10 Degrees To Major in for Law School

Becoming a lawyer is an exciting and ambitious career choice with many benefits including high salaries and a rewarding sense of service to one's community. While many degrees can prepare you for law school, some majors are better suited for a career in law. These majors, such as pre-law or political science, will help you meet the requirements for law school admissions.

The coursework in these degree programs will help law school applicants to:

• develop critical thinking skills
• practice problem-solving skills
• prepare for the law school admission test.

There is no singular best degree for entering law school since students typically come from a range of educational backgrounds. Rather, students should consider their personal interests and career goals to choose the degree that best prepares them for their legal career.

Best Pre-Law Undergraduate Majors

Here is our ranking of the top bachelor's degrees that prepare students for law school. There are many different types of law, so it is important to keep in mind what area of study will be covered by your specific major and how that aligns with your career goals.

1. Political Science

While there is not one designated best major for law school, a political science major is often considered one of the most promising choices for working in the legal field. Political science majors study:

• the powers within the political system
• political issues
• the structure of government

2. History

History is another great major for pre-law students. History majors learn about how current political and societal structures were formed, as well as develop analytical skills that will benefit them in a career in law.

3. Philosophy

A philosophy major is an excellent choice for students hoping to prepare for law school. This liberal arts degree allows students to practice critical reading skills as well as logical reasoning, both sought-after skills in the legal field.

4. Criminal Justice

Criminal justice is a great major for pre-law students interested in criminal law. Students will study human behavior as it relates to the legal profession. A criminal justice major is especially helpful for aspiring defense attorneys.

5. English Literature

English literature majors make great candidates for working in intellectual property law. While the focus of an English degree is not necessarily a legal education, many of the areas of study will be relevant to a law degree. English majors often have excellent writing skills and communication skills which are important for successful law school admissions.

6. Economics

An economics major is a great choice for students wishing to go into business law, tax law, or corporate law. Economics majors will learn about:

• ethics
• negotiations
• contracts
• compliance

7. Psychology

Psychology is the study of human behavior and how people make decisions based on their motivations. Psychology majors make great candidates for law school and are well-prepared to transition into legal studies.

8. Liberal Arts and Humanities

A liberal arts and humanities degree is beneficial for entering to law school since it helps students develop:

• analytical reasoning
• critical thinking
• communication skills

These broad liberal arts degrees will cover many areas of social science that can help students prepare for law school.

9. Linguistics

Linguistics is a useful tool in the legal field. Much of the legal profession requires a deep understanding of language and the meaning behind certain terminology. Having a background in linguistics can support lawyers since they will understand the philosophy of language and how to use language in their practice of law.

10. Pre-Law

The curriculum for a pre-law degree will give an overview of the legal system and allow students to practice law in a controlled environment. A pre-law major is only offered at some institutions since most undergrad programs will denote a student as 'pre-law' as a long-term goal associated with their degree rather than their actual major. Many online pre-law schools are available for those looking for more flexibility in their schedules.

Should I Earn a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science Degree?

According to the American Bar Association (ABA), there is no preference for either a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science for acceptance into law school. Students can apply from almost all academic fields, though some majors are considered more helpful for law school preparation.

What Skills Do Law School Applicants Need?

Law school applicants need to be proficient in:

• communication skills
• critical thinking skills
• problem-solving skills
• analytical reasoning

Students can show off these important skills through participation in extracurricular activities at their high school or community college. The American Bar Association mentions these as important skills for law school applicants:

• public service
• the promotion of justice
• relationship building

What Are the Admission Requirements for Law School?

The admissions requirements for law school will vary depending on the institution; however, common requirements of the admissions process include:

• a personal statement
• a resume
• letters of recommendation
• transcripts
• high GPA score
• LSAT score
• An essay

FAQs About Choosing the Right Major for a Law Degree

Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about choosing a major for law school.

What Do Most Law Students Minor In?

The American Bar Association promotes minors in areas of the student's interests rather than promoting a specific minor. For example, a pre-law student interested in business law may want to minor in economics or finance, while a student interested in criminal law may choose a minor in criminal justice.

Is Pre-Law Worth It?

While pre-law is not typically a major in and of itself, students can designate their educational goal as pre-law. Studying under pre-law is worth it for students who are hoping to impress the law school admissions council (LSAC) with their dedication to their careers.

What Undergraduate Degrees Do Law Schools Prefer?

Most law schools accept a variety of undergraduate degrees. Earning a bachelor's degree in one of these subjects can set students up for success:

• business
• criminal justice
• English
• psychology

However, there are many different routes to take and law schools will accept a wide variety of accredited bachelor's degrees.

What Are the Most Common Undergraduate Majors for Law Students?

The most common major for law students is political science, followed by history and philosophy.

What Are the Next Steps After Law School?

After completing law school, students will be required to pass the bar exam before they can practice law. Most students spend an average of two months studying and preparing to sit for the bar exam. Students may also decide to complete an internship to gain hands-on experience in the legal field. To become a practicing lawyer, students can choose to earn a Juris Doctor (JD), though there are other academic routes available.

Start Your Educational Journey Today

Make sure to check out one of the degrees listed above and start your educational journey toward law school today. For more information about degrees, certifications, and careers, look through the library of resources available at Learn.org.