provide some synchronous opportunities to meet lawyers, but all graded content is asynchronous.
*You may enroll in either course independently, but the classes are taught in a coordinated fashion so you will receive maximum benefit from enrolling in both courses simultaneously.
Faculty
Courses are taught by Wake Forest Law Professors Wilson Parker and Chris Coughlin, Department of Communication Professors Jarrod Atchison and John Llewellyn, and the Wake Forest University Pre-Law Advisor, Bryan Ellrod.
Get Started
- The program takes place during Summer Session 1: May 27-July 1
- Wake Forest students can register via Workday
- Non-WFU students can register here
- If you have questions, contact Bryan Ellrod, Wake Forest University Pre-Law Advisor, at ellrodb@wfu.edu
The Pre-Law Program at Wake Forest University opened my eyes to the many benefits of pursuing a legal career. It encouraged me to step beyond my comfort zone and explore a career path that I had never previously considered in the best way possible. With thoughtful and encouraging professors, real-world court experiences, and engaging assignments, I gained confidence in my understanding of what law school actually looks like and how I can become a better critical thinker and public speaker even outside of a legal setting. Thanks to the Pre-Law Program, I am now on my way to law school and can confidently say that the program’s inspiration is what brought me on this path.
Emily Lawrence
Frequently Asked Questions
- Problem Solving
- Critical Reading
- Writing and Editing
- Oral Communication and Listening
- Critical Thinking
- Organization and Management
- Public Service and Promotion of Justice
- Relationship-building and Collaboration
- Exposure to the Law, the Legal System, and Legal Education
In addition to the foundational courses taught by excellent faculty members, you will:
- Have the opportunity to speak to the Wake Forest Law Assistant Dean of Admissions to learn about the law school application process
- Receive guidance on application materials from the Wake Forest Director of Pre-Law
- Be able to ask questions to a panel of current law students
- Hear from practicing attorneys and judges
- Receive individualized feedback on your projects
- Attend virtual office hours with your professor to ask questions
The Undergraduate Online Pre-Law Program is open to all Wake Forest University students as well as students in good standing at another accredited undergraduate institution.
No. The Undergraduate Online Pre-Law Program is open to students in all undergraduate years.
No! The Undergraduate Online Pre-Law Program is designed to be an introduction to law. There are no prerequisites and we welcome students with a variety of majors and interests.
Yes. The Undergraduate Online Pre-Law Program is entirely online and asynchronous, which means you can take the classes from anywhere, at any time during the summer semester.
- $950 per credit hour
- $600 program fee per course
- Total per course – $3,450
- Total for program – $6,900
The deadline to register for the 2025 Undergraduate Pre-Law Program is May 29, 2026.