Political Science:
Perhaps the most popular major among law students, political science involves the study of governmental institutions, electoral politics, and public policy. Classes include Introduction to American Government, Political Philosophy, Constitutional Law, International Relations, and more.
A political science degree will provide you with foundational knowledge about how laws are made and their impact on society. It will also equip you with analytical reading, research, and writing skills that will serve you well in law school and beyond.
Economics/Business:
Economics involves the study of markets and the allocation of goods and service in society. Economics majors learn about how businesses operate, raise funds, and grow in an increasingly globalized world. Classes include Principles of Economics, Mathematics (i.e., algebra, calculus, statistics), Business Law, and International Trade.
An economics degree will provide you with quantitative analytical skills and will help with law school classes like Property, Contracts, Business Entities, Taxation, and Secured Transactions.
An economics degree will provide you with quantitative analytical skills and will help with law school classes like Property, Contracts, Business Entities, Taxation, and Secured Transactions.
Psychology/Philosophy:
Law is a system of rules that governs individual and social behavior; accordingly, studying philosophy and psychology will help you understand the source and purpose of laws and the impact laws have on human behavior.
A psychology or philosophy major will help you relate better to clients, advocate more effectively to judges and juries, and assess the worth of legal rules. It will also equip you with the strong writing and analytical skills needed to succeed in law school.
A psychology or philosophy major will help you relate better to clients, advocate more effectively to judges and juries, and assess the worth of legal rules. It will also equip you with the strong writing and analytical skills needed to succeed in law school.
English/Languages:
English and other language majors study literature, grammar, and communication. These majors teach you how to construct compelling narratives and how to write and speak clearly. A felicity with words, a strong grasp of grammar, and a keen attention to details will help you succeed in law school and excel as an advocate.
History:
Tufts University describes a history major like this:
A major in History allows you to comprehend the full variety of human experiences and how societies function, to better understand the origins of our modern world, and to recognize when ideas about the past influence actions in the present. The major also hones skills in analysis and writing students to careers in a wide array of fields, including government, law, education, business, medicine, and the natural sciences.
A history major will help you understand the social and historical context of the cases you read in your law books, some of which go back hundreds of years.
Science:
Perhaps contrary to popular perception, a science major is an invaluable degree for someone interested in law school. Many people with science backgrounds become intellectual property lawyers and help scientists and innovators protect their rights to their original designs and useful inventions.
Note 1: These majors are just a handful of majors that tend to be common among law students. None of them, however, are required for you to succeed in law school. If you want to major into another degree, you should! Life is meant to be enjoyed and the pursuit of knowledge is about exploring what you are passionate about. Law school sees students who study math, music, urban planning, art history, and much more.
Note 2: You will realize that law school is a type of academic experience unlike any other you have had. Any knowledge you need to know about the law will be taught there in law school. Just know that it is a lot of work, a lot of reading and writing, and many other aspects of your life will need to be replaced by the law. However, it will be a rich and fulfilling experience and will make you a more knowledgeable and effective professional.
Note 2: You will realize that law school is a type of academic experience unlike any other you have had. Any knowledge you need to know about the law will be taught there in law school. Just know that it is a lot of work, a lot of reading and writing, and many other aspects of your life will need to be replaced by the law. However, it will be a rich and fulfilling experience and will make you a more knowledgeable and effective professional.
