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Is it a good idea to major in psychology and minor in pre-law/something similar?
I would like to know what kind of jobs/opportunities this would open up for me?
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8 answers
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Wong’s Answer
Hello Kan. This depends on your interests and career goals. Combining the two areas of study (majoring in psychology and minoring in pre-law) can give you a strong foundation for many different careers. Even outside of law, many careers value the skills gained in both psychology and pre-law.
You could work in social services, helping people who are struggling with mental health, addiction, or legal issues. Other possible jobs include working as a case manager, probation officer, human resources specialist, or victim advocate. If you go to graduate school, you could become a therapist, counselor, or even a forensic psychologist who works closely with the legal system.
This combination also improves your communication, research, and problem-solving skills, which are important in many jobs. However, it's important to remember that many psychology-related careers require education beyond a bachelor's degree.
Majoring in psychology and minoring in pre-law can open up many opportunities, especially if you are interested in working with people and understanding how the law affects society. All the best.
You could work in social services, helping people who are struggling with mental health, addiction, or legal issues. Other possible jobs include working as a case manager, probation officer, human resources specialist, or victim advocate. If you go to graduate school, you could become a therapist, counselor, or even a forensic psychologist who works closely with the legal system.
This combination also improves your communication, research, and problem-solving skills, which are important in many jobs. However, it's important to remember that many psychology-related careers require education beyond a bachelor's degree.
Majoring in psychology and minoring in pre-law can open up many opportunities, especially if you are interested in working with people and understanding how the law affects society. All the best.
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Kan !
To be honest with you, it is always advisable to gear one's Bachelors Degree to a specific career that one may have already chosen and not choose a Major and figure out what you'd be qualified for. I see that you have an interest in Psychology and Law, so these two specific exciting careers can be explored for both the academic paths as well as the careers. Do you want to be a Psychologist or a Lawyer ? It's worth exploring rather than predicting what actual careers would fit a degree.
Three options; Psychology Bachelors (no minor) and then a Masters Degree in Clinical Psychology or Mental Health Counseling. There is no "pre-law" major. It's more like you take various courses connected to law, government, etc. and you could Major in Political Science or Government then go to Law School to be a Lawyer. A Bachelors in Psychology with a Minor in government or political science would not qualify you for very much and the job may not be too much filled with the need for psychology or law. After your Bachelors you could then go for your para-legal certification and be a para-legal. You would probably be able to get a job as a community based social service Case Manager, or a Program Manager, but not too much law would be needed for that. It is not too high paying unless you work at an agency in a city or county that has lots of funding for social services. With the psychology major and law minor you may be able to work in local politics and work your way up the ladder.
That is speculation, so a good idea would be to read the jobs on Indeed and other employment sites. See what degrees they are requiring for various jobs. That's how you'd know what Major or Major and Minor path would benefit you once you've graduated and are looking for work.
So it's a matter of securing the career choice that you want and deciding if a minor would be of help as minors are not necessary in college. Think about how heavy your Major would be once you've chosen it and find out from the college how many units of credit the college you'll attend considers a Minor. You could also take separate electives in the subject you like if you could fit them in with whatever Major. This will take some exploring and being well informed so that when you graduate, you would be qualified for a career, aligning your degree to a specific career.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
To be honest with you, it is always advisable to gear one's Bachelors Degree to a specific career that one may have already chosen and not choose a Major and figure out what you'd be qualified for. I see that you have an interest in Psychology and Law, so these two specific exciting careers can be explored for both the academic paths as well as the careers. Do you want to be a Psychologist or a Lawyer ? It's worth exploring rather than predicting what actual careers would fit a degree.
Three options; Psychology Bachelors (no minor) and then a Masters Degree in Clinical Psychology or Mental Health Counseling. There is no "pre-law" major. It's more like you take various courses connected to law, government, etc. and you could Major in Political Science or Government then go to Law School to be a Lawyer. A Bachelors in Psychology with a Minor in government or political science would not qualify you for very much and the job may not be too much filled with the need for psychology or law. After your Bachelors you could then go for your para-legal certification and be a para-legal. You would probably be able to get a job as a community based social service Case Manager, or a Program Manager, but not too much law would be needed for that. It is not too high paying unless you work at an agency in a city or county that has lots of funding for social services. With the psychology major and law minor you may be able to work in local politics and work your way up the ladder.
