Pre-Law Courses in the Philippines: What to Take Before Law School

Planning to pursue law in the Philippines? One of the first questions you’ll face is: What pre-law course should I take? While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, choosing the right undergraduate degree can shape your legal journey—long before you step into your first law school class.

This guide is tailored for incoming freshmen in the Philippines who are considering law as a career. We’ll answer what a pre-law course is, the top 10 most common pre-law courses, and offer tips for choosing the course that works best for you.

What Is a Pre-Law Course?

A pre-law course refers to any undergraduate program you take before enrolling in a Juris Doctor (J.D.) program. In the Philippines, law schools require applicants to hold a bachelor’s degree, as mandated by the Legal Education Board (LEB) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).

There’s no single “official” pre-law course. In fact, any degree that develops your reading, writing, analytical, and reasoning skills can qualify you for law school. That said, some courses are more aligned with legal thinking—and are thus more commonly chosen by aspiring lawyers.

Why the Pre-Law Course You Choose Matters

Choosing the right pre-law course can:

Build the core skills you'll use throughout law school—like critical thinking, logical reasoning, and persuasive writing.
Help you understand complex legal concepts faster, especially if your undergraduate course already touches on law-related topics.
Make your transition to law school less overwhelming, especially in your first year where foundational subjects can feel intense.
Serve as a fallback career in case you take time off from law school or explore alternative career paths.

In short, your pre-law course lays the groundwork for your legal journey.

Top 10 Popular Pre-Law Courses in the Philippines

Here are the most widely taken pre-law courses by Filipino students aspiring to become lawyers:

1. Political Science

Focuses on government structures, political theory, public policy, and law. This is the most traditional pre-law course in the Philippines.

2. Legal Management

Combines basic law subjects with business and management. Ideal if you’re considering a career in corporate or commercial law.

3. Philosophy

Offers deep training in logic, ethics, and abstract reasoning—all valuable in constitutional law, legal ethics, and jurisprudence.

4. English or Literature

Strengthens your command of language, reading comprehension, and argumentation—vital for both case reading and legal writing.

5. History

Builds analytical and research skills while offering a strong understanding of political and legal developments in society.

6. Economics

Enhances your understanding of regulatory law, finance, and policy. Great for future corporate or tax lawyers.

7. Psychology

Helps with understanding behavior, motive, and intention—especially relevant in criminal law and litigation.

8. Public Administration

Prepares you for public service law practice, government work, or legal reform advocacy.

9. Accountancy

While technical, it’s useful for tax, corporate, or commercial law—especially if you plan to handle financial disputes or compliance.

10. Mass Communication or Journalism

Sharpens your writing, speaking, and critical thinking—useful in trial practice and legal advocacy.

These courses are the most aligned with law school and commonly chosen by Filipino law aspirants.

Other Strong and Relevant Pre-Law Options

Even if your course isn’t one of the most common choices, it may still serve you well:

International Studies – Ideal for those interested in international law, diplomacy, or human rights.
Sociology or Anthropology – Helps contextualize social justice issues, community lawyering, and public interest law.
Education – Useful if you want to become a legal academic or bar review lecturer.
Engineering or STEM degrees – Surprisingly beneficial for law students pursuing intellectual property, environmental, or tech law. Paired with tools like Digest.AI, even technical thinkers can thrive in legal education.

How to Choose the Right Pre-Law Course

Here are some things to keep in mind when selecting your undergraduate course:

Interest – Choose something you enjoy. You’ll spend at least four years in this program.
Skill Development – Go for a course that hones your writing, critical thinking, and reading comprehension.
Career Flexibility – Pick a degree that offers a career path even outside of law, in case plans change.
School Availability – Ensure your preferred pre-law course is offered in a school you can afford or access.
Bar Exam Goals – Some pre-law courses give you a head start in bar exam topics. For example, Political Science overlaps with Political and Constitutional Law, while Accountancy aligns with Taxation and Commercial Law.

Tools to Help Aspiring Law Students Start Strong

Even before entering law school, you can start building legal familiarity. Explore these Digest.PH resources:

Supreme Court Decision Database – Begin exploring Philippine jurisprudence early.
Free Case Digests – See how actual cases are summarized and analyzed.
Cost of Law School in the Philippines – Get a realistic sense of tuition and expenses.
AI Legal Tool for Law Students – Use Digest.AI to understand laws, doctrines, or even generate practice questions.
Books Every Law Student Should Read – Prepare yourself for what’s ahead.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are quick answers to common questions about pre-law courses in the Philippines.

Q: What is a pre-law course?

A pre-law course is your undergraduate degree—taken before entering a J.D. program. While any CHED-recognized bachelor’s degree is acceptable, some courses align more closely with law.

Q: What is the best pre-law course in the Philippines?

Political Science is the most popular, but Legal Management, Philosophy, and English are also excellent choices depending on your strengths and career goals.

Q: Can I take engineering or other technical courses as my pre-law?

Yes. While not traditional, STEM degrees are allowed and may even give you an edge in niche legal fields.

Q: What if I took a course unrelated to law? Can I still enter law school?

Yes. As long as you have a CHED-recognized bachelor’s degree, you can apply. You may just need to work on legal writing and comprehension during your first year.

Ready to Start Your Legal Journey?

Choosing the right pre-law course isn’t just about meeting admission requirements—it’s about laying a strong foundation for your law school journey. Whether you’re drawn to politics, literature, numbers, or logic, the path to becoming a lawyer starts with the course you take now.

Start strong. Choose smart. And let Digest.PH support you every step of the way.