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UNIVERSITY OF JUSTICE | Pre-Law Degree Program
I. OVERVIEW
The University of Justice (USJ) invites prospective candidates to apply for our prestigious Bachelor of Science in Pre-Law. Our program is designed for high-potential individuals seeking an rigorous, hybrid educational Experience. At USJ, we prioritize intimate learning environments, capping lecture classes at 15 students to ensure elite mentorship and peer collaboration.
II. ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS & PROCESS
Candidates are evaluated on academic merit, character, and professional potential.
Academic Standing: Applicants must demonstrate a history of academic discipline. A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 is required for graduation from the program.
The Interview Phase: All applicants must undergo a formal interview with the Admissions Committee. This interview assesses the candidate's analytical reasoning, verbal communication, and commitment to the field of jurisprudence.
Application Timeline:
Fall Intake: Applications open January 1st; Deadline July 1st.
Spring Intake: Applications open August 1st; Deadline November 1st.
Decision Notification: Issued within 30 business days post-interview.
DEGREE PLAN
Semester 1
LAWS 1301 (3 credits)
Introduction to Law Studies
Foundational overview of justice systems, theories, and practices in American society.
UHD: CJ 1301 UTA: CRCJ 1301
ENGL 1301 (3 credits)
Composition I
Development of writing skills through analysis of texts and composition of essays.
UHD: ENGL 1301 UTA: ENGL 1301
HIST 1301 (3 credits)
United States History I
Survey of American history from colonial period through Civil War.
UHD: HIST 1301 UTA: HIST 1311
MATH 1314 (3 credits)
College Algebra
Study of algebraic functions, equations, and their applications.
UHD: MATH 1314 UTA: MATH 1316
KINE 1164
1 credits
Physical Fitness/Wellness
Principles of physical fitness and personal wellness.
UHD: KINE 1164 UTA: KINE 1100
COSC 1305
Computer Science ( 3 credits)
Learn Microsoft Office, QuickBooks, scheduling,Westlaw,
and hardware essentials to streamline any legal practice
UHD:1305
Semester 2
LAWS 1302
3 credits
Ethics in Justice
Examination of ethical principles and moral reasoning in justice professions.
UHD: CJ 1302 UTA: CRCJ 1302
ENGL 1302 (3 credits)
Composition II
Advanced composition with emphasis on research and argumentation.
UHD: ENGL 1302 UTA: ENGL 1302
HIST 1302 (3 credits)
United States History II
Survey of American history from Reconstruction to present.
UHD: HIST 1302 UTA: HIST 1312
GOVT 2305 (3 credits)
Federal Government
Structure and functions of American federal government.
UHD: POLS 2305 UTA: POLS 2311
SPCH 1315 (3 credits)
Public Speaking
Development of oral communication skills for public presentations.
UHD: COMM 1315 UTA: COMM 1311
BIOL 2401 (4 Credits)
Human Anatomy and Physiology I
Covers cellular function, skeletal, and muscular systems.
UTA: BIOL 2457 TCCN: BIOL 2401
Semester 3
LAWS 2301 (3 credits)
Criminal Law and Procedure
Study of criminal law principles, constitutional protections, and procedural requirements.
UHD: CJ 2301 UTA: CRCJ 2301
LAWS 2302 (3 credits)
Research Methods in Justice
Introduction to research design, data collection, and analysis in justice studies.
UHD: CJ 2302 UTA: CRCJ 3302
PSYC 2301 (3 credits)
General Psychology
Introduction to psychological principles and human behavior.
UHD: PSYC 2301 UTA: PSYC 1315
SOCI 1301 (3 credits)
Introduction to Sociology
Study of social structures, institutions, and human social behavior.
UHD: SOCI 1301 UTA: SOCI 1311
GOVT 2306 (3 credits)
Texas Government
Structure and functions of Texas state and local government.
UHD: POLS 2306 UTA: POLS 2312
BIOL 2402 (4 Credits)
Human Anatomy and Physiology II
Covers immune and reproductive systems
UTA BIOL 2458 TCCN: BIOL 2402
Semester 4
LAWS 2303 (3 credits)
Courts and Legal Process
Examination of court systems, legal procedures, and judicial decision-making.
UHD: CJ 2303 UTA: CRCJ 2303
LAWS 2304 (3 credits)
Corrections and Rehabilitation
Study of correctional institutions, rehabilitation programs, and community corrections.
UHD: CJ 2304 UTA: CRCJ 2304
STAT 2300 (3 credits)
Elementary Statistics
Introduction to statistical concepts and data analysis methods.
UHD: STAT 2300 UTA: MATH 1309
PHIL 1301 (3 credits)
Introduction to Philosophy
Survey of major philosophical questions and methods of inquiry.
UHD: PHIL 1301 UTA: PHIL 1301
ECON 2301 (3 credits)
Principles of Macroeconomics
Study of national economic systems and macroeconomic policy.
UHD: ECON 2301 UTA: ECON 2311
SPAN 1401 (3 Credits)
Fundamentals of Spanish
UHD SPAN 1401
Semester 5
LAWS 3301 (3 credits)
Criminological Theory
Examination of theories explaining criminal behavior and crime causation.