That is speculation, so a good idea would be to read the jobs on Indeed and other employment sites. See what degrees they are requiring for various jobs. That's how you'd know what Major or Major and Minor path would benefit you once you've graduated and are looking for work.
So it's a matter of securing the career choice that you want and deciding if a minor would be of help as minors are not necessary in college. Think about how heavy your Major would be once you've chosen it and find out from the college how many units of credit the college you'll attend considers a Minor. You could also take separate electives in the subject you like if you could fit them in with whatever Major. This will take some exploring and being well informed so that when you graduate, you would be qualified for a career, aligning your degree to a specific career.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Consultant and Freelance Writer, TRIO Program Administrator
1009
Answers
Updated
Paul’s Answer
Yes, majoring in psychology and minoring in pre-law is a strong option for preparing for legal careers or in pursuing law school
No specific undergraduate major is required or preferred for legal careers or law school admission, but the psychology major builds many valuable skills essential for a legal career.
You might look at regional community colleges and junior colleges, to check and see if they have a paralegal studies program, if you are considering something in the legal profession (or do not want to attend a law school). Some have an accelerated paralegal degree program, if you have attained a bachelors degree from a college or university.
No specific undergraduate major is required or preferred for legal careers or law school admission, but the psychology major builds many valuable skills essential for a legal career.
You might look at regional community colleges and junior colleges, to check and see if they have a paralegal studies program, if you are considering something in the legal profession (or do not want to attend a law school). Some have an accelerated paralegal degree program, if you have attained a bachelors degree from a college or university.
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
1185
Answers
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hi Kan,
This is a very clever mix of hobbies. The best careers are built where your curiosity meets your calling. Depending on your career goals, a psychology major with a pre-law minor might lead to several interesting opportunities.
Gaining a solid understanding of human thought, emotion, and behavior through psychology is highly beneficial, not only in therapy or counseling, but also in advocacy, policy, law, and leadership. A pre-law minor increases your ability for critical thought, logical reasoning, and general understanding, all of which are necessary for making a significant difference.
Some possible directions this combination could take you are as follows:
- Law & Policy: You could become a lawyer, legal researcher, or policy analyst focused on human behavior or social justice.
- Forensic Psychology: Working within the justice system to assess, counsel, or support individuals.
- Advocacy & Human Rights: Combining empathy with systemic thinking to influence change.
- Corporate or HR roles: Helping organizations understand people, ethics, and decision-making.
Actually, you get flexibility with this major-minor combination, which is a blessing. You may explore the systemic and human aspects of problem-solving.
Join debate or psychology clubs, take internships, and speak with experts in both subjects to begin your exploration as early as possible. You'll be able to see where your enthusiasm comes from.
It's not necessary for you to know everything right now. Combining strategy and emotion in a way that can truly make a difference puts you on the correct track. Continue to follow your curiosity; it's your finest guide.
Best wishes!
This is a very clever mix of hobbies. The best careers are built where your curiosity meets your calling. Depending on your career goals, a psychology major with a pre-law minor might lead to several interesting opportunities.
Gaining a solid understanding of human thought, emotion, and behavior through psychology is highly beneficial, not only in therapy or counseling, but also in advocacy, policy, law, and leadership. A pre-law minor increases your ability for critical thought, logical reasoning, and general understanding, all of which are necessary for making a significant difference.
Some possible directions this combination could take you are as follows:
- Law & Policy: You could become a lawyer, legal researcher, or policy analyst focused on human behavior or social justice.
- Forensic Psychology: Working within the justice system to assess, counsel, or support individuals.
- Advocacy & Human Rights: Combining empathy with systemic thinking to influence change.
- Corporate or HR roles: Helping organizations understand people, ethics, and decision-making.
Actually, you get flexibility with this major-minor combination, which is a blessing. You may explore the systemic and human aspects of problem-solving.
Join debate or psychology clubs, take internships, and speak with experts in both subjects to begin your exploration as early as possible. You'll be able to see where your enthusiasm comes from.
It's not necessary for you to know everything right now. Combining strategy and emotion in a way that can truly make a difference puts you on the correct track. Continue to follow your curiosity; it's your finest guide.
Best wishes!
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. I am glad to know that you have interest in phycology.
