what to study in undergrad to be a lawyer

What college courses do you need to become a lawyer?

Lawyers might study engineering in order to learn analytical skills. They might study English to learn the basics of reading and writing. They might also study something like history in order to hone their research skills. Lawyers might even come from …

What to know before becoming a lawyer?

Feb 03, 2021 · The overlap between the political and legal worlds means that you’ll be entering law school with a strong foundation to build upon. On top of that, the problem-solving and critical thinking skills you’ll have gained as an undergraduate will serve you well both in law school and as a professional lawyer.

What are the best schools to become a lawyer?

Oct 09, 2021 · Bachelor’s in English. English has also been a popular undergraduate major for pre-law students as students focus on reading, writing, and comprehension. Perhaps no other major offers the exact skills required to thrive in law school as well as post-graduation.

What subjects do you need to become a lawyer?

Feb 17, 2022 · In fact, the ABA notes that students gain admission to law school from nearly every area of study, ranging from political science to mathematics. Common undergraduate majors for prelaw students include English, political science, economics, business, philosophy, and journalism. There’s no correct major to pursue to get into law school.

What does "pre-law" mean?

When people say “pre-law,” they simply mean that they approached college with the plan that, after graduating, they would one day apply to law school. While there is no pre-law major or set of required classes, you can still prepare for law school while in college. Here are just a few ways you can do that:

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.

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.

Where does Veronica live?

in History and Classics. After graduating, she joined CollegeVine serving as the Curriculum Development Manager. She currently lives in Cambridge, MA and is writing her debut novel.

What do lawyers study?

The cliche that all roads lead to the legal field is mostly accurate. The attorneys rolls are full of people who studied many different things in college. This means that even if you are not able to choose the perfect major, you still have an opportunity to be a great jurist. Lawyers might study engineering in order to learn analytical skills. They might study English to learn the basics of reading and writing. They might also study something like history in order to hone their research skills. Lawyers might even come from the medical side, having studied a hard science. Each of these things can make you an effective attorney.

What are the skills required to become a lawyer?

When you get to law school, you will quickly see that reading and writing are the two most important skills for a good attorney. You will be asked to read through cases and other secondary sources. You will be asked to write for a host of different audiences.

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 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 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 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 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 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.

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 is political science?

Political science offers an in-depth understanding of government, from its formulation to its implementation. As governments are the source of laws, this has wide applications to the legal field. Any lawyer will be working within the legal framework developed by the government of the nation in which they practice, and an intimate understanding of both the government and the philosophical values by which it governs is beneficial. For this reason, political science has long been regarded as one of the top areas of study for future lawyers, and it remains a strong choice for those looking to enter the profession.

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.

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.

Is economics a good major?

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 English majors learn?

Moreover, English majors learn to synthesize large amounts of written text and form persuasive and analytical arguments and positions. These skills are not only helpful in the field but serve as excellent preparation for entrance exams like the LSAT.

What are the steps to become a lawyer?

Prospective lawyers must undertake a series of steps to practice law, including completion of undergraduate and graduate degrees, examinations and licensing processes. Prior to embarking in this journey, those interested should ask themselves why they want to become a lawyer and if they are willing to commit several years to studying law in order ...

What skills do lawyers need to be successful?

These skills share a common trait--they are relied upon by lawyers in all legal fields. Law school teaches future lawyers how to think like a lawyer, and critical thinking and reading are the basis for judgment and evaluation. Students learn how to critically analyze their own thinking process.

How much do lawyers make in 2020?

The BLS reports that the median annual wage for lawyers was about $126,930 in 2020, with the top 10 percent of earners taking home more than $208,000 per year. Those working in state and local government tend to earn less while lawyers specializing in financial and insurance law are in the top bracket.

What is the LSAT?

Admissions officers use scores from the LSAT as an objective measure to assess the knowledge and quality of applicants.

How long does it take to get a JD?

The degree typically takes about three years of full-time study to complete. According to the ABA, there are currently 205 approved higher education providers. Not to be confused with other degrees such as the Doctor of Science of Law, the JD is a professional degree specifically designed to train future lawyers and prepare them for the bar examination.

What is a JD?

The Juris Doctor (JD) is the nationally recognized degree for practicing law in the United States and is currently offered by 205 ABA-accredited law schools. Prospective students should have knowledge of the faculty, areas of study, tuition, and curriculum prior to applying.

