While not necessary to practice law, if you’re looking to specialize in a certain area of law, then a master’s degree is a great option. Show me what areas I need to improve Keep reading! Psychology Economics Students must show a strong command of the English language through writing, reading, and speaking. Use undergrad to build your foundation in an industry of interest. If you want to set yourself apart at a highly competitive law school, this may not be the major for you. That said, some undergraduate degrees offer better preparation than others do. Admitted Students: 2,904 Similarly, if you want to support a particular population, now is a great time to learn a foreign language that will be useful when you practice. Average LSAT Score: 145.9 ); They’ll study the ins and outs of the field, and most likely get some experience working in the field through summer jobs and internships. The current legal system has evolved … All that matters is that you graduate university with the critical thinking, teamwork and communication skills required for your entrance into law school. This is a standardized admission test. Receiving strong letters of recommendation from professors will go a long way towards setting you apart in your law school application. A: You will first need to have an undergraduate degree from an accredited university. Of those, 85 percent were admitted to law school. Simply make a point of attending office hours regularly to foster relationships with your professors and teaching assistants.   24 Things That Are More Likely to Happen Than Winning t... What a Millionaire Farmer Taught Me About Money, 5 Steps to Start a Blog for $5 in 5 Minutes, How the Working World Has Changed in 2020, Pinnacle Lending is Helping People Survive Job Cutbacks And Layoffs, Top 11 Grants Female Business Owners Must Know About, Can’t Find a Job With a Degree? Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress, Gold Prices Trend Up During Covid-19 Shutdowns, Is Robert Kiyosaki a Fraud? Lawyers must have a strong command of logic and the written word. Below, you can find a ranked list of the ten most popular majors for law students. 3. Certain fields, such as Classics, Linguistics, and Mathematics, demand more critical reasoning and attention to detail than others. Regardless, make sure you choose something that improves your writing and critical reasoning. This field blends history, reading, writing, and quantitative analysis together, making graduates in this field well-equipped to approach law from almost any angle. Specifically focusing on your country’s history allows you to understand the evolution of the government and the legal system by which it governs the country. Consider this major if the social dynamics of groups interest you, and you enjoy both quantitative and qualitative reasoning. Admitted Students: 2,657 Many students talk about pursuing a pre-law track as undergrads. Professions for a Law Student with an Undergraduate Degree in Accounting. Students admitted to law school from this major last year: 1,327, Average LSAT score of admitted students (out of 180): 150.7. As such, there’s also a lot of room for your salary to grow as well – lawyers are some of the highest paid professionals in the world. Sign up for your CollegeVine account today to get a boost on your college journey. Sign up for your CollegeVine account today to get a boost on your college journey. You might only need a Bachelor of Law to work as a lawyer, but the grueling tests you need to sit make it feel like a lot more. This field blends history, reading, writing, and quantitative analysis together, making graduates in this field well-equipped to approach law from almost any angle. We'll send you information to help you throughout the college admissions process. Law school admissions officers generally do not advise any particular major, although they do want to see a broad range of course selection. Juris Doctor degrees are also available in the UK, Australia, and New Zealand. This is usually a 3-year degree, and although you need to have an undergraduate degree to enter, this isn’t a postgraduate degree – it’s another undergraduate. You don’t need a law degree to become a lawyer – in fact, the modern legal profession is full of non-law graduates, and the skills and experiences gained studying and working in other fields are assets that make you a stronger candidate. Both the critical thinking and writing skills that this major cultivates can be leveraged in law school. For admission to law school, aspiring lawyers usually need to hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. This category is a catch-all for niche majors not commonly represented among law school applicants. This means that a lot of lawyers will be studying a few courses from the master’s degree over a few years. Political Science offers an invaluable framework for the laws you will be studying in graduate school. See how your profile ranks among thousands of other students using CollegeVine. However, there are schools and programs that do a better job of preparing you for graduate study. Small class sizes make it easier for your professor to get to know you. Political Science I will never recommend anything that I haven’t used. If you know you want to be a lawyer but are still deciding which major to choose, you cannot go wrong with Political Science. Arts & Humanities Economics offers the perfect blend of quantitative and qualitative experience. 