Pre-Law
Most, though not all, law schools require a bachelor's degree before admission. All recommend it.
Law school counselors are practically unanimous in suggesting that the best "pre-law" majors are the ones in which students are vitally interested and will, therefore, devote themselves wholeheartedly. Beyond that, there are several guides:
First, select a major which is intellectually rigorous, demanding and substantial.
Second, there are a number of courses which are of special benefit in subsequent law school work. Accounting will be useful when encountering courses in corporations, taxes, and other business areas. Courses in mathematics or statistics will acquaint students with quantitative measurement. Logic is recommended for the purpose of developing powers of imaginative and incisive reasoning. History courses will provide valuable backgrounds and content as well as analytical training. Any and all English courses will improve the ability to read and write, and speech and debate will improve verbal skills.
Third, a choice of major may depend upon the kind of law practice envisioned if such a decision can be made.
Thus, business and economics obviously provide and excellent background for those entering corporate practice; sociology, criminology, and social work relate well to criminal justice work; and political science and/or public administration (perhaps the most common major) will especially serve the needs of those who contemplate public service, elective or otherwise.
Applicants must take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) which covers a broad range of disciplines and gives no advantage to candidates with particular specializations.
Pre-law Advisors: