Drexel University’s Kline School of Law is one of only a few law schools in the country to develop an undergraduate law program and offer a B.A. degree in law.

From the classrooms and campus to the neighborhoods and legal institutions of the city, the Undergraduate Law program (aka UGLaw) at Drexel’s Kline School of Law offers a unique college experience for students who value challenging academics, a diverse and close-knit community, and the opportunity to incorporate real-world learning and work experiences into their undergrad studies.

Many of our students have dreamed of a career in law from a young age. Others may have caught the law bug later. Either way, UGLaw majors have been diving into life at Kline and Philadelphia during their first term at Drexel.

“I’ve wanted to be a lawyer since middle school. I’m an outspoken person and very passionate about what I believe in,” said Collin Weber. “The law offers an individual the ability to make substantial changes in society, outside of politics.”

Drexel’s location in Philadelphia gives students countless opportunities to see and experience the law. Through courses such as “Law Lab: Legal Systems in Action,” which takes students on trips to local law firms, courtrooms, and nonprofit organizations, UGLaw majors get to experience the city itself as a classroom for studying where and how law happens.

“Already I’ve attended a homicide trial and visited a big law firm. My friends who are planning to go to law school haven't been near anything like that, or even taken a law class yet,” said Kayla Gonzalez. “Drexel offers so many opportunities for you to be fully prepared for law school and a career in law. I’ve been able to build my resume and participate in activities directly related to my interests, like Mock Trial. The support is fantastic overall—the professors and advisors are there to help you succeed.”

For Noelia Bryan, Drexel’s location and its overall “vibe” were key factors in why she enrolled in the program. “I went to an open house and saw how open and welcoming and diverse the community was. I never experienced a big city atmosphere until Drexel and it really works for me!”

Noelia said that THRIVE: Students of Color Empowerment Retreat, a three-day event that took place before classes began in September, was immensely valuable in helping her navigate her new surroundings and manage the inevitable personal issues that come with such an important life change. “THRIVE made me feel that I had a community and my social anxiety disappeared. It was instrumental in helping me build a social/psychological foundation, which really prepared me for my classes.”

Adrianna Kalinich said that her first year at Drexel has been a whirlwind that has shaped her in numerous ways, through both her studies and extracurricular activities.

“I’ve become more philosophical and more engaged. I was a fellow for Pennsylvania Project 26, where I went around campus to encourage people to vote and gave them the resources to do so.” Among her other activities, Adrianna is a member of the Black Student Union and a photographer for The Triangle, Drexel’s student newspaper.

Law majors complete a minor or second major in another academic field, which has already encouraged these first-year students to start exploring outside the Law program.

“I took a philosophy class [“Critical Reasoning”], and I just love it. I declared philosophy as one of my minors,” said Collin. “The course involves a lot of thinking outside the box and big picture stuff (sociology) that relates to my career. I learned how to view my life in a larger context, and to recognize the law’s connection with society as a whole.”

Noelia, for her part, said she plans to join ROTC (Reserve Officers' Training Corps), with the intent of training to become a JAG (Judge Advocate General) officer—a military lawyer. “I’m really interested in the intersection between the military and the law. Not to mention, a benefit of the program is that the military will pay for law school.”

Kayla plans to combine political science with her undergrad law studies. “The law and politics definitely go together, so If I’m going to be a lawyer I also want to be involved in politics somehow.”