How long does it take to become a barrister?

The degree typically takes about three years of full-time study to complete. According to the ABA, there are currently 205 approved higher education providers.

What is Yale Debate Association?

They rank first in the U.S. and fourth internationally, according to the World Universities Debating Championships. The team sends students each weekend to colleges across the East Coast and on five international trips per year. Closer to home, the Yale College Council helps students succeed academically with advising-focused projects like Student Panels on Majors for Freshmen and academic fairness projects like TA Grading and Quality Variance.

Do schools have student governments?

Yes, most schools have student governments. But George Washington’s Student Organization doesn’t limit itself to just a legislative branch; it includes a student court that rules on the constitutionality of the Student Associations operations.

Does Princeton have a pizza party?

Playing off this theme, the Princeton Undergraduate Student Government recently threw a Grandparents Class Pizza Party, at which the Class of ’66 visited campus to meet with current students, or “Grandchildren.” Current success stories include Princeton’s mock trial team, which took second place at the 2014 American Mock Trial Association National Championship Tournament, and its debate team, which the World Universities Debating Championships ranks ninth among U.S. schools.

What are the courses required to become a lawyer?

There is no prescribed set of courses required for admission to law school, so you are free to study an undergraduate degree of your choice. But according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are certain courses in high school and college that are helpful to a career in law. These include English, political science and economics.

What are the career paths for a lawyer?

Many career paths are open to an aspiring lawyer. Although some students follow a Pre-Law curriculum in college, law schools approve of a wide range of majors. Focus on subjects and experiences that will sharpen your skills in reading, technical writing, research, data analysis, logic and persuasion. Before embarking on a legal career, potential ...

What is the LSAT?

The LSAT is a standardized test that measures your reading comprehension, analytical reasoning skills and logical reasoning skills. You must register to take the LSAT, which is offered four times per year. According to the Law School Admissions Council, most law schools require you to complete the LSAT by December at the latest. LSAT scores are just one factor law schools consider when making admission decisions, but your scores should be comparable to the average scores of students enrolled at the law school you wish to attend.

Can I practice law after law school?

Bar Examination. Even after completing law school, you cannot practice as a lawyer until you pass the state bar exam. The examination process varies by state, but according to the Law School Admissions Council most exams include the Multi-state Bar Examination.

What is the field of law?

The field of law requires the analytical, grammar and writing skills that courses in English provide. Lawyers spend quite a bit of time reading and analyzing cases, which makes having the ability to read documents and texts closely significant.

Why is the LSAT important?

This test is important because, like many undergraduate institutions, the score that students get on their LSAT usually determines what law schools they apply to and may be accepted in to. Suggested Courses Formal requirements aside, there are no academic studies required for those who are considering a career in law.

What is Toastmasters class?

Even after completing college, people who need to improve their oratory skills and techniques can find classes through groups like Toastmasters, which is a program designed to further working professionals' oral communication abilities.

What are the things that are important for law school?

Also important, though, is having some extracurriculars on your resume. Play a sport, join a society, volunteer, or gain an internship. These things will show what you are interested in and what you are passionate about, which makes you look like a well-rounded applicant.

How many times does the LSAT test?

The LSAT is another important factor in law school admissions, and it is offered four times each year. Unfortunately, the LSAT is different from any other standardized admission test that you’ll see, because the knowledge you’re learning in your undergraduate education likely won’t help you prepare for it.

Is law school competitive?

Law school admissions are competitive, so you should find some way to stand out as an applicant. One way you could do that is to come from a non-traditional field of study to enter the law.

Is law a noble profession?

Updated August 20, 2019. So you want to be a lawyer —congratulations! The law is a noble, challenging, and rewarding area of study. While you’re still in the process of earning your bachelor’s degree, you should already be preparing for entering into the study of law. There are many resources about how to prepare—this is to tell you ...

English

• Having a strong command of written and verbal skills will take you far as an attorney whether you're writing, researching or speaking in court. Analyzing great works of literature and historical texts from various cultures and time periods is great practice for the hours you'll spend in the la…

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Philosophy

Political Science

Economics

Business

General Tips

How We Made This List

• We put together this list based on 2 important main types of data: the number of students admitted to law school with a certain major, and the average LSAT score of the students with that major.

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Sociology

Arts & Humanities

Philosophy

Criminal Justice

Economics

English

History

Miscellaneous

Psychology