what is the best undergraduate degree for a lawyer

Best Undergraduate Degrees for Law School

1. Minor in Political Science from MIT. Political science has a great connection to the legal system. ...
2. Psychology Program from Carnegie Mellon University. Psychology can be a vital tool that a lawyer possesses. ...
3. English Program from Harvard University. ...
4. History Undergrad Program from Michigan University. ...
5. Economics from Columbia University. ...

More items...

Full Answer

What are the best colleges for becoming a lawyer?

Jan 26, 2022 · What Undergraduate Majors make the Best Lawyers? - School of Law - University at Buffalo Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash What Undergraduate Majors make the Best Lawyers? Published January 26, 2022 So, you want to be a …

What undergraduate degree is needed to become a lawyer?

Oct 09, 2021 · 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 …

What is the best undergrad major for Law School?

Jan 03, 2022 · A philosophy major is good discipline to study for future lawyers because a student of ‘philosophy’ will learn how to analyze arguments and organize their thoughts into coherent and cogent ideas.

What colleges offer a law degree?

Aug 22, 2021 · While they might not fit into a larger bucket, many of these bachelor’s degrees utilize critical thinking skills needed as a lawyer. The other most popular undergraduate degrees in our study are: Psychology Public administration Physical sciences General studies Education Not All Major Coursework is Equal for Pre-Law Students

What is the best undergrad degree for a lawyer?

As you select your undergraduate major with the intent to apply to law school in the future, these are some of the leading majors to consider.History. ... Business. ... English. ... Philosophy. ... Political Science. ... Economics. ... Arts and Humanities. ... Psychology.More items...

What degree do most lawyers have?

Juris Doctor1. Juris Doctor. Most individuals who are lawyers in the United States have the Juris Doctor (JD) degree. The Juris Doctor degree is not only considered the first law degree in the United States but is also the most well-known and one that's offered through the American Bar Association.

What major is best for law school?

“You may choose to major in subjects that are considered to be traditional preparation for law school, such as history, English, philosophy, political science, economics or business,” their website says, “or you may focus your undergraduate studies in areas as diverse as art, music, science and mathematics, computer ...

Which course is best for lawyer?

These are the law courses after 12th available in India.Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) – 3 years. ... Integrated undergraduate degrees – B.A. LL.B., B.Sc. ... Master of Laws (LL.M.) – ... Master of Business Law. ... Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) ... Integrated MBL-LLM/ MBA-LLM – 3 years. ... Here are some of the designations of lawyers:Sep 18, 2018

Does undergraduate school matter for law school?

Myth # 2: If I attend University X as an undergraduate, then I will have a more competitive chance to gain admission into University X Law School. Many students also believe that their chances are diminished if they attend University X as an undergraduate. The truth is that it does not matter.Jul 8, 2013

What type of lawyer makes the most money?

Types Of Lawyers That Make The Most MoneyMedical Lawyers – Average $138,431. Medical lawyers make one of the highest median wages in the legal field. ... Intellectual Property Attorneys – Average $128,913. ... Trial Attorneys – Average $97,158. ... Tax Attorneys – Average $101,204. ... Corporate Lawyers – $116,361.Dec 18, 2020

Do double majors look good for law school?

Will a double major increase my chances of getting into law school? No. A double major is fine if a student wants to complete one, but in and of itself, it will not increase your likelihood of admission to law school.

What do I need to get into Harvard law?

Therefore, to gain admission to Harvard Law School, you will likely need an LSAT score in the 170+ range. An LSAT score in the 170s tied with a GPA over 3.75 will make you a competitive applicant. If you have LSAT and GPA numbers in this range, Harvard Law School might be an option for you.Jul 16, 2021

What is the average GPA for business administration?

LSAC data reveals that students majoring in business administration had an average LSAT score of 150 and an average GPA of 3.22.

What is the benefit of majoring in English?

If you thrived in high school English classes, majoring in English may enable you to earn a higher GPA in college than you may earn in other areas of study. This major may provide other substantial benefits as you prepare for the future. Consider that 3,549 law school applicants held a degree in English in 2016 and 2017. The average LSAT score for these applicants was 154.4, and approximately 80 percent of applicants with this degree were admitted to at least one law school.

How many law school applicants majored in philosophy?

Philosophy often falls into this group. According to LSAC statistics, 2,294 law school applicants majored in philosophy.

What is math used for?

Math also enables lawyers to more successfully specialize in niche areas of the law. These areas include bankruptcy law, real estate law, taxation law and other areas. Math majors may also thrive in legal niches related to securities, estates and trusts. High-level math may be used in patent and healthcare law .

What is the average LSAT score?

Their average LSAT score was 152.5, and 78 percent of applicants were admitted. An undergraduate-level education in psychology provides several benefits for students in law school and for legal professionals. In many areas of the law, lawyers must work directly with social services, such as social workers.

What is the best major for pre-law students?

Business. Majoring in business, such as in business administration or corporate business, may be a smart path for some pre-law students to follow. Business degree plans are often rigorous, which may make business majors more appealing to law schools.

What is the acceptance rate for law school?

Leading law schools have an acceptance rate well below 20 percent with an average GPA of admitted applicants close to or higher than 3.8. Your undergraduate-level education directly impacts your ability to get ...

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 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 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 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.

