how can you be a lawyer majoring in political science

Depending on your school, you can graduate with either a B.A. or B.S. in political science. Political science is a logical choice for future law students. The overlap between the political and legal worlds means that you’ll be entering law school with a strong foundation to build upon.

Full Answer

Can I become a lawyer with a political science degree?

A political science degree will help you along your way to becoming a lawyer. On its own, a degree in political science is not enough to be a lawyer. Lawyers need to earn a juris doctor (JD) degree in order to practice. Learn more, do more. More topic-relevant resources to expand your knowledge.

What should I major in to become a lawyer?

That said, be sure to supplement business fundamentals with humanities and liberal arts electives so you can train your analytical and critical thinking muscles, as well as practice research and writing, too. Consider majoring in a discipline that is related to the type of law you want to practice.

What can I do with a degree in Political Science?

Your final decision about your major and career should take into account your unique values, skills, personality traits, and interests. If you choose political science as a major, you’ll have a wide variety of options open to you after graduation. 1. Policy Analyst

Can You major in Political Science and minor in something else?

Alternatively, a minor may be selected by the political science student. Minor programs will have a requirement between 18 and 30 credits. Dual major and minors that are typically paired with political science include history, economics, business, and international affairs.

Is Political Science a good major for law school?

Political Science Approximately 81 percent of the 12,693 law school applicants who majored in political science were admitted. The average LSAT score for this major was 153.4. Political science is overwhelmingly the most popular major for pre-law students.

Do lawyers earn degrees in Political Science?

Many lawyers majored in Political Science in their undergraduate years, because the major provided them with an ample understanding of the way law and government systems function in the United States. But post-graduation, the path to becoming a lawyer is far from over.

What does Political Science have to do with law?

Political science is a rigorous discipline that can benefit both legal scholars and lawyers. Public Law—the subfield of political science that studies law and courts—has much to offer in understanding how judges make decisions and how larger political and institutional contexts affect the legal system.

Can I do law after BA political science?

Although there is a graduate level 5-year LLB course to enter the field of law, you can still enter the field after completing BA (H) Political Science by pursuing a 3-year LLB course and passing the All India Bar examination conducted by the Bar Council of India.

Can a BA political science student become a lawyer?

B programme after completing the Bachelor's degree in Political Science. One must clear the national-level or state-level law entrance exams to get admission in LLB programme.

Can a law student do PhD in political science?

Yes of course you can pursue PhD in law after doing ma in Political science.

Does political science pay well?

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects 6% job growth for political scientists between 2019 and 2029. Political scientists earned a median annual salary of $122,220 in 2019. The following table provides average annual salaries for a few political science careers at different stages.

What jobs can I get with a political science degree?

Jobs for Political Science GradsLobbyist.Lawyer.Diplomat or foreign service officer.Political scientist.Professor.Business executive.Political consultant.Government official.More items...•

What Is the Difference Between Political Science and Public Administration?

Political science is theoretical, and public administration is practical. Political science focuses on the policies, individuals, and happenings th...

What Jobs Hire Political Science Majors?

Political science majors can work as political campaign workers, market analysts, legal assistants, and community service workers.

Is Political Science a Competitive Major?

Political science is not a highly competitive major, but it is one that can lead to continued study and professional opportunities in numerous sett...

Can You Be a Lawyer With a Political Science Degree?

A political science degree will help you along your way to becoming a lawyer. On its own, a degree in political science is not enough to be a lawye...

What are the jobs for a political science major?

10 Job Options for Political Science Majors. 1. Policy Analyst. Since political science majors study the process for generating public policy, the role of policy analyst is a natural application of their work as a student. Policy analysts rely on strong critical thinking, writing, and research skills as they formulate statements about ...

What do political science majors study?

Political science majors study how laws are made and the comparative structures of governments across the world. They learn how public policy is formulated and the impact of policy on the social and economic status of the populace.

What is a political consultant?

Political consultants use the knowledge of the political process gained by political science majors to devise strategies for candidates to influence voters and gain support in their campaigns for office. Political consultants help to brand candidates and repair damaged images.

What is the job of a lawyer?

Lawyers working for political figures, interest groups, and lobbying firms use the legal research skills developed by political science majors to conduct research about legislative and policy issues. They help draft and edit the language for bills, and assess the legal precedents for pending legislation.

What is a political campaign staff?

Political campaign staff members help to formulate and execute campaign strategy. They work towards building a brand or favorable public image for the candidate. Staffers use the ability of the political science major to study current political issues and assess voter reactions to a candidate's platform.