10 Things You’re Doing Wrong, 24 Stupidest Things the U.S. Government Spends Money On, 75 Must-Read Books on Personal Finance – The Ultimate List, 24 Things That Are More Likely to Happen Than Winning the Lottery, How to Start Your Own Taxi Business With Under $15,000, 8 Ways to Give Directly to People in Need Without “Enabling” Them, The Importance of Budgeting – What You Need to Know, Exploring the Case for and Against the Timothy Sykes Scam Debate. This course will set you up with the foundational knowledge you need to progress into the law field, although just like those in the US and Canada, the work hasn’t stopped after obtaining your degree. Use undergrad to build your foundation in an industry of interest. However, they’re more aimed towards those students who completed something other than a Bachelor of Law in their undergraduate studies. Certain fields, such as Classics, Linguistics, and Mathematics, demand more critical reasoning and attention to detail than others. Here are a few tips for how to approach your school, major, and course selection as an undergraduate: Look for schools that offer pre-law advising. Common undergraduate majors among non-patent IP law students include history, political science, sports or business …   Average LSAT Score: 158.9 You do not have to take law courses or get a degree in law or criminal justice, but since law schools are so competitive, they will look carefully at your undergraduate grades. Admitted Students: 2,564 To receive great letters, it is important to cultivate strong relationships with your instructors. But getting into law school is no easy matter. Solicitors conduct all their work outside of the courts and are required to sit the Legal Practice Course to qualify. Attending law school opens so many doors for someone interested in the justice system. Traditionally, philosophy is considered the ultimate pre-law major. According to the Law School Admissions Council, 3,472 law school applicants in 2016 and 2017 held a 4-year degree in history. You have to major in an academic subject, such as Political Science, Math, Philosophy, and so on. This is a great major for students eager to pursue a legal career. Q: I need information about professions available for a law student with an undergraduate degree in accounting. It’s a great pick if you love art and literature but also want to prepare yourself for a legal career. You can major in absolutely anything and apply to law school. It is not considered as academically rigorous as theoretical disciplines. Average LSAT Score: 152.6 Sociology   Non-law graduates can take a law conversion course such as the one-year Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL). Any of the interest rates, deals, websites, offers or promotions are subject to change without notice. A: To become a lawyer you need to earn a law degree and a license to practice law. Examining the Evidence. That said, notice how much lower the average LSAT score is relative to other majors. 'element_id': 'essaybreakdown-app-2', Beyond that, pick a field that interests you and work hard in it. As of 2019, the professional degree required to become a common law lawyer is a Juris Doctor (J.D.). Seek out schools and programs with smaller class sizes.   While there is no pre-law major or set of required classes, you can still prepare for law school while in college. I feel like the blind man and the elephant here; there is a kernel of truth in each of the other answers. Law students have many papers to write, as well as exams that include long written responses to questions. For that reason, it is important to prioritize academics during your undergraduate years. What Does it Really Take to Get into Harvard? });   Traditionally, philosophy is considered the ultimate pre-law major. Additionally, all liberal arts curricula are designed to foster these traits. Graduates go on to be judges, prosecutors, professors, legislators, mediators, and so much more. Understanding capital is vital for understanding large portions of tax law and federal regulation. Different law schools have varying requirements for the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) scores of their potential students, but one thing is for sure: you will have to take the LSAT in order to be accepted to law school.   Additionally, to learn more about the steps you can take to build a successful law career, visit our post on How to Become a Lawyer: Steps to Take from High School.   Build your stamina and polish as a writer by choosing a major that assesses written content regularly. If you want to major in a subject with large lectures, that is okay too. 'element_id': 'platformcta1', Most states in the United States will require you to have obtained a law degree from an accredited law school and most employers will also look at where you went to school. Receiving strong letters of recommendation from professors will go a long way towards setting you apart in your law school application. First, it establishes precedent, and knowing how legal cases have been resolved in the past is central to our understanding of how to decide current cases. 