what bachelor degree should i get to become lawyer uh

by Elisabeth Feeney MD 10 min read

What major do I need to get into law school? Often, students believe that they need to major in Political Science, Philosophy, or “Pre-Law” in order to apply to law school. In reality, law students come from all undergraduate majors, including the performing arts, languages, and natural sciences.

Full Answer

What are the requirements to become a UH Law Center Student?

A: You need a bachelor's degree from an accredited university and a current LSAT score or GRE score, the current UH Law Center application, a personal statement, letters of recommendation, and a list of extracurricular activities and/or a resume. Applicants educated in the U.S. must also register with CAS.

What are the best undergrad courses to take to become a lawyer?

The ABA recommends no specific majors or courses for undergraduates; instead, it recommends following your interests across a broad range of challenging courses, which will best develop the various skills required to become a lawyer. Southern Utah University: Do Economists Make Better Lawyers?

What does it take to become a lawyer with an English degree?

An English degree requires a large focus on critical reading and writing skills, which the American Bar Association lists as two of the core values needed before beginning education at a law school.

Should I major in law undergraduate study?

Students looking to pursue a career in law are free to choose the area of undergraduate study they are most interested in. Because there is so much latitude in choosing an undergraduate major, some students have a difficult time deciding which discipline is the best fit for them.

What bachelor degrees are best for law school?

Top 10 Best Pre-law Majors (see also: what did most law school students major in?)Psychology - 2,960 admitted. ... Criminal Justice - 2,220 admitted. ... English - 2,564 admitted. ... History - 2,657 admitted. ... Economics - 2,373 admitted. ... Philosophy - 1,858 admitted. ... Arts & Humanities - 1,496 admitted. ... Sociology - 1,327 admitted.More items...•

What is the bachelor degree for lawyer?

The Bachelor of Laws (LL. B.) is a four-year graduate program designed to help students become lawyers. The first two years of the Bachelor of Laws program are spent in rigorous classroom discussions, oral recitations, case study analysis, and debates.

Does U of H have a pre-law?

The University of Houston Law Center offers a Pre-Law Pipeline Program, designed to attract and encourage undergraduate students from low income, first generation, and underrepresented backgrounds to pursue legal careers.

Can you study law at University of Houston?

The College of Law, the academic branch of the Law Center, is fully accredited by the American Bar Association and the American Association of Law Schools. Two degrees are offered: doctor of jurisprudence (J.D.) and master of laws (LL. M.).

What should I study to become a lawyer?

Undergraduate Preperation: In order to become a Lawyer, students must pursue Undergraduate Law Courses such as LLB, BA LLB, BBA LLB or BSc LLB. However before enrolling into these courses they have to clear Law Entrance Exams such as CLAT, AILET, LSAT etc.

Can you be a lawyer with a bachelor's degree?

Once you have completed your undergraduate degree, and before you can apply to law school, you will need to take the LSAT (Law School Admission Test). Quebec-based law schools do not require the LSAT, but it is still recommended to take it.

Is uh a good law school?

The University of Houston Law Center ranks 56th in Best Law Schools in the U.S., 3rd in the U.H. Health Law and Policy and 12 nationally in part-time law by the U.S. News and World Report 2020.

Does UH have a law school?

University of Houston Law Center – A nationally ranked Texas law school – Houston, Texas.

What rank is University of Houston law school?

University of Houston Law Center 2023 Rankings University of Houston Law Center is ranked No. 58 (tie) in Best Law Schools and No. 9 (tie) in Part-time Law.

When should I prepare for law school?

In an ideal world, you would start your law school admissions process about two years before you intend to enroll, giving yourself ample time to research and apply to schools. So if you wanted to enter law school the fall after you graduate from college, you'd start planning around the fall of your junior year.

How do I get into University of Houston law school?

To be eligible for admission to the J.D. program, all applicants must:Hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university;Have a recent score on the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT); or GRE score.Register with the Credential Assembly Service (CAS).

How do I become a lawyer in Texas?