UHD: CJ 3301 UTA: CRCJ 3301
LAWS 3302 (3 credits)
Law Enforcement Administration
Principles of police organization, management, and leadership.
UHD: CJ 3302 UTA: CRCJ 3302
LAWS 3303 (3 credits)
Constitutional Law
Study of constitutional principles affecting criminal justice and civil rights.
UHD: CJ 3303 UTA: POLS 3311
LAWS 3304 (3 credits)
Juvenile Justice System
Examination of juvenile justice processes, policies, and rehabilitation programs.
UHD: CJ 3304UTA: CRCJ 3304
LAWS 3305 (3 credits)
Victimology
Study of crime victims, victim rights, and victim services.
UHD: CJ 3305UTA: CRCJ 3305
Semester 6
LAWS 3306 (3 credits)
Criminal Investigation
Principles and techniques of criminal investigation and evidence collection.
UHD: CJ 3306UTA: CRCJ 3306
LAWS 3307 (3 credits)
Community Policing
Community-oriented policing strategies and police-community relations.
UHD: CJ 3307UTA: CRCJ 3307
LAWS 3308 (3 credits)
White Collar Crime
Study of corporate crime, financial fraud, and regulatory enforcement.
UHD: CJ 3308UTA: CRCJ 3308
LAWS 3309 (3 credits)
Comparative Justice Systems
Comparison of justice systems across different countries and cultures.
UHD: CJ 3309UTA: CRCJ 3309
LAWS 3310 (3 credits)
Forensic Science
Application of scientific methods to criminal investigation and evidence analysis.
UHD: CJ 3310UTA: CRCJ 3310
Semester 7
LAWS 4301 (3 credits)
Advanced Research Methods
Advanced quantitative and qualitative research methods in justice studies.
UHD: CJ 4301UTA: CRCJ 4301
LAWS 4302 (3 credits)
Law Policy Analysis
Analysis of criminal justice policies and their implementation and effectiveness.
UHD: CJ 4302UTA: CRCJ 4302
LAWS 4303 (3 credits)
Terrorism and Homeland Security
Study of terrorism, counterterrorism strategies, and homeland security policies.
UHD: CJ 4303UTA: CRCJ 4303
LAWS 4304 (3 credits)
Drugs, Crime, and Justice
Examination of drug-related crime and criminal justice responses to substance abuse.
UHD: CJ 4304UTA: CRCJ 4304
LAWS 4305 (3 credits)
Gender, Race, and Justice
Analysis of how gender, race, and ethnicity affect justice system outcomes.
UHD: CJ 4305 UTA: CRCJ 4305
LAWS 4306 (3 credits)
Law Studies Internship
Supervised field experience in criminal justice agency or organization.
UHD: CJ 4306 UTA: CRCJ 4306
LAWS 4307 (3 credits)
Senior Capstone Project
Independent research project demonstrating mastery of justice studies concepts.
UHD: CJ 4307 UTA: CRCJ 4307
Semester 8
LAWS 4308 (3 credits)
Justice Leadership and Management
Leadership principles and management practices in justice organizations.
UHD: CJ 4308 UTA: CRCJ 4308
LAWS 4309 (3 credits)
Legal Writing and Communication
Advanced writing skills for legal and professional justice contexts.
UHD: CJ 4309 UTA: ENGL 4309
LAWS 4310 (3 credits)
Professional Ethics and Standards
Professional standards, ethical decision-making, and accountability in justice careers.
UHD: CJ 4310 UTA: CRCJ 4310
LAWS 4401 (3 credits)
Semester 7
Pre-Law (Law Studies) Specialization I
Advanced study in pre-law (law studies) theory and practice.
UHD: CJ 4401 UTA: CRCJ 4401
LAWS 4402 (3 credits)
Pre-Law (Law Studies) Specialization II
Applied research and case studies in pre-law (law studies).
UHD: CJ 4402 UTA: CRCJ 4402
State of Texas Statewide Test Requirement and Policies for Admissions
The University of Justice adheres strictly to the Texas Education Code (TEC) 51.803-51.809, which mandates that all prospective undergraduate students demonstrate college readiness through the state-sanctioned Uniform Admission Policy before their applications can be formally considered for enrollment. To maintain institutional integrity and academic excellence, the University requires that all standardized test scores be submitted officially through the Office of Admissions. The specific criteria for eligibility include the following:
Successfully complete the recommended or advanced high school program or complete the portion of the program that was available to them; or
Satisfy the College Readiness Benchmarks on the SAT or ACT assessment
SAT - 1500 out of 2400 (Verbal + Math + Writing)
ACT - 18 English, 21 Reading, 22 Mathematics and 24 Science; or
Successfully complete a curriculum that is equivalent in content and rigor to the recommended or advanced high school program at a high school that is exempt from offering such programs.
Students that do not meet one of first two requirements must prove they meet the third requirement by having their counselor fill out the High School Curriculum Certification Form and submit to the University of Justice.
