Pursuing a law degree opens up a world of possibilities for an exciting and rewarding career. With so many different types of law degrees and specializations available, it’s important to choose an undergraduate major that will best prepare you for law school and set you up for success in your future legal career. The right pre-law major provides a solid educational foundation in critical thinking, reading comprehension, writing skills, research abilities, and public speaking – all skills that are vital to succeeding in law school.
While there is no single “pre-law” major, certain majors tend to provide excellent preparation for law school. Let’s explore some of the best undergraduate majors to consider when planning to pursue a law degree and see why these majors are advantageous for future law students.
1. Political Science
Political science majors learn about government, the law, and how they work together. They study the judicial system, constitutional law, civil rights and liberties, and more.
Political science majors also learn how to think critically about complex political issues. This is an important skill for lawyers, who need to be able to analyze complex legal arguments and make sound judgments.
A political science degree can prepare students for a variety of careers, including law, government, and public policy.
2. Criminal Justice
A Criminal Justice degree offers students an in-depth understanding of legal processes and the structure of the criminal justice system. At the foundational level, a Criminal Justice BA introduces students to key concepts of justice, different perspectives on crime, and the multifaceted roles of law enforcement and corrections. This BA program emphasizes coursework that delves into topics directly linked to criminal law, including civil rights, court procedures, police administration, and more.
So, a BA in Criminal Justice is a comprehensive degree that can offer a specialized and focused preparation, especially for aspiring law students with a keen interest in practicing criminal law.
3. Philosophy
While less obvious than a political science degree, Philosophy provides fantastic preparation for law school. Philosophy students immerse themselves in logic, ethics, rational reasoning, and the nature of justice – skills that form the foundation of legal thinking. Courses in logic, argumentation, and critical analysis of complex philosophical texts strengthen students’ critical reading and thinking abilities.
Philosophy majors learn to break down complex ideas and critically analyze different viewpoints. This leads them to construct well-reasoned arguments to support their positions. These abilities translate perfectly to legal writing and analysis.
4. English
An English major may not seem directly related to law, but strong writing and comprehension skills are enormously important for success in law school and the legal profession. Pre-law students who study English focus on analyzing literature and mastering writing skills. Those who also take linguistics courses develop further expertise in proper grammar and style.
English coursework emphasizes critical reading and persuasive writing, which enhances oral communication – an invaluable asset for aspiring lawyers. Advanced writing seminars and literary analysis hone their communication abilities and attention to detail, both highly valued in the legal field.
An English degree signals proficiency in the written and verbal skills necessary for crafting persuasive legal arguments.
5. Economics
Economics is another degree option for pre-law students. Understanding economic principles is essential background knowledge for corporate and tax law. Economics students learn about relationships between markets, their fiscal policy and regulations, along with many other things. The coursework focuses on analyzing complex data and statistics to identify trends and make predictions about the system – a useful skill for future lawyers.
Plus, Economics degrees provide an understanding of financial systems helpful for legal specialties like corporate tax and business law. Quantitative skills also translate well to preparing for the LSAT exam.
6. History
Pre-law students who major in History gain exposure to legal concepts, civic processes, social movements, and government systems that have shaped societies over time. History majors develop research and analytical writing abilities while studying historical texts and contexts.
Skills in assessing historical sources and identifying bias help weigh factual evidence that is extremely applicable to legal work. Plus, the expertise gained through research prepares students for navigating legal databases and records.
History degrees provide a strong foundation in the social and cultural contexts of the legal system, which is essential for legal analysis and interpretation.
7. Psychology
Psychology is another major that can prepare students for a career in law. Psychology students learn about human behavior, mental processes, and sociocultural influences. This knowledge can be valuable for building legal arguments and understanding the ethical implications of legal decisions.
Psychology degrees are especially useful for students interested in specializing in criminal law, family law, or mental health law. The coursework in these programs typically emphasizes analytical research, data analysis, scientific writing, and critical evaluation of complex concepts—all of which are essential skills for lawyers.
In addition, psychology students learn about the nuances of decision-making, interpersonal relationships, and conflict resolution—all of which are integral to legal practice. For students interested in mediation or family law, understanding the psychological dynamics between parties can offer a unique advantage during negotiations or court proceedings.
Psychology courses also teach students about ethics, which is important for lawyers because they often have to make decisions that have a big impact on people’s lives.
Overall, a psychology degree can be a valuable asset for law students, providing them with the knowledge, skills, and ethical framework they need to succeed in their careers.
Conclusion
When considering the best pre-law majors, many excellent degree options will provide a strong foundation for law school. Although no specific major is required, common majors like those mentioned above offer relevant coursework to prepare for legal studies.
All aspiring law students should choose an undergraduate major that aligns with their academic strengths and interests to gain the skills necessary to excel in law school and launch a meaningful and rewarding legal career. If you are to be a future lawyer, proceed with planning and effort; your undergraduate major can set you on the path to success in the future.