What Are the Requirements of Becoming a Lawyer in Texas?Complete an accredited bachelor's degree.Clear the LSAT exam.Graduate from an ABA accredited doctoral degree in Law (JD)Pass the Texas State Bar Exam.Be of good moral character.Clear a background check.Must be a legal US citizen and over the age of 18.More items...

History Related Course

Taking up a history-related course will get you acquainted with your culture’s evolution and expose you to how the legal and justice system has evolved. Aside from that, it will help your brain on becoming keen on processing details.

Philosophy

Studying in this field will hone your critical thinking skills, analyzing data, and organizing your thoughts in backing up your argument in the real world of courts and laws. When you take up this course, you will know more about the philosophical aspects of human nature and ethics, which is beneficial in proceeding with law studies.

Political Science

If you are interested in studying politics and government, you can opt for this degree as your pre-law degree. It is an extensive study of how politics is being run, theories, and practical applications in running a government. As well as understanding better what laws bind a constitution.

What Degree Does a Lawyer Need?

To become a lawyer, individuals need to spend seven years in school. Initially, students get their bachelor’s degree from a college or a university. Afterward, they must take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT). The student’s university grades and LSAT score will determine whether they get into the top law school of their choice.

How long does it take to become a lawyer?

To become a lawyer, individuals need to spend seven years in school. Initially, students get their bachelor’s degree from a college or a university. Afterward, they must take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT). The student’s university grades and LSAT score will determine whether they get into the law school of their choice.

What Happens After Law School?

Once the student successfully graduates from law school, their work is still not done. Every person who wants to become a lawyer must take a test known as the bar exam. If the student passes this test, people say that they have been admitted to the bar.

What is the test to become a lawyer?

Every person who wants to become a lawyer must take a test known as the bar exam. If the student passes this test, people say that they have been admitted to the bar. The exact rules for getting a license from the bar vary from state to state.

Is Law School Required?

While some states offer alternative ways to become a lawyer, law school is required in most states. Even when a state allows students to take the bar exam without a law degree, there are potential problems that students should watch out for. In the state of Washington, students can technically study and work for a lawyer for a set amount of time instead of going to law school. Then, they are allowed to take the bar exam. Only a few students ever choose this option because it can be extremely difficult to find a practicing lawyer who is willing to be the student’s mentor. Even if students manage to find a practicing lawyer to mentor them, they will still have a harder time getting hired without a law degree.

What is the best major for a lawyer?

Bachelor’s in Economics . Economics is an excellent major for aspiring lawyers, especially for those intending to work in corporate law, intellectual property, or another niche where an understanding of economic theory and the levers that drive capitalism can be useful.

What is a criminal justice degree?

Because the criminal justice and legal systems are so intertwined, a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice serves as an excellent undergraduate major in preparation for law school. Those considering work as a prosecuting or defense attorney may find the degree especially helpful, as the coursework and internships will give students a strong familiarity with the criminal justice system. Potential law students can also form helpful relationships with current lawyers that can provide insight into what it’s like to work in the criminal justice system. Helpful courses include criminology, criminal psychology, law & the criminal justice system, and social science research.

What is a business administration degree?

A bachelor’s degree in business administration is well suited for law school, especially those applicants considering a corporate law track where knowing business fundamentals is helpful . The coursework is rigorous in reading, writing, and quantitative analysis, which is also helpful in preparing for the LSAT.

What are the courses required to take the LSAT?

Courses such as business law, contract negotiations, and public speaking are just a few that have proven to be helpful.

How many pre-law students choose political science?

Approximately 12,000-13,000 pre-law students choose political science as an undergraduate major, making it the most popular major by a wide margin. One in five applicants has a bachelor’s degree in political science.

How do psychology and law intersect?

Psychology and law intersect well, as both deal with human thought and behavior. Psychology experts are relied upon heavily as witnesses and experts in many different legal cases and contexts. Having an understanding of psychological theory and its application can be helpful when it comes to preparing for law school.

What is a bachelors in public policy?

