What major is best for law school applicants? Ultimately, the degree that best fits your personal and academic interests may suit you. However, we have listed common degrees for law school and what you can expect in each program to help guide your education decision.
Justice Studies and Criminal Justice
Two relevant degree programs for aspiring lawyers are a bachelor’s in justice studies or criminal justice degree. Most criminal justice degree programs will focus on criminal law, criminal procedure, public policy and threat assessment. You can also expect an overview of law enforcement, the court system and the corrections system.
A justice studies degree program will typically focus on adjudication, correctional and police functions, as well as constitutional criminal procedure and strategic planning for communities. While some programs may also explore civil law, the focus is on criminal law. For this reason, a criminal justice or justice studies degree can be particularly well-suited to individuals who aspire to become defense attorneys or prosecutors.
Legal Studies Emphasis
What is the best major for law school if you aren’t sure what type of lawyer you want to be or want to focus on legal studies? Consider enrolling in the Bachelor of Arts in Government with an Emphasis in Legal Studies.
This program is similar to a political science degree. You can expect to dive into topics such as the philosophy of law, research methods in government and the analysis of public policy. Students also explore governmental structures – both American and international – as well as the U.S. Constitution.
In addition to examining civil and criminal law, students may explore the practice of law, examining crucial skills such as legal reasoning, research and writing. Like many other pre-law degrees, a government studies degree is reading- and writing-intensive.
History
A history degree offers a well-rounded education for those interested in transferable skills and who have a passion for discovering lessons of the past. As an aspiring lawyer, you may find a history degree particularly valuable because it provides opportunities to fine-tune your critical thinking and analytical reasoning skills, as well as research and communication skills — all of which are important for lawyers.2
While earning a history degree, you will be challenged to explore the past and its effects on the present by examining historical events, trends and issues from varying perspectives. Some history programs may focus on United States history, while others explore world history. Still other programs follow a hybrid model, with both United States and world history in the curriculum.
Regardless of which type of history program you enroll in, you may be prompted to reflect on how legal systems and political entities have developed and changed over time.
Psychology
Psychology is an exploration of how the mind works and how thought patterns influence human behavior. Since the law regulates human behavior, psychology and law are closely intertwined. That makes a psychology degree an appropriate choice for a pre-law student.
In addition, psychology majors are prompted to develop strong communication skills, both verbal and written, which are essential for a future law student.2 With a psychology degree, you can consider how to communicate clearly with people of varying personalities and from diverse backgrounds.
Furthermore, if you decide to pursue a career as a trial lawyer, your psychology background could serve you well when you appeal to juries. Juries are comprised of everyday people who make significant decisions. With your psychological background, you may have insight into how to build a compelling case and encourage the jury to vote in your client’s favor.
Degree programs vary from one school to the next. However, you can expect to be taught competencies in areas like cognitive neuroscience, social psychology and psychological research.
Sociology
The equitable, equal and just enforcement of law is fundamental to a functioning society. Since sociology is the study of human society, it could be an ideal choice for aspiring lawyers. Sociology majors examine the development of human societies, how people interact with each other and how various societal structures support humankind.
If you decide to become a sociology major, your professors will challenge you to develop advanced critical thinking skills as you explore the dynamics of societal groups. You will be taught quantitative and qualitative reasoning skills and practice your research and writing skills.
As a sociology major, you can expect to examine topics such as sociological theory, societal stratification, the perpetuation of inequalities, social psychology and globalization.
English
In the legal profession and beyond, language skills are used to instruct and persuade others. They can advocate for a particular position or inform the court of the facts. Because of the importance of written communication skills in the practice of law,2 aspiring law students might consider majoring in English or a similar degree, such as a Bachelor of Arts in Professional Writing for New Media.
If you choose to major in professional writing with a focus on new media, you can expect to explore how language can be used to influence others. You may examine competencies in journalism, technical writing, grant writing and copywriting.
