Many of the courses offered in an Associate of Pre-law teach law school candidates how to think critically. Critical thinking skills involve the use of reasoning, critical analysis and logic to evaluate both simple and complex ideas. Law schools value candidates who have been prepared to apply critical thinking skills to a broad range of issues. An associate degree in pre-law will offer courses, often in the humanities, that fill this requirement.
Pre-law coursework emphasizes the development of writing skills. Much of the work required to successfully complete a law degree and manage a career in the field of law depends on effective written communication. Grammar, punctuation and composition are taught specifically in required writing courses, but are applied and developed in almost all the coursework for an Associate of Pre-law.
Law schools also value candidates who are able to effectively communicate ideas when speaking in a variety of contexts. Pre-law coursework will often prepare law school candidates by offering opportunities to present their work to groups, engage in debate with other students, and participate in academic and community forums.
In addition to the development and effective communication of ideas, pre-law coursework provides law school candidates opportunities to learn about the human experience. Law schools value candidates who have a broad understanding of different cultures and social processes. Like critical thinking skills, knowledge of culture and social processes is often taught throughout pre-law coursework. Courses that fulfill these requirements may be offered in many different subject areas, often within the humanities.
The Associate of Science degree in pre-law requires specific coursework that ensures the law school candidates have began to develop the foundational skills for further study in their field. Like an Associate of Arts, the Associate of Science may be referred to as a transfer degree, which differs from technical or vocational programs, because recipients typically intend to pursue a four-year bachelor's degree after completion. In addition to pre-law coursework, the Associate of Science requires a number of courses that teach skills valued in the natural sciences, health sciences as well as the fields of business, technology and mathematics.