For aspiring lawyers, their studies and education take the topmost priority, and rightfully so. What specialization they choose to pursue, their majors, non-majors, and more aspects come into play when landing a job with the top law firms or for their master’s program.
And due to the sudden surge in the supporting majors along with a student’s specialization, we will be listing down the best and the most popular majors in law school across the country. The subjects on the list were chosen on the basis of the number of graduates, number of alumni and their salaries and overall popularity of the subject.
I hope you enjoy reading this article while also gathering some valuable information.
Table of Contents
1. History
One of the very first and most popular ones is history. Learn and gain a deeper understanding of how the American legal system developed and how it has evolved dramatically since colonial days. You will also gain knowledge about treaties, landmark court rulings, the development of other political systems, the development of the legal system in other countries, and other essential factors. This knowledge may end up helping you later in your career, relying on your knowledge of legal history to perform better.
2. Business
Majoring in business is a smart path to follow for some law students. Business degree coursework can be more challenging when compared to other popular majors. Business coursework is advantageous for law students as it can prepare you for success with the LSAT, in law school, and throughout your career.
While a business degree may seem like a wise option n but those who plan to pursue a career in corporate law or other similar areas should opt for this major.
3. English
English coursework heavily relies on reading and writing. Students develop solid skills that enable them to quickly process written information and use that information to their advantage as they see fit. Critical thinking skills, word roots, grammar, and other concepts are developed fully as well. A variation of an English degree is a degree in linguistics. Coursework focuses heavily on the scientific study of language.
4. Philosophy
Philosophy may not immediately come to mind when pursuing law; however, the law is heavily based on philosophical aspects, such as human nature, ethics, and other topics that are thoroughly covered in college-level philosophy courses.
Law students benefit from majoring in philosophy as it refines their ability to focus on critical details, analyze facts and form an interpretation or opinion. These skills are essential in having a legal career. Philosophy students also explore mentality and thinking from various viewpoints, including from different cultural and historical views.
5. Political Science
Studying political science is a no-brainer because of how closely it is linked to the legal system. Many students who are interested in law have a similar interest in politics and government systems.
Political science focuses on government systems as well as a strong analysis of political behavior. Through this course, students can gain a solid understanding of how laws are created and executed along with how the judicial system works. Coursework also involves foreign political and legal systems.
A degree in political science gives you in-depth knowledge about the Constitution and its founding principles and prepares you for success in law school and in a professional capacity by improving reading, writing, and public speaking skills.
6. Economics
Economics is a solid major for a corporate law niche. Students refine their critical thinking skills that end up being quite essential for success in law school. Economics students think logically while analyzing large amounts of data simultaneously.
Economic conditions have been a catalyst for legal reform, and law students refine their understanding of defining factors with this major.
7. Arts and Humanities
Arts and humanities may have little to do with anything in the legal system; however, this type of degree is logical for several reasons. First, law schools prefer applicants who are well-rounded and with a history of a wide range of coursework. A student pursuing arts and humanities gains knowledge about societies and cultures around the world. This includes religions, languages and other cultural factors.
8. Psychology
The study of the human mind and its behaviors and general experiences is known as psychology. Law impacts and moderates human behavior, and that is why law and psychology are intertwined, making it a popular major for law students.
An education in psychology provides several benefits for students. Through this coursework, students develop a solid foundation in these professions and how they are relevant to their clients. Moreover, psychology helps lawyers to communicate more effectively with different people with who they come in contact professionally.
9. Math
Math refines a student’s analytical skills along with their logical reasoning. Proficient in statistical calculations they can quickly analyze finances. Logic and reasoning skills carry over, which helps students thrive in related coursework.
Math also enables lawyers to specialize in specific areas of the law such as real estate law, bankruptcy law, taxation law, and other areas. Math majors may also thrive in cases related to securities, estates, and trusts.
10. Science
Several specialized areas like biology, ecology, chemistry, and more provide students with a strong background that can be essential for success in various legal niches. For example, chemistry is great for a successful career in pharmaceutical law. Ecology is beneficial for students who focus on environmental law.
These programs are rigorous and are heavily centered on science as well as math. Students hone their skills by reviewing big amounts of complex data. They learn how to analyze this data to reach a probable conclusion. Research skills, logical reasoning, and other skills are applicable as well.