How much does a policy analyst make?

Salary: According to PayScale, the average salary for a policy analyst is $59,135. In terms of salary range, the top 10% earn $82,000 or higher and the bottom 10% earn $42,000 or less. 1 . 2. Legislative Assistant.

Why is critical thinking important in political science?

Critical thinking is vital to evaluating the platforms of political parties and the impact of leadership changes. During their studies, political science majors learn how power is acquired, how campaigns are waged, and how public opinion can be influenced.

What is the closest thing to law school?

Political Science. Of all majors, this may be the closest to a "law school" curriculum as you can get. In this major, you'll study political systems, public policy, international relations and the relationship between government, the law, and individual rights, among other things.

What do philosophy majors study?

Philosophy majors delve deep into the study of logic, ethics, and morality —areas of thought that also happen to be the cornerstones of law. You'll debate with classmates, present arguments and do a lot of research to support your case, which is not all that different from what lawyers do to prepare for court.

What is an economics major?

Not only are economics majors trained to think logically and analytically, but economic policies and procedures, as well as how resources are distributed and managed, are topics closely connected to the legal issues you'll encounter as a lawyer.

What do history majors learn?

From a practical standpoint, history majors are also tasked with lots of research and writing and must learn to draw conclusions based on historical documents, a great precursor to the work you'll do in law school.

Does it matter what you study as an undergraduate?

If you have your heart set on landing a legal gig, it's important to know that it doesn't necessarily matter what you study as an undergraduate. This is truly a profession suited to those coming from vast educational backgrounds.

Is business a good major?

A business major is a good option for those who plan to go into corporate law. That said, be sure to supplement business fundamentals with humanities and liberal arts electives so you can train your analytical and critical thinking muscles, as well as practice research and writing, too.

Why do lawyers need an English major?

The English major is a very popular major for law school because of its immediately obvious benefits: advanced reading comprehension and persuasive writing skills. Students of the English major study dense and complex literature and are then required to process the information, make connections and create organized analytical arguments and defend positions. In this light, the critical thinking skills required of English majors mirror the skills required by law students. Strong reading and writing skills are required by all lawyers, so the English major is a no-brainer when it comes to selecting a major for law school.

What is political science?

Political science is the study of government systems, political behavior, and how the judicial system works. This is where a political science degree shows its advantage in law school. Students in this field often have a better understanding of how laws are created and executed as well as the history behind them.

What are the skills required for an English major?

In this light, the critical thinking skills required of English majors mirror the skills required by law students.

What is psychology major?

Through the psychology major’s coursework, students develop a solid understanding of how people can make correct or incorrect judgments that can lead to things like stereotyping, prejudice, or discrimination. Psychology courses also teach students how to network and prepare for negotiations.

Why is sociology a good major?

Sociology is a great major for potential law students because it studies the big picture of society. It looks at the social issues we face in our society like poverty, economic justice, racial discrimination, and LGBT rights. Sociology looks at the way the law can help, and how to develop solutions to fight inequality. In this light, sociology is a great area of focus for students that hope to one day end up using the law to affect public policy.

Is philosophy a difficult major?

Philosophy is a difficult major.

Does the law school test for legal understanding?

Since the test doesn’t actually test for legal understanding, but rather reading, writing, and critical thinking skills, then your choice of an undergraduate degree is up to you to decide. That said, law schools tend to prefer students that have a wide range of course work.

What is a bachelors in political science?

The bachelor of political science degree is the standard introductory degree in the world of politics, public policy, and the legal fields. As with an associate degree, your bachelor’s degree program will provide introductory–level education on policy development, government, and the history of political systems.

What is political science?

A political science degree gives you a grounding in systems of government, the various political ideologies that drive policy and behavior, and how social, cultural, and economic factors intersect with both. Most hot–button issues are intrinsically political, including healthcare, education, the environment, law enforcement, class systems, ...

How many law schools are accredited by the ABA?

At the time of writing, the ABA has lent its stamp of approval to 203 schools. The ABA provides the definitive accreditation service for law schools. There is no way for a school to legally provide the doctor of jurisprudence (J.D.) degree without their approval. Of the 203 ABA schools, one is under provisional status.

What is a doctorate in government?

