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Best Major for Law School?
Hi, I am a current high school senior wondering what would be the best major for someone who's trying to get into law school.
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Kevin Greenlees
Accountant, Financial Analyst, Automations Developer
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Kevin’s Answer
The general consensus is that a political science major is going to give you the most exposure to the U.S. constitution and critical discussions thereon.
It's worth adding that law school and a legal career will be dominated by arguments, so if you want to enter that fray with an appropriate tool set, you'd do very well to major (or at least minor) in philosophy.
That said, all of this is moot if you don't do well in your undergrad studies. Few law schools will want to accept an applicant who had a 2.5 GPA, so be sure to select a field that holds your interest and in which you can excel.
Also consider that if you're considering a particular niche within the world of law, that should guide your decision as well. For example, if you want to work in tax law, you should probably major in accounting. If you want to focus on business law, well, a business degree or even an economics degree should suit you. Engineering majors do well, as do math majors.
The key thing that's going to get you into law school is a good GPA, a strong score on the LSAT, and a robust application.
As an aside, of my many friends who are JDs, there are two who stand out as having the most successful careers in law (in terms of prestige and income, if that's what you're after). The first majored in English at a small state college, but focused intensely on studying for the LSAT. She did so well, and prepared her applications so thoroughly that she was accepted into all of the top 16 law schools in the U.S. She graduated from Harvard Law School, worked at a law firm that routinely represents a former U.S. President and other top tier clients, and now serves as the general counsel for a Fortune 500 company.
The second majored in criminal justice with a minor in Russian at a small private college, and graduated from a small law school with little prestige. He worked his way into his city's District Attorney's office, jumped around, served as the primary legal counsel for a small South Pacific island nation, moved into a role with the U.S. Department of State, and now operates a consulting firm specializing in the defense industry.
All of that is to suggest that you don't know where your path might take you. Neither of them were focused on careers in law when they were in undergrad programs, and both ended up practicing law at a very high level, with healthy compensation. Study what you're passionate about in undergrad, prep for the LSAT like crazy, and be open to career niches as they emerge.
It's worth adding that law school and a legal career will be dominated by arguments, so if you want to enter that fray with an appropriate tool set, you'd do very well to major (or at least minor) in philosophy.
That said, all of this is moot if you don't do well in your undergrad studies. Few law schools will want to accept an applicant who had a 2.5 GPA, so be sure to select a field that holds your interest and in which you can excel.
Also consider that if you're considering a particular niche within the world of law, that should guide your decision as well. For example, if you want to work in tax law, you should probably major in accounting. If you want to focus on business law, well, a business degree or even an economics degree should suit you. Engineering majors do well, as do math majors.
The key thing that's going to get you into law school is a good GPA, a strong score on the LSAT, and a robust application.
As an aside, of my many friends who are JDs, there are two who stand out as having the most successful careers in law (in terms of prestige and income, if that's what you're after). The first majored in English at a small state college, but focused intensely on studying for the LSAT. She did so well, and prepared her applications so thoroughly that she was accepted into all of the top 16 law schools in the U.S. She graduated from Harvard Law School, worked at a law firm that routinely represents a former U.S. President and other top tier clients, and now serves as the general counsel for a Fortune 500 company.
The second majored in criminal justice with a minor in Russian at a small private college, and graduated from a small law school with little prestige. He worked his way into his city's District Attorney's office, jumped around, served as the primary legal counsel for a small South Pacific island nation, moved into a role with the U.S. Department of State, and now operates a consulting firm specializing in the defense industry.
All of that is to suggest that you don't know where your path might take you. Neither of them were focused on careers in law when they were in undergrad programs, and both ended up practicing law at a very high level, with healthy compensation. Study what you're passionate about in undergrad, prep for the LSAT like crazy, and be open to career niches as they emerge.
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Consultant and Freelance Writer
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Paul’s Answer
Maybe something like a Bachelors in Social Sciences.
This would provide a good combination of courses that will assist in understanding American Government and the legal and judicial system, history, business and economics, psychology, sociology, and other subjects you would need in law school.
Though one specific major is required to go to law school, I have been told that having an understanding of the legal system, government, history, and other social sciences is very helpful in achieving success in law school.
This would provide a good combination of courses that will assist in understanding American Government and the legal and judicial system, history, business and economics, psychology, sociology, and other subjects you would need in law school.
Though one specific major is required to go to law school, I have been told that having an understanding of the legal system, government, history, and other social sciences is very helpful in achieving success in law school.
Updated
Lola’s Answer
The best major for you to have in college in order to prepare for law school is the major that will give you the highest GPA you can attain. The major itself doesn't really matter as long as you have a high GPA and a high LSAT score. I think you should focus on learning how to learn and learning how to write clearly and persuasively. In terms of the law, you will be learning what you need to know in law school as well as on the job post law school.
