Gavin Howe
There are many paths you can take with an undergraduate law degree. While there is no required undergraduate major for law school, certain subjects can help prepare you for the rigors of law school and the LSAT exam. These include history, philosophy, English, economics, and political science. Additionally, an undergraduate degree in a STEM field can be beneficial for those interested in patent law, environmental law, or intellectual property law. Aside from academic preparation, extracurricular activities such as interning at a law office or participating in debate teams can also bolster your law school application. Ultimately, law schools value a diverse range of academic backgrounds, so feel free to explore your interests while developing the skills necessary for a legal career.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Majors that can help prepare for law school | Psychology, Criminal Justice, English, Philosophy, Sociology, Communications, History, Political Science, Economics, Business Administration, Accounting, Human Resources, Arts, Science, Technology, STEM |
| Skills to develop | Logic and reasoning, reading long and complex documents, synthesizing information, presentation skills, research, writing, critical thinking, quantitative and qualitative reasoning, public speaking, negotiation |
| Other considerations | GPA, LSAT score, extracurricular activities (e.g. interning in a law office, joining school debate team), work experience |
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What You'll Learn
Philosophy, ethics, and politics
The University of Chicago Law School offers an interdisciplinary study program in law and philosophy, welcoming students with philosophical interests who may be interested in careers in law teaching and legal scholarship. The program covers both major historical figures and contemporary problems, allowing students to pursue their interests and develop their knowledge.
Binghamton University also offers a Philosophy, Politics, and Law (PPL) major, an interdisciplinary program focused on law, policy, government, and citizenship. PPL students learn to think critically, write well, and debate social, political, ethical, and legal issues. They can choose classes focusing on international issues, human rights, environmental ethics, U.S. law, theories of justice, and more.
Additionally, Harvard University mentions that philosophy courses can include introductions to political philosophy, exploring the purpose of democracy and how to defend it. These courses can provide a solid foundation for law school, as they develop critical thinking and analytical skills that are beneficial for both public and private sector careers.
While there is no one-size-fits-all undergraduate path for law school, philosophy, ethics, and politics offer a robust framework for developing the skills and knowledge needed for legal studies and a range of career opportunities.
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Criminal justice
A bachelor's degree in criminal justice can lead to a multitude of career paths, including:
Law enforcement
Corrections
Forensic science and analysis
Legal advocacy and services
A degree in criminal justice can also lead to careers in legal advocacy and services. Individuals may work as victim advocates, providing support and guidance to victims of crimes, or in other legal roles, such as legal research, drafting legal documents, or advising clients.
Security operations
Pursuing a degree in criminal justice provides a strong foundation for a wide range of careers focused on upholding justice, protecting communities, and making a positive impact on society. It offers flexibility, allowing graduates to pursue opportunities in both the public and private sectors or continue their education through graduate or law school.
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English, history, and sociology
An undergraduate law degree can be a great foundation for further studies in English, history, and sociology. These disciplines offer a range of career paths and opportunities for specialisation at the graduate level.
English
An undergraduate law degree can provide a solid foundation for graduate studies in English. Law students develop strong analytical and critical thinking skills, as well as a sophisticated understanding of language and argumentation, which are highly applicable to the study of English. Graduate studies in English can lead to a variety of careers, including writing, publishing, marketing, advertising, and teaching. A master's degree in English can provide additional opportunities in these fields, especially in journalism, creative writing, or teaching English as a second language.
History
History is a natural complement to law, as it provides context for the development of legal systems and an understanding of landmark cases and their precedents. Graduate studies in history can lead to a variety of careers, including law, government service, and organisational development. A history graduate degree can also prepare individuals for roles in government, education, and research.
Sociology
Sociology is another field that intersects well with law, as it provides insights into societal dynamics, human behaviour, and the functioning of social institutions. Graduate studies in sociology can lead to careers in welfare, education, social research, criminal justice, and local or national government. Sociology graduates may also pursue further training to become police officers, HR professionals, advertising or marketing specialists, or youth workers.
In conclusion, an undergraduate law degree provides a strong foundation for further studies and careers in English, history, and sociology. Each of these disciplines offers a range of specialisations and career paths that can build upon the skills and knowledge gained during an undergraduate law programme.
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STEM
While it may be less common for applicants with STEM backgrounds to apply to law schools, they are no longer unusual and can stand out to admissions officers. STEM graduates can bring new perspectives and expertise to the incoming class.
A background in STEM can be advantageous for law school applicants in several ways. Firstly, STEM curricula require critical thinking and analytical skills, which are essential for legal work and the study of law. This means that STEM graduates are well-prepared for the academic rigour and introduction to new concepts in law school. Additionally, legal writing focuses on communicative efficiency, and STEM students often develop clear and concise writing styles from their experiences writing lab reports and explaining complex answers in exams.
Furthermore, there is a growing demand for lawyers with STEM backgrounds in certain fields. Intellectual property law, including patent law, is one such area where a hard science degree is particularly valuable. Lawyers with actual knowledge about the subject area they regulate are highly sought after. For example, a chemistry or biology background can be an asset for a law firm working with biotechnology companies. Other career paths that combine science and law include consulting, urban planning, and environmental regulation.
However, applicants with STEM backgrounds may face some challenges in the admissions process, which is more geared towards graduates in the social sciences and humanities. STEM applicants may need to address a low GPA and avoid excessive technical jargon in their applications. They should focus on tying their background to their interest in law and demonstrating how their interests align with the school's offerings. Gaining relevant work experience can also enhance their applications.
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Business
An undergraduate law degree is versatile and can lead to various career paths, including business.
However, because the coursework can be challenging, it may be more difficult to maintain a high GPA throughout all four years of school. Additionally, the relevance of the degree may depend on the specialization. For example, a marketing degree may not be as relevant to a legal career as a degree in business administration or corporate business.
Many law schools allow students to specialize in certain areas of law and earn certificates. For example, UC Davis School of Law offers a concentration in business law, which could be a natural progression for someone with an undergraduate business degree.
While there is no required undergraduate major for law school, some traditional majors to prepare for law school include English, political science, business, economics, or philosophy. Ultimately, law schools look for students who stand out in their field of study and excel in skills necessary to succeed as a lawyer, such as critical thinking and reading comprehension.
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Frequently asked questions
Law schools value a diverse range of academic backgrounds, and there is no single "best pre-law major". However, some common undergraduate majors for law students include political science, economics, philosophy, and history.
Majors that involve a lot of reading, writing, and critical thinking, such as arts and humanities, can help prepare students for law school. Psychology and criminal justice are also popular choices among pre-law students.
Law schools look for students with strong critical reading, writing, and analytical skills. Other important skills for lawyers include finding and gathering information from multiple sources, synthesizing information, and making persuasive arguments.
People with law degrees may also go into politics, journalism, academia, or financial planning. A law degree can provide a wide range of career options depending on your interests and background.
In addition to your undergraduate degree, law schools consider factors such as your LSAT score, GPA, and extracurricular activities. Developing relationships with faculty members who can write strong recommendation letters can also improve your chances of admission.