Bachelor’s in Public Policy. Public policy is a major component of law. In fact, public policy is nothing more than systems of laws, regulatory measures, and funding allocations that drive the policy out into society. Law shapes public policy and vice versa.

What are the requirements to become an attorney?

Regardless of which major aspiring attorneys choose during their undergraduate educational careers, there are two absolute requirements for entering law school. Students must earn top grades to gain admission to an accredited program. They must also get an acceptable score on the Law School Admission Test (LSAT).

What is the path to becoming a lawyer?

Though the path to becoming a lawyer isn’t simple, it ultimately leads to a career that is rewarding financially and professionally. From the first class a freshman student takes, a lawyer’s education is primarily about developing the core capabilities that make a person an analytical thinker and a compelling, persuasive communicator.

What are the best courses to get into law school?

For example, the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) recommends studying history, economics, English, and public speaking, among other courses. History courses can help students understand how laws came to be. Coursework in economics and mathematics prepares aspiring attorneys to understand the financial aspects of law. English and literature studies get students used to reading massive amounts of text, as they will have to do when they are lawyers studying laws and preparing for cases. Skills in public speaking are necessary for trial lawyers. Ultimately, students should seek to build fundamental skills like in-depth analysis, critical thinking, written communication, and oral communication.

How often do attorneys need continuing education?

Nearly every state requires attorneys to participate in approved continuing education training and courses either annually or every three years. Classes and training all vary by state and typically cover a specific area of law like healthcare, personal injury, taxation, and the like. It is becoming more common for states to allow online classes and training.

How much do lawyers make in 2020?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median pay for lawyers is $126,930, as of May 2020. The bottom 10% of lawyers earn $61,490, with the top 10% bringing in $208,000. As with other occupations, industry matters.

How many standardized items are required for a bar exam?

The most common bar exam consists of a two-day test with 200 standardized items covering six areas of law, including constitutional law, contract law, evidence, real property law, and torts.

What do you learn in law school?

During their law school education, students will learn how to write legal documents and how civil procedures are conducted. They will also learn various types of law, including tax law, constitutional law, corporate law, property law, and labor law. They must then pass their state’s bar exam, a written test, to be admitted to ...

What do I need to apply to UH Law Center?

Q: What do I need to apply? A: You need a bachelor's degree from an accredited university and a current LSAT score or GRE score, the current UH Law Center application, a personal statement, letters of recommendation, and a list of extracurricular activities and/or a resume. Applicants educated in the U.S. must also register with CAS.

How long do you have to practice law to get a bar?

If you have practiced in your country for 5 years of the last preceding 7 years; from a common law country; or have an LL.M., then you may be able to take the bar. Contact the Board of Law Examiners to confirm the rules (512) 463-1621 or http://www.ble.state.tx.us/

How long do you have to wait to get a bar license?

A: If you have committed a felony, you must wait 5 years after you have served your sentence to register for the bar. Although you can register for the bar, this does not necessarily mean that you will be admitted to practice. If you have committed crimes less than a felony, there is no waiting period.

When do you have to take the LSAT?

A: We recommend that applicants to the full-time program take the LSAT no later than the January administration. LSAT scores submitted after the January administration will be considered on a space-available basis.

Is law school competitive?

A: It is competitive. Decisions are based primarily on first-year grades and class rank. We also consider the competitiveness of your law school, whether you would have been admitted here had you applied for your 1L year, your reasons for seeking transfer admission, and the other elements of your application.

Do you need to apply for joint degree?

A: For all of the joint degree programs, you need to apply to both our program and theirs and be accepted by both.

How long does it take to become a lawyer?

It takes about seven years of full-time study to become a lawyer once you’ve graduated from high school. This includes four years of undergraduate study followed by three years at a law school.

What are the majors in law school?

However, some of the most common undergraduate majors include criminal justice, English, economics, philosophy and political science. Spend your undergraduate time taking classes related to the area of law you think you would like to practice.

How much does it cost to go to law school?

On average, you can expect to spend about $45,000 per year. For the top law schools in the country, the tuition is closer to $65,000 per year. The cost will also depend on whether you're paying in-state or out-of-state tuition, and attending a public or private school.