Below are my suggestions :
1. Would you have interest to become Clinical Psychologist, Psychiatric Psychologist, School Counsellor, Social Worker, Forensic Psychologist, Criminal Investigator, Human Resources, etc. ?
2. You can find out more on these careers and determine what you have interest
3. Find out more on these careers and determine what you have interest
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue
5. Explore the entry criteria of relevant subjects in the colleges
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Below are my suggestions :
1. Would you have interest to become Clinical Psychologist, Psychiatric Psychologist, School Counsellor, Social Worker, Forensic Psychologist, Criminal Investigator, Human Resources, etc. ?
2. You can find out more on these careers and determine what you have interest
3. Find out more on these careers and determine what you have interest
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue
5. Explore the entry criteria of relevant subjects in the colleges
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Updated
Julia’s Answer
It really depends on where your passion lies. Personally, I started out thinking I wanted to be a nurse or a clinical psychologist. I was working full-time while going to school, and during that time I found myself drawn to the insurance industry. What I realized was that I genuinely loved working with people and understanding human behavior—two things that are at the heart of both psychology and client services.
I went on to finish my BS in Psychology and later earned a master’s degree in Industrial and Organizational Psychology. That foundation has been incredibly valuable in leading the teams I manage today. It gave me insight into motivation, team dynamics, and organizational behavior—skills that are essential in leadership, especially in industries like insurance, consulting, HR, and client services.
So yes, majoring in psychology and minoring in pre-law or something similar can absolutely open doors. You could explore careers in:
Human Resources or Talent Development
Organizational Consulting
Client Services or Account Management
Insurance and Risk Analysis
Legal support roles or compliance
Public policy or advocacy
Behavioral research or UX design
Just because you major in psychology doesn’t mean you have to become a psychologist. The degree teaches you transferable skills like communication, empathy, critical thinking, and data interpretation—all of which are highly valued across industries.
My advice? Research what each path can offer and see if it aligns with your interests. Think about what energizes you day-to-day. If you love understanding people, solving problems, and making an impact, psychology paired with pre-law could be a powerful combination.
I went on to finish my BS in Psychology and later earned a master’s degree in Industrial and Organizational Psychology. That foundation has been incredibly valuable in leading the teams I manage today. It gave me insight into motivation, team dynamics, and organizational behavior—skills that are essential in leadership, especially in industries like insurance, consulting, HR, and client services.
So yes, majoring in psychology and minoring in pre-law or something similar can absolutely open doors. You could explore careers in:
Human Resources or Talent Development
Organizational Consulting
Client Services or Account Management
Insurance and Risk Analysis
Legal support roles or compliance
Public policy or advocacy
Behavioral research or UX design
Just because you major in psychology doesn’t mean you have to become a psychologist. The degree teaches you transferable skills like communication, empathy, critical thinking, and data interpretation—all of which are highly valued across industries.
My advice? Research what each path can offer and see if it aligns with your interests. Think about what energizes you day-to-day. If you love understanding people, solving problems, and making an impact, psychology paired with pre-law could be a powerful combination.
Updated
Donald’s Answer
To answer this question, it would depend on what you would like to do after. If you did setup your major and minor like this, it sets you up to get into graduate school in Psychology, Medicine, Law, etc. If you choose not to pursue grad school, you’re still well positioned to work in various different fields of healthcare and business.
So the big question now is, what do envision yourself doing 5 -10 years later.
Hope this helps.
So the big question now is, what do envision yourself doing 5 -10 years later.
Hope this helps.
Updated
Don’s Answer
Hello Kan,
There are many different good opportunities for jobs in psychology and pre-law. I will create a list of different careers or jobs that are offered in both positions. Also, depending on if you want to get more than a bachelors degree or not will also vary your options with what is available. I hope this helps!
Psychology:
-Human Resources
-Social Servies
-Marketing and Sales
-Psychologist
Pre-Law:
-Paralegal
-Law Enforcement Officer
-Contract Administrator
-Court Clerk
There are many different good opportunities for jobs in psychology and pre-law. I will create a list of different careers or jobs that are offered in both positions. Also, depending on if you want to get more than a bachelors degree or not will also vary your options with what is available. I hope this helps!
Psychology:
-Human Resources
-Social Servies
-Marketing and Sales
-Psychologist
Pre-Law:
-Paralegal
-Law Enforcement Officer
-Contract Administrator
-Court Clerk