3 answers
Dakota
Student
Palos Verdes Estates, California
1
Question
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Should I stick with a psychology major or switch to criminal justice if I want to become a lawyer ?
I am a first-year community college student currently majoring in psychology, and I plan to become a lawyer in the future. I chose psychology because I believe understanding human behavior is important in law, especially when working with clients, juries, and cases involving mental health.
I’m wondering if I should continue with psychology or switch to criminal justice to better prepare for law school. I would appreciate advice on which path is more beneficial for becoming a lawyer
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3 answers
Karin P.
Lecturer, Academic Advisor, Career Coach, Mentor
1209
Answers
Göttingen, Lower Saxony, Germany
Updated
Karin’s Answer
Hi Dakota,
Admission to law school does not require any specific undergraduate degree, just any bachelors. The general recommendation is to major in something that is reading and writing intensive and trains your logical reasoning skills.
I would agree that understanding human behavior is important as a lawyer. If you enjoy the program, stick with it - especially if you could see yourself using the degree for an alternative career (Plan B) in case you end up not going to law school (because life happens). I don't think criminal justice would be much more useful. It certainly wouldn't affect your admission to law school positively. If you want to you can take some electives from the criminal justice program or even add a minor.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
Admission to law school does not require any specific undergraduate degree, just any bachelors. The general recommendation is to major in something that is reading and writing intensive and trains your logical reasoning skills.
I would agree that understanding human behavior is important as a lawyer. If you enjoy the program, stick with it - especially if you could see yourself using the degree for an alternative career (Plan B) in case you end up not going to law school (because life happens). I don't think criminal justice would be much more useful. It certainly wouldn't affect your admission to law school positively. If you want to you can take some electives from the criminal justice program or even add a minor.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
DENNIS A BREEN
Lawyer
270
Answers
Cary, North Carolina
Updated
DENNIS A’s Answer
Dakota: Makes no difference! As Karin points out, your undergrad degree does not matter. What does matter is what makes you a better person. If you like Psy. stick with it!
Good luck!
Good luck!
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
1376
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hi Dakota,
The good news is that law schools do not require a specific major. Students get into law school from psychology, criminal justice, political science, business, English, and many other fields. What matters most is your grades, critical thinking skills, writing ability, and later your LSAT or other admissions requirements.
Psychology can be a strong choice for someone who wants to become a lawyer. As you mentioned, understanding human behavior is valuable in law. It can help with client communication, negotiation, jury dynamics, and cases involving trauma, family issues, or mental health. It also builds research and analytical thinking skills.
Criminal justice can also be useful, especially if you’re interested in criminal law, policing policy, corrections, or the justice system itself. It may give you more direct exposure to how legal systems operate, but it is not automatically a better path to law school.
So the better question is: Which major will you perform well in and stay engaged with? Strong grades and strong skills will help you more than choosing a major just because it sounds law-related. If you enjoy psychology and are doing well in it, there is no clear reason you need to switch. You could also strengthen your path by taking electives in criminal justice, government, writing, or public speaking if available. That gives you the best of both worlds.
My practical advice would be to stay with the major that interests you most and helps you earn strong grades, while building law-related skills around it. Many successful lawyers came from psychology backgrounds. You’re not behind or on the wrong path, you’re already building one that can work very well.
Best wishes!
The good news is that law schools do not require a specific major. Students get into law school from psychology, criminal justice, political science, business, English, and many other fields. What matters most is your grades, critical thinking skills, writing ability, and later your LSAT or other admissions requirements.
Psychology can be a strong choice for someone who wants to become a lawyer. As you mentioned, understanding human behavior is valuable in law. It can help with client communication, negotiation, jury dynamics, and cases involving trauma, family issues, or mental health. It also builds research and analytical thinking skills.
Criminal justice can also be useful, especially if you’re interested in criminal law, policing policy, corrections, or the justice system itself. It may give you more direct exposure to how legal systems operate, but it is not automatically a better path to law school.
So the better question is: Which major will you perform well in and stay engaged with? Strong grades and strong skills will help you more than choosing a major just because it sounds law-related. If you enjoy psychology and are doing well in it, there is no clear reason you need to switch. You could also strengthen your path by taking electives in criminal justice, government, writing, or public speaking if available. That gives you the best of both worlds.
My practical advice would be to stay with the major that interests you most and helps you earn strong grades, while building law-related skills around it. Many successful lawyers came from psychology backgrounds. You’re not behind or on the wrong path, you’re already building one that can work very well.
Best wishes!