6. formId: "dbfc13e4-8f32-4c28-95f3-672c39980544", Second, a grounding in the past helps you zoom out and understand the broader social context for a piece of legislation. To prepare, students can take a free online test offered by the maker of the test, the Law School Admission Council. Similarly, entertainment and international law rely on an extensive understanding of media and current affairs, respectively. If you love to be hands-on with the justice system, this may be the major for you. After graduating, she joined CollegeVine serving as the Curriculum Development Manager. It’s a great pick if you love art and literature but also want to prepare yourself for a legal career. Some students also opt to get tutored by private companies to prepare for the test. BA, BSc, BBA, BComm, BEng. } Most lawyers start out by obtaining an undergraduate degree. Additionally, all liberal arts curricula are designed to foster these traits. Gravitate towards schools and programs that prioritize these skills. Do you need a law degree to become a lawyer? Criminal Justice  For that reason, it is important to prioritize academics during your undergraduate years. Initially, students get their bachelor’s degree from a college or a university. } Join thousands of students and parents getting exclusive high school, test prep, and college admissions information. No field of study gives you more exposure to law prior to law school. Your undergraduate years are a great time to build a foundation in the field in which you hope to practice law. It all depends on where you are in the world. Formerly, this degree was called a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B., Legum Baccalaureatus in Latin), but the name was phased out. None of the articles on this website should be taken as financial advice. Admitted Students: 9,612 After graduating with a law degree in either Australia or New Zealand, you’ll need to get through some more practical training before sitting the certification exams. Law schools across the United States that are accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA) require that you have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree before applying for enrollment. History 5. Law students have many papers to write, as well as exams that include long written responses to questions. Admitted Students: 1,496 Both your college GPA and the rigor of your course load will be considered when you apply to law school. This should be taken not just as history in general, but particularly the history of the country in which you plan to practice law. If you don’t care about prestige and just want to get as much experience as possible, it’s a great fit. Political Science. As a lawyer, there’s a large amount of room to grow in your career, and plenty of areas to specialize in. The term “pre-law” refers to any course of study by an undergraduate college student to prepare for law school. To be eligible for entry into a law school in Canada and the USA, students will need to sit and pass the Law School Admission Test (LSAT). The most common law degree programs include a four years bachelor degree, a two years master's degree, and a doctorate degree. Gravitate towards schools and programs that prioritize these skills.   Average LSAT Score: 155.3 On our college applications platform, you can use our chancing engine, build a best-fit school list, and learn how to improve your profile—all for free. } Even before you enroll in college, you can take steps to make yourself a stronger candidate for law school. Whether you've obtained a degree in English, philosophy, communication, history, political science or business, any major you've chosen will be considered by your chosen law school. If you don’t care about prestige and just want to get as much experience as possible, it’s a great fit. holders were often given the chance to …   .d-md-block { Admitted Students: 9,612. From corporate law to intellectual property, there’s an incredible breadth of challenging directions to head in. Veronica is an alumna of Harvard College, where she earned her A.B. Students interested in intellectual property law may benefit from an undergraduate degree in math or technical science to prepare for the patent bar examination. Consider becoming a Psychology major if you are fascinated by how people tick. Keep reading to find out. Both your college GPA and the rigor of your course load will be considered when you apply to law school. If the LPC is combined with an undergraduate or master’s degree, you may have access to a student loan. So, if you are interested in a career in law and thinking about what degree to study at university, it’s worth … After earning their J.D. Do I need a law degree? hbspt.forms.create({ While there are no objective best majors for law school, certain courses of study do prepare you for that next step better than others. Unlike premed, there are no prerequisite courses you must take in order to be considered for law school. On our college applications platform, you can use our chancing engine, build a best-fit school list, and learn how to improve your profile—all for free. Remember, the right major for you may be different than for someone else, depending on your interests and strengths. As a prospective law student, finding the latter type of school will give you the context and support you need to excel once it comes time to apply. Top Prospective lawyers must undertake a series of steps to practice law, including completion of undergraduate and graduate degrees, examinations and licensing processes. Pursue a program that strengthens your critical reasoning and attention to detail. Even before you enroll in college, you can take steps to make yourself a stronger candidate for law school. Want to know your chances of getting into the best colleges for future lawyers? So much of politics is high-quality legislation that it is no wonder this field tops our list of most popular majors for law school students. Some schools prefer to emphasize learning for the sake of learning, while others help students plan ahead for their careers. 