Business

A business major is a great option for those who are entrepreneurial-minded. Students interested in corporate law might find that classes in management and economics are well-suited to their postgraduation career needs. Word of warning, business majors should be careful not to focus solely on the fundamentals.

Economics

An economics major spends a lot of time summarizing large amounts of quantitative data. This is great training for law school as an econ major will be well-prepared to sort information and evidence in order to build a case backed by evidence.

English

Lawyers must be well-versed with the English language as they spend a lot of their time researching, writing, and speaking in court. English majors will learn how to analyze and synthesize large bodies of text, developing a command of written and verbal language (sometimes more than one).

Philosophy

Is there a more “prelaw school” major than philosophy? It’s no surprise that students majoring in philosophy dive deep into logic, ethics, and morality, which are all big, existential questions relevant to the study and practice of law.

Political Science

Political science majors should be prepared to study political systems, public policy, and the relationship between types of government and the law. This major is probably the closest to a law school curriculum in undergrad that a student will find.

Psychology

Psychology is the study of human behaviors and this major gives students insight into the human psyche. For instance, students might apply their psych studies to criminal cases, questioning how human error could possibly lead to wrongful convictions or how innocent people sometimes make incorrect judgments.

Bottom Line

For students considering a career in law, some majors are a reliable source of the skills and knowledge central to the profession. However, no major will guarantee a law school acceptance letter — and no major will disqualify a student, either.

What is the highest LSAT score?

Those who studied Greek or Latin had the highest average LSAT score (159.8) and highest average GPA (3.477) of all majors who applied to law school. The next highest LSAT scores came from those who studied policy, international relations, and art history respectively.

What are the best liberal arts majors for pre-law?

The top 5 popular arts majors for pre-law are: Political science. Other humanities. History and classics.

What majors are liberal arts?

Our analysis found that nearly one-third (30%) had a background in the social sciences, with most having studied political science prior to law school. Other top liberal arts majors included humanities, classics, history, economics, and English.

What is Earnest's advice?

Earnest’s data underscores advice from the American Bar Association, which recommends prospective law students take coursework in areas where they can gain experience in problem-solving, critical reading, writing, and editing, among other skills.

What to do if you want to work toward a JD?

If you’re planning to work toward a JD, your fate is less about what you study as an undergraduate and more about your performance as a student in that discipline. That means: Study what you love and where you have an aptitude, and the grades—and the graduate school—will follow. Good luck!

Do law schools look favorably on STEM majors?

This doesn’t mean that law schools don’t look favorably on STEM majors— far from it—but rather that there are relatively few law school applicants with these backgrounds. This is similar to how medical school students, for example, tend to come from science and engineering backgrounds more often than the humanities.

What is the LSAT test?

The LSAT tests for critical thinking skills rather than subject matter expertise. Law schools look for candidates with abstract thinking skills, the ability to interpret written texts, and high reading comprehension. They want candidates that have fine reasoning abilities, the ability to think logically. Notice how all majors have students that ...

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 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.

What is the study of human behavior and the mental processes that fuel how people interact with each other and the world around them

Psychology is the study of human behavior and the mental processes that fuel how people interact with each other and the world around them. Since law is a system designed to govern human behavior, psychology can help lawmakers understand what kind of laws will have positive effects on society.

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.

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 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 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 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 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 is environmental science?

Environmental science is a relatively new field that combines biology, chemistry, and earth sciences such as geography with the social sciences such as law and economics. Majoring in environmental science will mean learning how physical and biological processes work together to shape the world. Your courses are likely to include environmental science, economics, conservation, geoscience, forestry, statistics, and law. This major will allow you to see issues from different perspectives, something that will be a huge asset in the law world. There’s also an emphasis on reading, writing, and analyzing data, all skills that will be valuable to you as a law student. If you’re interested in using your law degree to pursue a career in environmental policy, this may be the ideal major for you.

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 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.

How many years of college do I need to become a lawyer?

After four years in a bachelor’s degree program, students will spend another three years in law school. With a bachelor’s degree and a Juris Doctor degree, students can take their bar exam and become a practicing lawyer.

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.

Why do I get disqualified from law school?

Applicants may be disqualified if they have committed some kind of academic misconduct during their years of schooling. In addition, students need to graduate from an ABA-accredited law school and pass their bar exam to be admitted to the bar.

What does a lawyer do in court?

Got it! Lawyers work in the legal system to represent their clients. For criminal justice cases, the lawyer may be prosecuting the case or defending a client in the courtroom. Meanwhile, civil cases can involve anything from property disputes to class action settlements.

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.

Can I take the bar exam without a law degree?

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.

Is criminal justice a good option for law school?

Criminal justice is also a popular option for students who are preparing for law school . In general, students should pick a major that matches their future goals. If the undergraduate college does not have a pre-law program, students should take courses that match the law school’s admission requirements.

Sociology

• Students admitted to law school from this major last year:1,327 Average LSAT score of admitted students (out of 180):150.7 Sociology majors have to be comfortable scrutinizing data and writing long papers. Both the critical thinking and writing skills that this major cultivates can be leverage…

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History

• According to the Law School Admissions Council, 3,472 law school applicants in 2016 and 2017 held a 4-year degree in history. Of those, 85 percent were admitted to law school. The average LSAT score for this group of applicants was 156.1 out of 180. With a solid undergraduate-level foundation in history, you will have a deeper understanding about how the American legal syste…

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Business

English

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