2 answers
Olive
Student
Huntington Beach, California
1
Question
Updated
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How does an economics major get into financial planning Additionally, is it realistic and/or common to go to law school after getting an undergraduate degree in economics? #Spring25?
- senior in high school
- attending a uc, majoring in economics
- interested in law school but also finance
- not directly certain about career goals
- first generation college student
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2 answers
Gurpreet Lally
CareerVillage.org TeamSr. Community Manager at CareerVillage
136
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
Gurpreet’s Answer, CareerVillage.org Team
Hey Olive,
While I can't answer the first part of the question, I've done some research and can hopefully provide some answers on the second part!
In general, it does not matter what you major in undergrad as long as you meet the school's requirements and get a good LSAT score. There are however, some skills that are developed in certain degrees that might be more conducive to the types of skills you'd need in law school/as a lawyer. For example, critical thinking and communication are two really big ones.
According to Harvard (https://summer.harvard.edu/blog/how-to-choose-the-best-college-major-for-law-school/How-to-Choose-the-Best-College-Major-for-Law-School), Economics is a great major for those who are looking to enter law school. This is confirmed by Reddit threads as well like this one: https://www.reddit.com/r/prelaw/comments/1dxvg27/any_recommended_majors_for_law_school/. The top comment mentions that they chose economics because it offered other great career paths in case they chose not to pursue a law degree.
LSAC (the Law School Admissions Council) also has some helpful data of applicants and their undergrad degree. They also offer information about the acceptance rate by undergrad degree! It looks like econ is definitely common. You can find their research here: https://report.lsac.org/View.aspx?Report=ApplicantsByMajor
While I can't answer the first part of the question, I've done some research and can hopefully provide some answers on the second part!
In general, it does not matter what you major in undergrad as long as you meet the school's requirements and get a good LSAT score. There are however, some skills that are developed in certain degrees that might be more conducive to the types of skills you'd need in law school/as a lawyer. For example, critical thinking and communication are two really big ones.
According to Harvard (https://summer.harvard.edu/blog/how-to-choose-the-best-college-major-for-law-school/How-to-Choose-the-Best-College-Major-for-Law-School), Economics is a great major for those who are looking to enter law school. This is confirmed by Reddit threads as well like this one: https://www.reddit.com/r/prelaw/comments/1dxvg27/any_recommended_majors_for_law_school/. The top comment mentions that they chose economics because it offered other great career paths in case they chose not to pursue a law degree.
LSAC (the Law School Admissions Council) also has some helpful data of applicants and their undergrad degree. They also offer information about the acceptance rate by undergrad degree! It looks like econ is definitely common. You can find their research here: https://report.lsac.org/View.aspx?Report=ApplicantsByMajor
Thank you, I appreciate your comment it was super informative!!
Olive
Rhonda George
HR & Recruiting Manager
2
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Rhonda’s Answer
First - congrats on your upcoming journey at a UC! Majoring in economics is a strong choice, especially for someone interested in both finance and law.
To your first question: Yes! An economics major can absolutely lead to financial planning. Consider internships or part-time roles in banks, credit unions, or financial advisory firms while you're in school. Courses in personal finance or financial management will also give you a strong foundation. Networking with alumni or professors can open doors, too.
As for law school after an econ degree? Very realistic. Economics is one of the most common majors for law school applicants. Your degree will sharpen your analytical thinking—something law schools (and future clients!) value highly.
And it’s okay not to have everything figured out yet. You’re exploring, learning, and building your story. As a first-gen college student, just know you’re already breaking barriers and setting the stage for amazing things.
Cheering you on!
To your first question: Yes! An economics major can absolutely lead to financial planning. Consider internships or part-time roles in banks, credit unions, or financial advisory firms while you're in school. Courses in personal finance or financial management will also give you a strong foundation. Networking with alumni or professors can open doors, too.
As for law school after an econ degree? Very realistic. Economics is one of the most common majors for law school applicants. Your degree will sharpen your analytical thinking—something law schools (and future clients!) value highly.
And it’s okay not to have everything figured out yet. You’re exploring, learning, and building your story. As a first-gen college student, just know you’re already breaking barriers and setting the stage for amazing things.
Cheering you on!