To become a lawyer, you need a Juris Doctor degree:
- Law school must be ABA-accredited
- Bar exams are state-administered
- 41 jurisdictions have adopted the Uniform Bar Exam (UBE)
Becoming a lawyer starts with earning a bachelor’s degree, but many students ask the same question: What should I major in to become a lawyer? The truth is that there is no single required “pre-law” major. However, choosing one of the best majors for law school can strengthen your skills, improve your LSAT performance, and make your application more competitive.
Law remains a high-earning and respected profession. The median annual salary for lawyers is over $135,000, with top earners in corporate, intellectual property, and healthcare law making significantly more. Job growth for lawyers is projected to continue steadily over the next decade, especially in specialized and compliance-driven fields. But getting there requires admission to law school — and that process is competitive.
Your undergraduate GPA and LSAT score play a major role in law school acceptance decisions. In fact, LSAT performance is one of the strongest predictors of admission. Some majors consistently produce higher average LSAT scores by major, particularly philosophy, economics, mathematics, and certain STEM fields. That’s why many students search for pre-law majors ranked by analytical rigor and test performance.
In this guide, we break down the best undergraduate degrees for aspiring lawyers, explain how they build critical thinking and writing skills, and help you choose a major that aligns with your interests while maximizing your chances of law school acceptance.
LSAT Scores by Major
Data from the Law School Admission Council consistently shows that certain majors perform strongly on the LSAT due to heavy emphasis on logic, reasoning, and reading comprehension.
| Major | Avg LSAT Score Range | Strength Area | Best Law Fields |
|---|---|---|---|
| Philosophy | 158–162 | Logic & argumentation | Constitutional, appellate |
| Economics | 156–160 | Analytical reasoning | Corporate, tax |
| Mathematics | 158–162 | Logical reasoning | Patent, compliance |
| Physics | 157–161 | Analytical reasoning | Intellectual property |
| Political Science | 153–158 | Government knowledge | Public law, policy |
| English | 154–159 | Reading & writing | Litigation, advocacy |
| History | 153–158 | Research & analysis | Constitutional |
| Criminal Justice | 150–155 | Legal system exposure | Criminal law |
| Psychology | 152–156 | Human behavior | Family, criminal |
| Sociology | 150–154 | Social systems | Civil rights |
10 Top Degrees for Lawyers
Below we discuss the 10 best bachelor’s degree programs for future lawyers. What degree for lawyer jobs do you choose? You can major in any discipline because law schools don’t exclude applicants without law degrees.
Since you can choose any major to qualify for law school, you should explore your options. The best major is one you are passionate about and find interesting. When you find your studies interesting, it’s easier to succeed.
Why suffer learning subjects you hate? The great thing about admission to law school is you can major in something you enjoy.
Bachelor’s in Philosophy
Quick Look: Strongest preparation for logic, argument structure, and abstract reasoning. Historically among the highest LSAT averages.
Are there philosophers in law school? Yes! Data shows that philosophy majors score high on the LSAT. Why? As a philosophy major, you know how to think, question, and argue. These are essential skills if you want to become a lawyer.
Philosophy courses teach you how to think. They also teach you about ethics and human nature. You learn how to construct arguments through the study of theory. These theories helped develop some of the greatest thinkers in human history.
Philosophy Courses to Take for Law School
Helpful philosophy courses for law school cover a wide range of topics. You can study:
- Ethics
- Philosophy of law
Top Schools:
Bachelor’s in Economics
Quick Look: Excellent for corporate and financial law. Builds quantitative and analytical reasoning.
Do you plan to practice law in a niche field like corporate law or intellectual property law? If so, consider a bachelor’s degree in economics.
In an economics program, aspiring lawyers learn what drives capitalism. They study economic theory and learn about the conditions that change various systems. Many of which are tied to legal reform.
Economics courses make this lawyer degree a helpful one when it comes to studying for the bar exam. You learn to think critically in the classes you take. You also spend time analyzing and solving complex problems. The quantitative and qualitative analysis skills you learn will help in law school.
Courses that help future law school students include:
- Economics of labor
- Economic theory
- Statistical analysis
- Tax law analysis
Top Schools:
Bachelor’s in Political Science
Quick Look: Most common pre-law major. Direct overlap with constitutional and public law.
The American Bar Association states that political science is among the top majors for law school. About 12,000-13,000 pre-law students choose to major in political science each year. One in five law school applicants have this bachelor’s degree.
In a political science program, you study different types of government and law. Your courses cover topics such as:
- Constitutional law
- Foundations of government
- Political analysis
- Political science research
It is your courses that lay a foundation for law school, giving you the skills you need to think critically and problem-solve. Political science courses are research-heavy. They help you improve your analytical abilities. These skills are vital for law school and to become a lawyer.