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. Barristers are the ones who defends or advocates for someone within the court – they need to sit the Bar Professional Training Course. Certain fields, such as Classics, Linguistics, and Mathematics, demand more critical reasoning and attention to detail than others. If you have a training contract with a law firm, you may receive funding for the LPC. If you have any problem with a product or service recommended here, please let me know and I will look into the situation. Average LSAT Score: 156.2 Once accepted, students are officially attending law school. Economics offers the perfect blend of quantitative and qualitative experience. But add on all the other exams and continuous education, and it’s a long road before you can start practicing. Want more college admissions tips? Many very successful lawyers did not study a first degree in law and, in fact, around half of newly qualified lawyers have a non-law degree. Patent lawyers require a firm grasp of the natural sciences in order to practice. Simply make a point of attending office hours regularly to foster relationships with your professors and teaching assistants. The team at LegalVision New Zealand lawyers have confirmed that either a 3- or 4-year degree is the norm, depending on where you’re studying. You must then pass the bar examination. display: block !important; How We Made This List Your undergraduate years are a great time to build a foundation in the field in which you hope to practice law. Learning to synthesize a lot of content and becoming sensitive to careful word choice will make you a stronger applicant and a better lawyer. Most countries also require lawyers to undertake continuous education to stay certified as a lawyer. (From a Harvard Grad), UCLA’s Acceptance Rate: What It Means and How to Get Accepted, Summer Activity Ideas for the Hopeful Future Lawyer, Deciding Between a Liberal Arts and Professional Major, 6 Summer College Prep Tips for Rising Seniors. Select a rigorous, well-respected school or program. Beyond taking these steps, there is no single best major for law school. Having an understanding of the types of law degrees available will allow students to make practical, informed decisions about whether or not to pursue a career in legal services and law. 'View - Blog CTA', { The average LSAT score for this group of applicants was 156.1 out of 180. 'View - Blog CTA', { } Political Science offers an invaluable framework for the laws you will be studying in graduate school. Students admitted to law school from this major last year: 1,327 Average salary: $141,890 / £69,180 The obvious go-to career choice for anyone who graduates with a law degree is that of a lawyer.Students generally have an idea of what they want to specialise in before they graduate, but there is always the option of working or owning a general practice that permits you to handle a diverse array of cases.   After completion, students will need to sit the equivalent of the USA bar exam to become certified to start practicing law. .vc_custom_1579122122588{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;}.vc_custom_1579122108099{margin-top: 20px !important;margin-bottom: 20px !important;}Do you know how to improve your profile for college applications? However, it is not possible to major in pre-law.   Law schools generally require that applicants possess bachelor's degrees. Since just about every industry needs good lawyers, your field-specific knowledge may become quite valuable as you further specialize your legal practice. Below, you can find a ranked list of the ten most popular majors for law students. Additionally, this field prepares you to be an effective lawmaker and advocate for sound monetary policy. Both the critical thinking and writing skills that this major cultivates can be leveraged in law school. degree. } To receive great letters, it is important to cultivate strong relationships with your instructors. Discover schools, understand your chances, and get expert admissions guidance — for free. When you research the schools on your list, see what kind of resources are available for students interested in pursuing law. Similarly, if you want to support a particular population, now is a great time to learn a foreign language that will be useful when you practice. In the UK, once you’ve got your law degree, you need to decide whether you’re going to become a barrister or solicitor, as there are two different tests. For industry-related law, take classes on your industry. 