One of the most significant choices you will make prior to matriculating to law school is the choice of your undergraduate major.
There is no set path or required major for admission to law school. My law school class included students from a wide range of academic backgrounds, many of which have no obvious connection to law, e.g., computer science, engineering, biology. These students did well and had unique insights to offer.
So, before we review this list, please know that these majors are not the only path to law school; rather, they are simply the ones that, in my view, have the highest level of transferable skills and subject matter overlap.
I. Political Science
Political Science probably has the highest level of representation in law school of any undergraduate major, and this is for good reason. This discipline opens the door to the vibrant world of government operations, the subtle dance of political systems, and analysis of the forces shaping public policy, both domestically and internationally.
As a political science major, you’re likely to study some degree of constitutional law and civil liberties in your coursework, which should provide a good foundation of knowledge for law school studies.
But the value of political science extends beyond just the subject matter. Rather, the skills that it helps you cultivate are easily transferable to law school. Critical thinking, for example, is of paramount importance.
You will find yourself constantly untangling intricate political subjects, which will hone your ability to break down complex problems into manageable parts and think logically. That is a skill you will use frequently in law school, and later, in your legal career.
Then there is critical reading, a skill you will rely on heavily when sifting through hefty law texts. Political science courses often require extensive reading, from legislation to scholarly articles.
This not only deepens your understanding of political dynamics but also sharpens your ability to absorb and analyze detailed information – something every law student will testify to being of utmost importance. Persuasive writing is also a cornerstone of this major. You will need to take a position on various subjects and defend your choice, in writing.
This is a skill that can help set you up well for law school success given that most law school exams consist of various written prompts with essay style answers.
II. English
English literature majors also tend to have solid representation in the law school ranks. This is because the study, and later the practice of law requires the ability to speedily review and reliably interpret vast quantities of dense text.
These are skills that studying English literature can help develop. As you delve into the works of Chaucer, Shakespeare, and Hemingway, you’re not just reading stories. You are analyzing language, dissecting its subtle nuances, and understanding its profound implications.
Consider the power of a single word in a legal document – it can completely change the interpretation and impact of the whole. In the study of literature, you also learn the art of discerning these subtle yet powerful nuances.
Beyond interpretation, an English major also calls upon you to master the written word. From crafting persuasive arguments in essays to developing a solid thesis statement, you will be doing a lot of writing. This practice is invaluable, as it nurtures your ability to express complex ideas clearly and succinctly, a skill that is paramount in law.
But the realm of English literature offers more than just the mechanics of language. It’s also a window into the diverse narratives of humanity. From the trials of Dickensian characters to the moral dilemmas in To Kill a Mockingbird, literature provides a unique lens to understand human motivations, conflicts, and ethical quandaries.
These insights can be particularly useful in legal scenarios, helping you empathize with diverse perspectives and offer more nuanced arguments.
III. Philosophy
Philosophy has a natural kinship with law because of the emphasis it places on logical reasoning, which is arguably the most important skill for a prospective law school student to have given how much success on the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT) depends on it.
Philosophy students are initiated into the mysteries of moral, social, and political philosophy, which are the bedrock of our legal system. Delving into these realms not only cultivates a deeper understanding of human behavior and societal structures, but also helps you tackle the foundational principles of justice and law from multiple angles.
But the real magic of a philosophy major lies in the rigorous training it provides in logical reasoning and critical analysis. Philosophy, at its heart, is about forming sound arguments, dissecting complex concepts, and identifying logical fallacies – skills that align perfectly with legal reasoning.
While studying philosophy, you’ll often grapple with perplexing ethical dilemmas and abstract ideas. These thought-provoking exercises are not merely intellectual jousting but prepare you for the ethical challenges that crop up in the legal profession.
After all, law is not just about statutes and legal jargon; rather, it is also about navigating moral ambiguity and making ethically sound judgments.
Another thing that sets Philosophy apart is its unique focus on introspection and abstract thinking. As a philosophy student, you are challenged to question assumptions, debate theories, and analyze ideas from multiple perspectives.
This depth of critical thinking can be incredibly beneficial in law school, where every argument, every case, is an opportunity to question, analyze, and form a compelling perspective.
IV. History
If there is one thing that you will spend a lot of time doing in law school, it is reading case law, which I would argue has a lot in common with studying historical records generally.
Picture yourself as a detective, sifting through old documents, piecing together evidence, tracing the threads of the past to understand the present. That is what you do as a History major, and that is also what you will do as a law student, i.e., you will trace the development of legal principles over time through the medium of case law to arrive at a present day understanding.
Engaging with history involves unearthing the context of events, dissecting various viewpoints, and assembling a coherent narrative grounded in evidence. It encourages you to step into different shoes, see through different eyes, and comprehend the multitude of perspectives that influence an event.
This aptitude for historical analysis and empathetic understanding mirrors the case-study approach in law school where students are expected to comprehend the nuances of cases and appreciate the multifaceted aspects of every dispute.
But history has more to offer than just sharpening analytical prowess. By tracing the evolution of societies, you’ll find yourself peering into the genesis and transformation of legal systems.
From the earliest codes of Hammurabi to the United Nations Charter, you’ll unravel the threads of legal history, offering you a unique understanding of the law not as a static set of rules, but as a dynamic entity shaped by social, political, and cultural forces.
Consider, for instance, studying the American Civil Rights Movement. How could one possibly study the Civil Rights Movement without at least touching upon Brown v. Board of Education, which was a watershed moment for desegregation efforts.
As a History major, you will most likely be delving into at least some landmark cases, laboring to understand shifts in public policy, analyzing legislation, and exploring the intersection of law and society, which are all transferable skills.
V. Economics
I would forgive someone for questioning the inclusion of Economics on this list, but it is in my opinion one of the more helpful undergraduate majors for prospective law school students.
While on the surface economics might appear unrelated to law, it is quite the contrary. Peel back the layers, and you will find that the disciplines are deeply intertwined, often converging at crucial junctures.
Economics explores the realm of regulations, property rights, and market policies. These are the bread and butter of various legal disputes and understanding them can provide you with a leg up in areas such as corporate law, international law, property law, and even tort law.
Additionally, the quantitative skills you develop while studying economics can prove to be a game-changer. It equips you to comprehend and decipher complex statistical data, giving you an analytical edge that can be crucial in the world of law. Imagine being able to quickly interpret and analyze data relevant to a case – a skill that could be invaluable in your future legal career.
But economics is more than just number-crunching. It is also about understanding the intricate mechanics of markets and the delicate balance of supply and demand. You will grapple with how policy decisions can tip this balance and the potential legal repercussions that may ensue.
This not only broadens your perspective on the intersection of law and economics but also cultivates strategic thinking.
Further, economics encourages you to look beyond the numbers and delve into the societal implications of economic decisions. You’ll explore the ethical dimensions of wealth distribution, labor laws, and fiscal policies. This ethical understanding will serve you well in law school, where you’ll frequently encounter moral and ethical dilemmas.