The Ph.D. is the classic scholar’s degree. If you’re pursuing a career in academics, you’ll probably require a doctorate. This gives you the credentials to teach government and politics at the college level. The Ph.D. usually, involves two years of advanced coursework, including comprehensive examinations, teaching responsibilities, and the completion of a book–length dissertation. Only, those who love the subject enough to spend years writing should even consider this degree. It usually takes at least five years to complete a Ph.D., although taking six or seven years is not uncommon.

What are the political parties?

Political Parties. Most Americans who affiliate with a political party identify as either Republicans or Democrats. Other notable parties in the U.S. include the Green Party, the Libertarian Party, and smaller niche parties like the Constitutionalists, Communist Party and the Reform Party.

What is a professional association in political science?

Professional associations are a fantastic way to make connections in your field, learn about valuable seminars or certifications, and improve your own credentials. The political science association or associations you choose to join will depend to an extent on the career path you take.

How many members does the American Political Science Association have?

Founded in 1903, the American Political Science Association is the leading professional organization for those interested in the field. It has over 12,000 members spread across 80 countries and serves as a focal point for scholarship and constructive dialogue about politics.

What does it mean to be a political science major?

Got it! Political science as a potential college major often means the student has aspirations of securing a government job in public office. Political science students will study the subjects needed to understand how various government agencies operate and how these organizations were first founded.

How long does it take to get a political science degree?

Accelerated options could be offered, but standard political science bachelor degrees take an average of four years to complete when attending full-time. For part-time students, a bachelor degree program could take longer, up to six years if five classes or less are completed each year.

How much do paralegals make?

Paralegals have an average annual salary of $51,740 while attorneys make approximately $123,000 each year. Paralegals are hired after finishing a bachelor degree program and taking a certification exam. Attorneys earn a higher salary, but will graduate from law school after finishing a political science degree program.

How much do political science professors make?

At this level, political science professors make around $79,500 per year. The salary range for government officials has a large range.

How much do public relations managers make?

Public relations managers earn an even higher wage with an average of more than $77,000 per year. A salary for political science degree graduates who choose a career in consultancy can also be enticing. Consultants, including campaign managers, make an average of $73,000 annually.

What is a political science certificate?

A political science online certificate is available to both job seekers and those who are currently employed. Political science certifications add more skills to a resume and may also be a requirement of employers. A political science certificate online is a convenient option for those who are already enrolled in classes or working. Some organizations offer low-cost or free certifications for political science majors. Although not all of these certifications are required by employer, the proceeding are the most widespread in the field.

What is a public relations degree?

Public Relations Specialist -With a bachelor degree in political science, graduates could work as a public relations specialist for government officials, businesses, and celebrities. The specialist looks for ways to improve public image and bury negative press.

Careers with a Political Science Degree

Unlike engineering, education, accounting, management, nursing, or other undergraduate professional degrees, there is no clear career path for you to take once you’ve earned a political science degree.

What Political Science Can Teach You

Political Science is the study of politics; the nature, causes, and results of collective decisions and actions taken by groups of people embedded in the cultures and institutions that structure power and authority on local, regional and federal levels.

List of Directly Relevant Careers

The field-specific skills and knowledge you'll gain are best applied to the following occupations (some may require additional training, experience and education of course):

Careers Well Suited for these Transferrable Skills

Not interested in a career that’s directly related to political science degree? That’s okay, because of the transferrable skills you'll gain, you'll have no shortage of employment fields to choose from, including (but certainly not limited to):

What is political science?

Political science is a humanities and social science field that explores national and international political systems, policies, history and current events. Professionals with a political science background have developed skills in written communication, public speaking, research, analysis and critical thinking.

What is the job of a political affairs officer?

Primary duties: A political affairs officer is in charge of monitoring a region's cultural and political climates to provide intelligence to their employing nation's government. They conduct research, write frequent reports and consult with local constituents. Their goal is to keep their government informed of any potential or sudden shifts that could impact the safety of either country's citizens or the partnership between the two nations.

What is the primary job of a research analyst?

Primary duties: A research analyst organizes, visualizes and interprets large, complex data sets to make valuable insights. They use data to make projections, test hypotheses and identify trends to help an organization make well-informed decisions. These professionals can work in political science-related fields like economics, public policy, government operations, intelligence and many others.

What is a policy analyst?

Policy analysts can specialize in one of four key areas, including quantitative research for both drafted and current policy, analysis and revision on drafted policy, evaluation of current policy and internal and external communications.

What is a legislative aide?