Top Schools:
Bachelor’s in English
Quick Look: Develops persuasive writing and textual analysis — critical for law school exams.
English majors spend most of their time reading and writing. They synthesize information and come up with persuasive arguments and positions. These skills can help you become a lawyer. They help you study and do well on the bar exam. Research shows that linguistics and English majors score high on the LSAT. This can translate to a strong performance in law school and a successful law career.
English Courses that Help with a Law Degree
According to the Law School Admission Council, law schools look for students who have strong critical thinking skills. English courses support law degree studies in analysis, interpretation, and logic. Courses that help you in law school include:
- Advanced research
- Digital rhetoric
- Editing and proofreading
- Technical writing
Top Schools:
Bachelor’s in History
Quick Look: Strengthens research and understanding of constitutional evolution.
ABA accredited law school admission data shows 3,000-4,000 students with undergraduate degrees in history apply to law schools every year. The bachelor’s degree helps aspiring law school students succeed.
Law school students who majored in history have strong critical thinking skills. They understand constitutional law and how the current legal system evolved. They also understand that certain social conditions gave rise to this evolution.
History courses that help you in law school include:
- Civil law and history
- Constitutional law
- Government and politics
- The U.S. Constitution
Top Schools:
Bachelor’s in Mathematics/ STEM
Quick Look: Ideal for patent and intellectual property law.
A mathematics or STEM bachelor’s degree is one of the strongest foundations for law school because it builds advanced logical reasoning and problem-solving skills. Students in math, engineering, physics, and computer science programs consistently develop the analytical thinking tested heavily on the LSAT.
STEM majors are especially valuable for students interested in patent, intellectual property, technology, or environmental law. Law schools also appreciate the academic rigor of quantitative majors, which can strengthen an applicant’s overall profile.
Math/ STEM courses that will help in law school:
- Philosophy or History
- Constitutional Law
- Accounting/ Corporate Finance
- Public Speaking or Debate
- Ethics
Top Schools:
Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice
Quick Look: Good exposure to court systems, though less analytical than philosophy/economics.
Criminal justice is a best degree for lawyer work because law and criminal justice studies overlap. A bachelor’s degree in this subject serves as good preparation for a law degree. Here’s how.
A good lawyer course focuses on case study and interpretation. The classes you take as a criminal justice major do just that. Your courses focus on how the criminal justice system works alongside the legal system.
Criminal Justice Courses for Pre-law
Aspiring lawyers in a bachelor’s degree criminal justice program take many courses that can help them in the legal profession. Helpful courses cover topics such as:
- Criminal law
- Criminal psychology
- Law and the legal system
- Social science and legal research
Top Schools:
Bachelor’s in Psychology
Quick Look: Helpful for litigation, jury analysis, and family law.
Psychology and law are two subjects that intersect. They both deal with human thought and behavior.
Psychology experts rely on witnesses and experts in different legal cases. Having an understanding of psychological theory and its application is helpful as you prepare for law school and a Juris Doctor degree.
Psychology programs teach you how to conduct research. Courses cover topics that benefit law school applicants and bar exam performance because they teach you how to think, interpret, and write.
Psychology courses that help students attend law school include:
- Criminal law and psychology
- Fundamentals of psychology
- Social science research
- Statistical analysis
Top Schools:
Bachelor’s in Sociology
Quick Look: Strong foundation for civil rights and social policy law.
Sociology covers content areas and skills that help a law student succeed. In this major, you study human behavior within the context of material conditions, cultures, and institutions. You look at theories and conduct research. The skills you develop can help you on your admission to law school and the bar exam.
Whether you want to advocate for student loan debt relief or work in real estate law, you can with a sociology degree. The skills you learn in your undergraduate program can benefit your legal career. They can also help you pass the bar exam.
Classes you can take in sociology include:
- Criminology
- Fundamentals of sociology
- Statistical analysis
Top Schools:
Bachelor’s in Business Administration
Quick Look: Valuable for corporate, tax, and contract law careers.
Most people don’t think of business as a degree for future lawyers. But a bachelor’s degree can open the door to law schools. Especially if you’re considering a career in corporate law.
Business Courses for Future Lawyers
Business classes are rigorous. You improve your writing skills and learn how to analyze readings. You also sharpen your quantitative analysis. These skills help you prepare for the LSAT.
You take courses such as:
- Business law
- Contract negotiations
- Public speaking
You learn about different types of law and how each relates to business. You may not take legal studies courses, but advanced business coursework can help you develop skills needed to pass the bar exam.
A bachelor’s degree in business can also help you get into graduate school to earn an MBA. Many corporate lawyers hold both MBA and Juris Doctor degrees.
Top Schools:
- The Wharton School (University of Pennsylvania)
- MIT Sloan School of Management
- NYU Stern School of Business
Lawyer Salary and ROI in 2026
Median Salary
- Median lawyer salary: $135,000+
- