what should i major and minor in if i want to be a lawyer

You can theoretically pick any major you want. I suggest choosing a major in an area that interests you, and follow with a minor in pre-law (if available). You may decide that the law in not for you and you'll want a degree that you can use in a field that interests you.

Full Answer

What major should I major in to prepare for Law School?

Jun 20, 2016 · A: There is no one recommended pre-law major yet prospective lawyers should develop their skills in writing and speaking, reading, researching, analyzing and thinking logically. The Occupational Outlook Handbook states that regardless of major, a multidisciplinary background is recommended. Coursework should include English, history, foreign language, …

Should I major in English to become a lawyer?

Jan 03, 2022 · Young adults who want to become lawyers should consider majoring in political science in college. With a political science degree, you’ll get a solid foundation in how the government is structured, how laws work, and who has power. These are all critical if you want to work in the law.

Do you want to be a lawyer what do you need?

Jun 24, 2020 · By focusing on political sciences as a minor you prove your interest in the governments systems, increase your knowledge on the Constitution and an understand the development of the courts systems and proceedings, all of which highlighting a massive advantage for your acceptance into Law School. Psychology Minor

Can I major in pre-law and still go to Law School?

Oct 09, 2021 · 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 do most lawyers minor in?

Best Minors for Law SchoolsSTEM Minors.Political Science Minor.Psychology Minor.Criminal Justice Minor.English Minor.Pre-Law Minor.Business Law Minor.Human Rights Minor.More items...•Jan 28, 2021

What is the best major for lawyers?

The Best Majors for Aspiring LawyersBusiness. A business major is a great option for those who are entrepreneurial-minded. ... Criminal Justice / Criminology. Criminal justice is the identification and explanation of criminal behavior patterns. ... Economics. ... English. ... Philosophy. ... Political Science. ... Psychology.Jan 3, 2022

Do minors look good for law school?

No, for the most part, law schools do not consider your undergrad major in admissions decisions, and even when they do it is a very minor factor. It's far more important that you perform well in undergrad and earn a high GPA, than that you take “the right” major.

What should my major be if I want to go to 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 ...

Is math a good major for law school?

Math. As unlikely as it may seem, the top law schools in the US are big fans of students that major in mathematics. Students with a math degree excel at critical thinking and logical reasoning, which is why they tend to have high LSAT scores — well above 160, on average.

Is Psychology a good major for law school?

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, psychology is among the top five majors overall, in addition to being a popular choice for pre-law students. Psychology provides the research and writing skills, analytical competency, and fundamental education in human behavior needed for law school.Feb 10, 2022

Do law schools care about major GPA?

Dear Grade Point Analysis: Initial evaluation of your application will be based on your cumulative GPA and LSAT score. Thus, your 3.3 GPA – or 3.5 if you improve it – will be what admissions committees consider.Nov 11, 2013

How many years do you have to study to be a lawyer?

7 yearsBecoming a lawyer usually takes 7 years of full-time study after high school—4 years of undergraduate study, followed by 3 years of law school. Most states and jurisdictions require lawyers to complete a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA).Sep 8, 2021

Does undergraduate major matter for law school?

The type of undergrad degree you earn (BA, BS, etc.) doesn't matter either. You'll give yourself the best chance of getting into the law school of your choice by majoring in a subject you really enjoy. If you like what you're studying, you'll get better grades.Jun 13, 2021

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.

Is criminal justice a good major?

A major in criminal justice may be beneficial for future lawyers, criminologists, police officers, corrections workers, and social services administrators. A criminal justice degree may help you acquire necessary skills for this field and may even help you stand out from other job applicants.Nov 30, 2021

Is 29 too old for law school?

It's never too late in life to apply to law school. Although most applicants are under 25, roughly 20% are 30 or older, according to the Law School Admission Council. Many older law graduates build fulfilling second careers that draw upon both preexisting skills and experiences and those that law school provides.Jan 27, 2020

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 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 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.

Is criminal justice a good fit for law school?

Criminal justice is a natural fit for law school since coursework focuses on criminal justice topics. These programs often include courses on court proceedings, the correction systems, and many other aspects of the legal system. Criminal justice degrees emphasize strong research, analysis, and writing skills which are a necessity in law school. Yet despite this being a natural fit for law, many law schools prefer specializations in other areas of study. In fact, some schools scrutinize academic records far harder in the criminal justice major than any other major.

What is the best language for pre-law students?

English is another famous choice for pre-law students, since so much reading and writing is required to perform well in this field. Learning to synthesize a lot of content and becoming sensitive to careful word choice will make you a stronger applicant and a better lawyer. 4. History. Admitted Students: 2,657.

Is it easy to get into law school?

Graduates go on to be judges, prosecutors, professors, legislators, mediators, and so much more. But getting into law school is no easy matter.

Is there a law school major?

Beyond taking these steps, there is no single best major for law school. You can major in absolutely anything and apply to law school. However, there are schools and programs that do a better job of preparing you for graduate study.

What is a criminal justice minor?

A Criminal Justice minor will give you some valuable insight into legal education and jurisdictions, plus it allows for the concept of justice to be understood from both criminals and victims’ viewpoints. Undergoing a minor in criminal justice is a great steppingstone for anyone looking to get into Law School.

What is an English minor?

Like with any minor, or major, focusing on something you love or enjoy is the most important concept to follow, that way you can truly achieve, and it is not as testing or difficult. By focusing on an English-based minor this can help you prepare for the LSAT and the general rigor of Law School.

Is psychology a minor?

Taking a Psychology minor at undergraduate level can be just the edge that rewards you with acceptance into many Law Schools. As Psychology is the study of human behaviour, by choosing this subject as a minor you may be able to offer insightful information with regards to justice, human behaviour and regulations affects on humans.

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.

Why is law important?

Laws have material consequences on every person and structure. They influence outcomes across the life course, making the field extremely important to the stability and progress of society. The work done by law professionals is competitive and pays well. Because of these things, students wishing to pursue a career in law are faced ...

What Major Should You Pick If You Want to Become a Lawyer

My question involves criminal law for the state of: Ohio. I just want to ask if I am planning to become a criminal lawyer, and I am in my first year of college, what would be the best choice for a major?

Re: What Major Should You PIck If You Want to Become a Lawyer

You can theoretically pick any major you want. I suggest choosing a major in an area that interests you, and follow with a minor in pre-law (if available). You may decide that the law in not for you and you'll want a degree that you can use in a field that interests you. Unless you want to teach I'd stay away from History, English, etc.

Re: What Major Should You PIck If You Want to Become a Lawyer

My question involves criminal law for the state of: Ohio. I just want to ask if I am planning to become a criminal lawyer, and I am in my first year of college, what would be the best choice for a major?

Re: What Major Should You PIck If You Want to Become a Lawyer

My husband teaches Political Science - he gets a lot of potential lawyers as students.

What are the best pre-law majors for law school?

Popular pre-law majors that are great preparation for law school include philosophy/classics, economics, political science, history, English, and engineering.

What is a pre-law major?

The term "pre-law" refers to any course of study by an undergraduate college student to prepare for law school. A few colleges have a specific pre-law major for those students who intend to go to law school, but you can major in any subject and still enter law school, as long as you successfully complete college and get a bachelor's degree.

What is the average LSAT score for an economics major?

For those interested, there were 632 applicants who majored in pre-law, and they had an average LSAT score of 148 and an acceptance rate of 64%.

Why is a good GPA important in law school?

While many college students have a few semesters when they slack off or settle for mediocrity, you need to maintain a high GPA throughout your undergraduate years.

What is a good pre-law program?

A good pre-law program should also give you an advantage when you enter law school. For example, law schools generally teach by using the Socratic Method, a style of teaching in which the professor asks questions and you learn through classroom discussion.

Is 4.0 a good GPA for law school?

While your GPA is a critical component of your law school applications, a 4.0 in mechanical engineering is more impressive to a law school than a 4.0 in pre-law. Law schools tend to think it's not as challenging to get good grades in pre-law than in most other majors.

Do law schools admit well rounded students?

Law Schools Want to Admit Well-Rounded Classes. Law schools strive to admit students from a variety of backgrounds and majors. Believe it or not, math and science majors tend to have extremely high admission rates to law school.

Andrew John Bartlett

History, maybe? Focus on what you like. After college you will need to go to law school. After graduation, you will need to pass a Bar Exam... Once you get licensed in any state of the US, you can practice Immigration. Good luck! Try to become an intern with some firms, so you get a better understanding what it is like.

Alena Shautsova

Just choose the majors you would like without worrying about what will get you into law school. If you like the subjects, you will do better than if you don't and better grades help you get into law school.

Madeline AF Ellis

Everyone has their own way of finding a 'path'. I had a double major in Education & Psychology with a minor in Computer Science. As a result I can be sensitive to my client's needs and 'teach' them how to do things the 'right' way. Plus, I do quite a few high tech...

F. J. Capriotti III

Believe it or not, the highest percentage of applicants from particular disciplines accepted to law school come from undergraduate disciplines like engineering, and some of the lowest percentages come from political science and similar disciplines.

William J Popovich

I recommend the following courses: Spanish, Logic, World Literature, Geography, Political Science (but not a PC BS variety), World History. After undergraduate school you will have to get enrolled in law school - another 3 years of hard work,

Boris Alexander Palant

First of all, best of luck in your endeavor. I can't say that there is any one major you need. I would recommend becoming fluent in at least one other language. Many of your clients will be limited English proficient. I would also encourage you to find work at an office while an undergraduate. Thee is no substitute for experience! Good luck!

Scott Thomas Stotz

Whatever you are interested in. Being able to speak a foreign language doesn't hurt.

History

English

Philosophy

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Economics

• 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. Any major that has you summarizing qualitative and quantitative data to solve problems is good training ...

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• Admitted Students:1,858 Average LSAT Score:157.5 Traditionally, philosophy is considered the ultimate pre-law major. In this field, you wrestle deeply with logic and reasoning as you consider questions about knowledge, existence, and other fundamental concepts. The same skills directly improve a lawyer’s ability to do their job well.

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