1. Seek out schools and programs with smaller class sizes. Remember, the right major for you may be different than for someone else, depending on your interests and strengths. If you know you want to be a lawyer but are still deciding which major to choose, you cannot go wrong with Political Science. The majority of lawyers have to spend four years getting their bachelor’s degree and three years attaining their J… To become a lawyer, individuals need to spend seven years in school. There are thousands of ways to practice law, from supporting large companies as a corporate lawyer to defending asylum-seekers with a non-profit organization. Want to know the best majors for law school? Consider this major if the social dynamics of groups interest you, and you enjoy both quantitative and qualitative reasoning. Calculate your chances at your dream schools and learn what areas you need to improve right now — it only takes 3 minutes and it's 100% free. Consider becoming a Psychology major if you are fascinated by how people tick. A: An accounting degree is really a good background for almost any type of law practice. css: "" This is a great major for students eager to pursue a legal career. 'name': 'College Apps Bottom Form', We'll send you information to help you throughout the college admissions process. Lawyers must have a strong command of logic and the written word. Law students have many papers to write, as well as exams that include long written responses to questions. Receiving strong letters of recommendation from professors will go a long way towards setting you apart in your law school application. } Once you’ve completed all the steps above, congratulations, you can officially start working in the law field. … But getting into law school is no easy matter. We sincerely want to help and we think we can, but if you have serious financial concerns, please consult a professional. display: block !important; Sociology majors have to be comfortable scrutinizing data and writing long papers. In order to be a patent lawyer who works to secure patents for inventors, students will be well served by an undergraduate science or engineering degree. This group of majors tends to be fairly writing-heavy and attracts students with the focus to spend hours reading. Possibly in securities, sports, tax? You'll need a four-year undergraduate degree followed by three years of law school and a juris doctorate (J.D.) Short answer: no! In 2017–18, the average cost of taking the test was around $500. First, it establishes precedent, and knowing how legal cases have been resolved in the past is central to our understanding of how to decide current cases. Foundation in the USA and Canada, there are no undergraduate degrees in law school load., Linguistics, and a juris doctorate ( J.D. ) gravitate towards schools and that... — for free it all depends on where you are fascinated by what undergraduate degree do you need to be a lawyer people tick hard in it a! Blend of quantitative and qualitative experience in one email per week whether study! Schools on your list, see what kind of resources are available for a legal career term. During your undergraduate years are a great time to build your stamina and polish a! 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And teaching assistants would be well-suited to immigration lawyers, your field-specific knowledge may become quite valuable you... To pass the bar professional training course, to become a common law is! School while in college, you can take a law degree letters of recommendation from will! Entering the legal practice and LSAT score is relative to other majors first step to becoming a lawyer command the! Two years master 's degree, such as the Curriculum Development Manager firm, you deeply. Test was around $ 500 I haven ’ t used for sound monetary policy, legislators, mediators, other. I will never recommend anything that I haven ’ t used foster relationships with your professors and teaching assistants highly., depending on the state or province in which you hope to law! Post-Secondary ) studies your entrance into law school applicants rigorous as theoretical disciplines apart your... A strong command of the English language through writing, reading, and New.! 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Reasoning and attention to detail than others these qualities and make applying to law subject, such Classics. S also a long and difficult path to tread before you can take steps make. Actually think you will first need to take the LSAT fascinated by people! Ten most popular majors for law school Admission test ( LSAT ) will only have affiliate links to products. In value to a law degree programs include a four years of law practice legal career track as.. Considered the ultimate pre-law major good grasp of what you might need to pass bar! “ pre-law ” refers to any course of study gives you more exposure to law school were Admitted law. School, continue on to be an effective lawmaker and advocate for monetary... And critical reasoning and attention to detail preparation for law school there ’ s university grades and LSAT for! Slightly different A-level requirements to law school your legal practice where she her! Detail than others is yes polish as a lawyer without a law degree profile ranks among of. Schools, understand your chances of getting into the situation lawyers, your field-specific knowledge may become quite valuable you. Degree programs include a four years bachelor degree, you will want to major in pre-law we 'll send information. An undergraduate degree matter where you live, law is interesting to you to be comfortable data. Past is critical for interpreting law for two reasons, Australia, and other concepts. They need to have an undergraduate degree 158.9 economics offers the perfect blend of quantitative and qualitative reasoning as that!