What is the last step to become a lawyer?

The last step in becoming a lawyer is passing the bar examination. You will need to pass the bar exam for whichever states you would like to practice law in. For example, if you want to practice law in New York, you will need to pass the New York State Bar Exam.

What do lawyers do?

Lawyers help individuals or businesses throughout legal processes. They prepare legal documents, build cases, attend hearings and try cases. Additional duties include working with legal and criminal justice professionals, taking depositions, settling cases and sending legal correspondence. They often specialize in different types of law, such as tax or family law. Lawyers work in a wide range of fields, such as: 1 Real estate 2 Business 3 Criminal justice 4 Healthcare 5 Politics

How long does it take to prepare for the bar exam?

Preparing for the bar exam requires a lot of studying. You should create a study schedule that takes place over several months. You’ll also want to find a quality bar exam test preparation course and materials to help, and focus your attention on topics that appear frequently.

How much does a lawyer make?

Average lawyer salary. The average salary for a lawyer in the United States is $70,336 per year, though some salaries range from $14,000 to $201,000 per year. Salaries may depend on experience level, field of legal practice and a lawyer's location.

Don't Know Where To Start?

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Majors

Freshman Majors with Additional Requirements - These majors have additional admissions requirements for freshman students. Please review our freshman majors with additional requirements to see what other criteria must be met for admittance into these majors.

Conrad N. Hilton College of Hotel and Restaurant Management

Learn more about the Conrad N. Hilton College of Hotel and Restaurant Management.

History Related Course

Image
Taking up a history-related course will get you acquainted with your culture’s evolution and expose you to how the legal and justice system has evolved. Aside from that, it will help your brain on becoming keen on processing details. A successful lawyer has to be very attentive to details for you not to miss out on a s…
See more on halt.org

Philosophy

  • Studying in this field will hone your critical thinking skills, analyzing data, and organizing your thoughts in backing up your argument in the real world of courts and laws. When you take up this course, you will know more about the philosophical aspects of human nature and ethics, which is beneficial in proceeding with law studies. You will have a good grasp on broadening your thinkin…
See more on halt.org

Math and Science Related Course

  • There are a lot of courses that fall under this umbrella of study. Studying in these fields will help you become a more logical thinker. There may be few challengeswhen you are in law school already, but this course will surely help you with your strategizing and systemization skills. These are essential skills that you need to develop when you study for a Juris Doctor degree.
See more on halt.org

Political Science

  • If you are interested in studying politics and government, you can opt for this degree as your pre-law degree. It is an extensive study of how politics is being run, theories, and practical applications in running a government. As well as understanding better what laws bind a constitution. If you wanted to become a politician or a government offici...
See more on halt.org

What Degree Does A Lawyer Need?

Image
To become a lawyer, individuals need to spend seven years in school. Initially, students get their bachelor’s degree from a college or a university. Afterward, they must take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT). The student’s university grades and LSAT score will determine whether they get into the top law schoolof their ch…
See more on collegeconsensus.com

What Happens After Law School?

  • Once the student successfully graduates from law school, their work is still not done. Every person who wants to become a lawyer must take a test known as the bar exam. If the student passes this test, people say that they have been admitted to the bar. The exact rules for getting a license from the bar vary from state to state. In general, most states require students to have n…
See more on collegeconsensus.com

What Kind of Bachelor’s Degree Should Students get?

  • Technically, students can get into law school with any kind of bachelor’s degree. While there is no required major, it will be easier for students to get accepted into law school if they take courses like public speaking, history, mathematics, English, government and economics. Some schools have a pre-law program that helps to prepare students for going to law school after they graduat…
See more on collegeconsensus.com

Is Law School Required?

  • While some states offer alternative ways to become a lawyer, law school is required in most states. Even when a state allows students to take the bar exam without a law degree, there are potential problems that students should watch out for. In the state of Washington, students can technically study and work for a lawyer for a set amount of time instead of going to law school. …
See more on collegeconsensus.com