Majors for Law School: What Should I Study if I Want to Go into Law?
An interest in law school after graduation often comes with the question of whether there are correct majors for law school while in college. JD candidates often opt for economics, political science, or philosophy, but it’s definitely not unheard of for law students to have majored in biology, art history, or even music.
While it’s true that law schools have no strict restrictions when it comes to undergraduate majors for applicants, you need to make sure that you maintain a strong academic record and a high GPA regardless of major. To guide you through considering the ideal majors for law school, I’ve outlined how law schools consider students’ major, what recent acceptance data indicates for success in the admissions process, and the debate on whether there is a perfect degree when it comes to applying to law school.
Should You Attempt a Pre-Law Major?
Unlike medical schools, law schools do not have specific curricular entrance requirements. Some schools offer a formal “Pre-Law” major or minor, but most undergraduate schools do not. Additionally, the courses that such a pre-law concentration would consist of are an amalgamation of political science, history, economics, and sociology courses with some tangential relation to “the law.” They are usually nothing like a course in law school itself, which will be taught very differently—especially now that the LSAT format has changed (as of August 2024) to remove the logic games section and increase the emphasis on logical reasoning and reading comprehension. Schools offer these majors to give students some introduction to law and context for those who might be interested in pursuing legal studies after graduation.
Nonetheless, from a strategic perspective, no admissions officer at any law school is going to be impressed by the fact that you were solely a “Pre-Law” major. If anything, it could show a lack of broader interests. Law schools are looking for candidates with unique backgrounds and interests who have blazed their own paths, even if they have more common experiences.
What Do Admissions Offices Look for?
Law schools are extremely open to a wide range of concentrations. In fact, they hope each candidate will bring something unique to the table. Harvard Law School’s admissions website still states this very clearly:
“Our assessment includes many factors such as work experience and demonstrated leadership, and also intangible qualities such as energy, ambition, sound judgment, ability to overcome adversity, high ideals, and concern for the welfare of others. Our admissions committee seeks not only to identify and recognize characteristics that are important to academic success in law school, but also qualities that will contribute diversity of perspective and experience, general excellence, and vitality to the student body.”
According to InGenius Prep’s Christina Chong (former admissions reader at Harvard Law School and Assistant Director of JD admissions at New York University Law School), it’s less about your major and more about your story: where you come from, who you are, what you can bring to the school. Christina says:
“Law schools generally want to see that you’ve taken a course load with a lot of reading- and writing-intensive classes. They don’t really care about the major. In terms of activities it’s again choose your own adventure and what interests you. I’ve seen everything from people who are really into food justice to someone into international law. The main thing is that you’re telling a story to the committee so it’s very important that the story be accurate and also makes sense based on your profile.”
According to our Former Admissions Officer Jean Webb, who worked as the Director of Admissions at Yale Law School:
“Admissions officers look for evidence of strong writing, thinking, reasoning, and editing. Applicants must demonstrate the strengths they will contribute to law schools. It’s not always about the topic; rather, it’s that you write about the topic well. As an admissions officer, you don’t know what kind of law an applicant is going to study. Everything can change once a student gets to school. What makes a student succeed as a student and eventual lawyer is good writing, thinking, reasoning, and editing.”
Instead of getting anxious over your selection of majors for law school, you should focus more on achieving high grades and formulating a unique personal statement that helps you stand out.
What Does the Data Say?
You might be curious about how students from various backgrounds have fared in the law school admissions process and how students’ majors have played out for them in the LSAT. Recent results from 2022–2023 show that economics majors averaged around 161.7 on the LSAT, followed by philosophy majors at approximately 159.5, with history, English, and political science close behind. YMAWS
One relevant shift: since the logic games section was removed in August 2024, STEM majors — which had often benefited from that section — may not necessarily retain the same edge. Some reports suggest STEM majors still show strong median LSAT scores, but the gap may narrow. Reuters
This data is important because it shows just how diverse the mix is when it comes to law school applicants. Many law candidates come from humanities, social sciences, or STEM. However, the very top median scores tend to come from those who combine analytical, quantitative, and writing-intensive work.
Is There a Correct Major for Law School?
The purpose of college is to broaden your horizons, to teach you new ways of thinking, and to expose you to different perspectives — not to lock yourself into choosing the “right” major for law school. Coming in with a one-track mindset of going to law school may limit your experience. That being said, having a strong understanding of your interests and passions is key when applying.
Now here is a more direct answer: there is no one perfect major for students interested in law.
Reading or writing-heavy subjects may help you more, but determining the correct majors for law school is nuanced. Subjects which sharpen skills in analysis, close reading, logical reasoning, and writing are helpful with the LSAT, but the data shows that no major guarantees an admissions advantage.
For example, as of 2023, philosophy and economics majors rank very high in LSAT averages. But also, many successful law students have backgrounds in biology, the arts, engineering, and other technical fields. Law schools appreciate diversity of thought and skill.
When the time comes to choose your major, don’t worry too much. At the end of the day, you can major in anything that interests you. Law schools appreciate candidates who bring something different to the table. Whether you choose a humanities or STEM route is up to you. If you’re truly torn, draw up a pros and cons list to decide which path works best for you and focus on working hard in your classes. Good luck!
Ready to Strengthen Your Law School Application?
Choosing the right major for law school is only one step. Our Former Admissions Officers from Harvard, Yale, and NYU can help you build a winning strategy, from your personal statement to your LSAT prep. Schedule a free consultation today.