In addition to the State of Texas Uniform Admission Policy, beginning Summer 2016, University of Houston-Downtown applicants must meet the following Freshman Admission criteria:
Top Quarter 1-25%
Submit SAT or ACT score
Second Quarter 26-50%
Minimum New SAT Total* 930/Old SAT** Total 850/ACT 18 or 2.5 GPA
Third Quarter 51-75%
Minimum New SAT Total* 930/Old SAT** Total 850/ACT 18 and 2.5 GPA
Fourth Quarter 76-99%
Minimum New SAT Total* 930/Old SAT** Total 850/ACT 18 and 2.5 GPA
Home School or GED
Minimum New SAT Total* 930/Old SAT** Total 850/ACT 18
* New SAT Scores are for SAT exams taken March 2016 and after. The total consists of the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing & Math scores only.
Admissions Policy Addendum: Standardized Testing and Evaluation
I. Standardized Test Score Guidelines
For the purposes of institutional evaluation, SAT scores are categorized based on the date of examination:
Post-March 2016 Examinations: The total score is calculated as the sum of the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing and Math sections.
Pre-March 2016 Examinations: The total score is calculated as the sum of the Critical Reading and Math sections.
II. Individual Candidate Review and Conditional Admission
The University of Justice employs an individualized holistic review process. Applicants may be granted admission under one of two designations:
Unconditional Admission: The applicant meets all established criteria and is granted full enrollment status.
III. TRANSFER CREDITS & TEXAS COLLEGE COMPLIANCE
The University of Justice adheres strictly to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) standards for credit transfer.
Course Exemption Application: Students seeking to transfer credits from other accredited institutions must file a formal Course Exemption Application through the Registrar’s Office.
Equivalency: Credits will only be granted for courses that align with Texas College core requirements and USJ’s rigorous academic standards.
IV. CURRICULUM STRUCTURE & DELIVERY
Our program utilizes a Hybrid Model, blending high-level digital engagement with essential on-site experiences. Every course in the program requires:
A Research Paper: Demonstrating technical writing and legal citation.
A Group Assignment: Cultivating collaborative problem-solving skills.
A Community Project: Applying legal concepts to real-world social challenges.
Special Features:
Virtual Simulations: Classes utilize interactive, AI-driven virtual simulations to model courtroom dynamics.
Courthouse Residency: Selected courses include mandatory trips to Texas District and Appellate Courts for observation.
Laboratory Component: Specific procedural courses require "Legal Lab" hours focused on evidence processing and discovery documentation.
V. CLINICAL REQUIREMENTS
To bridge the gap between theory and practice, students must complete 400 Clinical Contact Hours.
Locations: Clinicals are held throughout the State of Texas at partner sites, including District Attorney offices, Private Law Entities, and Legal Aid Societies in Austin, Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio.
VI. THE LSAT MANDATE
Completion of the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) is a mandatory exit requirement for the Pre-Law program.
Timing: The exam must be taken and the score reported prior to the student's final semester.
Location: Testing can be completed at any authorized LSAC (Law School Admission Council) testing center in Texas or via the officially proctored "LSAT Argumentative Writing" online portal.
Benchmarking: While the LSAT is a scaled exam, the University of Justice requires a minimum institutional completion score of 150 to satisfy program exit requirements.
VII. PROGRAM BENEFITS
Exclusivity & Access: With a 15-student cap per lecture, students receive unprecedented access to faculty expertise.
Experiential Readiness: The 400-hour clinical requirement ensures graduates enter law school or the workforce with significant professional experience.
Texas Network Integration: Our strong ties to the Texas judicial system provide students with direct pathways to internships and post-graduate employment.
VIII. Career Opportunities
Graduates of this program are prepared for diverse career paths in the justice field:
Law School
Legal Researcher
Government Attorney
Corporate Counsel
VIIII. Transfer Information
Our courses are designed to transfer seamlessly to major Texas universities:
University of Houston-Downtown (UHD)
All core courses have direct equivalencies with UHD's Criminal Justice program.
University of Texas at Arlington (UTA)
Courses transfer to UTA's Criminology and Criminal Justice program.
Academic Fresh Start
The Academic Fresh Start program at the University of Justice offers a valuable opportunity for returning students to reset their collegiate records by disregarding past academic performance that may hinder their current goals. By electing this provision, candidates benefit from an improved cumulative grade point average (GPA) that exclusively reflects their new academic efforts, an elimination of previous low-performing credits from institutional calculations, and a clean slate that fosters renewed confidence and eligibility for academic standing. While these former credits and grades are excluded from GPA requirements, applicants should be mindful that they cannot use these specific courses to fulfill new program prerequisites, ensuring that their current foundation is built upon fresh, relevant knowledge. To secure your Academic Fresh Start at the University of Justice, you must first complete and submit your formal acknowledgement. Once that is finalized, proceed immediately to fill out the exemption form to complete your application. Please ensure both steps are finished promptly to successfully reset your academic standing.
Office of the Registrar | University of Justice “Justice in Education, Excellence in Law.”