3 answers
Owen
Student
Bettendorf, Iowa
1
Question
Updated
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What is best college major to choose if I can't afford law school? #Spring25
I'm a high school senior interested in law and politics. I have experience working on political campaigns, as well as writing and lobbying for legislation. I aspire to become an attorney, but if I am only able to obtain a bachelor's degree, I would like advice on which major would best support a career in law, lobbying, or political campaigns. #spring25
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3 answers
Emily Henderson
Attorney
8
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Emily’s Answer
I would definitely recommend majoring in Political Science -- the political science classes I took in college provided both the intellectual and practical skills needed for the field. I am now a practicing attorney, but in college, I interned on Capitol Hill, at a local law office and in-house at a larger corporation. My political science classes fostered critical thinking, provided different perspectives and opened the door to many different career paths after college. Outside of classes, try to take advantage of any opportunity you can in the field -- whether that's Model UN, internships, school newspapers or clubs, etc. Best of luck!!
Thank you, Emily! I truly appreciate you taking the time to respond and provide such helpful information.
Owen
Orna Khan
5
Answers
Updated
Orna’s Answer
Majoring in political science, English, philosophy, economics, government, history, or similar subjects is a great way to start if you're aiming for a career in law. Some schools even have criminal justice programs, and if you're into STEM, forensics might be a perfect fit. Keep exploring your interests, and you'll find the path that's right for you!
Thank you, Orna!
Owen
Christian Becerra
Operations professional
40
Answers
Chevy Chase, Maryland
Updated
Christian’s Answer
First of all, the fact that you’ve already worked on political campaigns and helped write and lobby for legislation while still in high school is pretty remarkable!
I actually majored in communications and went on to work on political campaigns, eventually building a career that took me into startups, operations, and the nonprofit sector. So I can tell you from experience that you don’t necessarily need a political science degree to work in politics.
If I were in your position, I’d look into communications, political science, economics, or public policy. Communications is especially worth considering because campaigns and advocacy organizations need people who can write, research, develop messaging, and communicate complicated ideas to different audiences.
I’d also encourage you to think about what you could see yourself doing if law school doesn’t happen right away. Political science can be a great foundation, but pairing it with internships and practical skills will make a difference when you’re looking for work.
And please don’t rule out law school entirely because of the cost! Scholarships and financial aid exist, and there’s nothing wrong with working for a few years before deciding whether to pursue a law degree.
One thing I’ve learned is that careers rarely unfold in a perfectly straight line. Your first degree doesn’t have to determine everything you do afterward.
My biggest advice would be to choose a major that genuinely interests you, gives you marketable skills, and leaves you with options. You’ve already gotten a head start through your campaign and legislative experience. Keep building on that!
I actually majored in communications and went on to work on political campaigns, eventually building a career that took me into startups, operations, and the nonprofit sector. So I can tell you from experience that you don’t necessarily need a political science degree to work in politics.
If I were in your position, I’d look into communications, political science, economics, or public policy. Communications is especially worth considering because campaigns and advocacy organizations need people who can write, research, develop messaging, and communicate complicated ideas to different audiences.
I’d also encourage you to think about what you could see yourself doing if law school doesn’t happen right away. Political science can be a great foundation, but pairing it with internships and practical skills will make a difference when you’re looking for work.
And please don’t rule out law school entirely because of the cost! Scholarships and financial aid exist, and there’s nothing wrong with working for a few years before deciding whether to pursue a law degree.
One thing I’ve learned is that careers rarely unfold in a perfectly straight line. Your first degree doesn’t have to determine everything you do afterward.
My biggest advice would be to choose a major that genuinely interests you, gives you marketable skills, and leaves you with options. You’ve already gotten a head start through your campaign and legislative experience. Keep building on that!
Thank you so much for taking the time to respond and for the great advice!
Owen