They are often responsible for brainstorming legislation ideas, providing revisions and recommendations as well as answering questions for the media and other legislators. They typically work for government officials or agencies, political advocacy groups or nonprofit organizations.

What is the primary job of a professor?

Primary duties: A professor teaches courses in their academic discipline at a college or university. They give lectures, facilitate discussion, proctor exams, assign essays and other projects and grade student work.

How much does a journalist make?

National average salary: $35,427 per year. Primary duties: A journalist writes articles, reports and op-eds for a variety of publications, including newspapers, magazines and websites. They gather research and interview sources to tell engaging, informative and impactful stories about people, places and events.

What is the most popular major for law students?

Political science is the most popular major for those planning to head to law school for good reason. As a political science major, you’ll study the theory and practice of government and its link to the legal system. Whether you earn your political science bachelor’s degree online or on-campus, your coursework will cover how laws are created and executed and you’ll learn about the history behind each law’s formation. You’ll also gain a strong understanding of topics such as political theory, international relations, and political methodology. Depending on your school, you can graduate with either a B.A. or B.S. in political science .

What do you study in law school with a philosophy degree?

Philosophy students study human thought and debate on age-old topics such as knowledge, existence, ethics, and truth. Your coursework can include subjects like ancient and modern philosophy, ethics, theory and logic, and metaphysics. You’ll likely take deep dives into the works of renowned philosophers like Plato, Kant, Descartes, and Nietzsche. Most schools will offer a B.A. in philosophy, but B.S. options may also exist.

What is sociology major?

While the official definition of sociology is the study of institutions, those who choose this major will quickly find that it entails much more. As a sociology major, you’ll discover how societies interact, how groups work together, and how human behavior influences it all. You’ll learn how different systems and structures govern humans and communities and you’ll walk away with knowledge running the gamut from anthropology and psychology to philosophy and political science.

What do you learn in psychology?

As a psychology major, you’ll learn to understand how and why people act and think as they do. You’ll gain insight into the human mind through courses covering topics such as human development and behavior, language, creativity, and emotion and motivation. Graduates of psychology programs can apply their understanding of the human mind to a variety of positions and it’s a popular starting point for a number of graduate degrees. Whether you earn an online psychology degree or opt for the traditional route, most schools offer either a B.A. or B.S. for psych students.

What is criminal justice?

Like political science, criminal justice is a natural undergraduate major for those applying to law school. As a criminal justice major, you will develop an understanding of the American justice system’s three main branches: the courts, the police, and prisons. You’ll likely be required to take courses in administration, constitutional law, criminal justice, evidence, forensics, law, criminal profiling, and judicial process. Most programs are interdisciplinary and require you to take some courses that fall under the political science, sociology, psychology, and philosophy departments. You can earn a B.A. or a B.S. in criminal justice and both online criminal justice degrees and in-person programs exist.

What do you learn in economics?

As an economics major, you’ll learn about concepts ranging from supply and demand to taxation, inflation, unemployment, and more. You’ll gain an understanding of how our markets work along with international markets and you’ll get insight into how the economy impacts government policies. Your studies will teach you how to think like an economist by developing your critical thinking and reasoning skills and you’ll discover how to apply this skillset to various professions. While other options may be available, most schools will over a B.S. for economics majors.

What is political science?

Political science -- the study of governments, political processes and public policies -- was founded as a separate academic field at South Carolina College in 1825 and was initially called "political economy.". From the beginning, political science was seen as connected with the study of law, because laws are created and implemented by political ...

What is the most common credential for a paralegal?

The most common credential is a certificate.

When did paralegals start?

The paralegal profession appeared in the United States in the late 1960s, when experienced legal secretaries began carrying out tasks, such as legal research and writing, that had previously been reserved only for lawyers.

Can you combine political science and paralegal studies?

Political science and paralegal studies can be easily combined as a double major or a major and a minor, if a college offers undergraduate degree programs in both subjects. One example is the University of Louisville's bachelor's degree in political science with a concentration in paralegal studies. The university recommends that students take ...

Is political science a good major for paralegals?

Science Jobs. By Robin Elizabeth Margolis. Majoring in political science is a useful preparation for a paralegal job, because the U.S. legal system and American political organizations are tightly intertwined. Undergraduate students can sign up for double majors in paralegal studies and political science, if their college or university offers both.

History

English

Philosophy

Political Science

Economics

Business

General Tips

Political Science

See more on edsmart.org

Psychology

Criminal Justice

English

History

Economics

Philosophy

Sociology

Communications

Science