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Job’s Answer
You should study philosophy, reasoning, logic or political science. I would also advise joining the debate team.
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James’s Answer
Hello Tahsin,
Just like others have pointed out, a degree in political science used to be the go-to option for aspiring lawyers. It's what I pursued during my undergraduate years and it served me well. However, the landscape has changed and it's not the only viable choice anymore.
If you have a genuine interest in politics or government and you're certain about attending law school, then a political science degree could still be a good fit for you. But, there are a few things to bear in mind.
Firstly, if you're not completely sure about going to law school, it might be worth exploring degrees that offer a wider range of job opportunities post-graduation. A political science degree without the follow-up of law school can limit your career options.
Secondly, law schools nowadays appreciate diversity in their students' undergraduate backgrounds. My law school class, for instance, included business majors, engineers, and even pre-med students.
Most importantly, choose a major that aligns with your interests and abilities. To secure a spot in law school, you'll need to excel in your undergraduate studies. So, it's crucial to pick a subject that you not only enjoy but also feel confident in excelling at.
Best of luck with your decision!
Just like others have pointed out, a degree in political science used to be the go-to option for aspiring lawyers. It's what I pursued during my undergraduate years and it served me well. However, the landscape has changed and it's not the only viable choice anymore.
If you have a genuine interest in politics or government and you're certain about attending law school, then a political science degree could still be a good fit for you. But, there are a few things to bear in mind.
Firstly, if you're not completely sure about going to law school, it might be worth exploring degrees that offer a wider range of job opportunities post-graduation. A political science degree without the follow-up of law school can limit your career options.
Secondly, law schools nowadays appreciate diversity in their students' undergraduate backgrounds. My law school class, for instance, included business majors, engineers, and even pre-med students.
Most importantly, choose a major that aligns with your interests and abilities. To secure a spot in law school, you'll need to excel in your undergraduate studies. So, it's crucial to pick a subject that you not only enjoy but also feel confident in excelling at.
Best of luck with your decision!
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Tahsin,
I guess the answer sort of depends on whether you want a BA that will simply prepare you for law school, or one that will also prepare you for a career as an attorney?
Law schools are very flexible as to what majors they accept. The traditional liberal arts path (political science/sociology) is no longer the most recommended one. Why?
You can pick up certain skills that will help you make it through law school in many ways. Using your electives and required coursework wisely, as well as by joining extracurricular activities, you can do speech and debate. You can join the pre-law club. Get on the school newspaper. You can take a class or two in law. Definitely take Logic!
Major in something that will help you in your career. Do you want to go into medical malpractice? Perhaps major in science/healthcare. Do you want to start your own firm? Perhaps get a business background.
Major in something you can use to get a job if your plans to go to law school do not materialize. Things change. A degree in accounting, if that interests you, might be better than a degree in political science.
Law schools have informative websites, which I'd recommend you review as soon as possible so you can start working on meeting their expectations. Beyond the degree, they are looking for things such as community involvement and leadership.
Best of luck to you!
I guess the answer sort of depends on whether you want a BA that will simply prepare you for law school, or one that will also prepare you for a career as an attorney?
Law schools are very flexible as to what majors they accept. The traditional liberal arts path (political science/sociology) is no longer the most recommended one. Why?
You can pick up certain skills that will help you make it through law school in many ways. Using your electives and required coursework wisely, as well as by joining extracurricular activities, you can do speech and debate. You can join the pre-law club. Get on the school newspaper. You can take a class or two in law. Definitely take Logic!
Major in something that will help you in your career. Do you want to go into medical malpractice? Perhaps major in science/healthcare. Do you want to start your own firm? Perhaps get a business background.
Major in something you can use to get a job if your plans to go to law school do not materialize. Things change. A degree in accounting, if that interests you, might be better than a degree in political science.
Law schools have informative websites, which I'd recommend you review as soon as possible so you can start working on meeting their expectations. Beyond the degree, they are looking for things such as community involvement and leadership.
Best of luck to you!
Updated
Baljit’s Answer
Hi Tahsin,
Most individuals would say try to do a Political Science undergrad degree. I would also suggest that some colleges offer Law B.A too. Both of theses degrees would expose you to critical thinking and investigative subjects. A Law B.A would defiantly give you some insight on what to expect with your JD.
Most individuals would say try to do a Political Science undergrad degree. I would also suggest that some colleges offer Law B.A too. Both of theses degrees would expose you to critical thinking and investigative subjects. A Law B.A would defiantly give you some insight on what to expect with your JD.
Alan Weber
writer and retired teacher, teacher educator and academic advisor
207
Answers
Updated
Alan’s Answer
Tahsin, generally the answer is Political Science, along, obviously, with taking any law-related classes that your chosen college offers. Sociology and Communications classes would also be of great value.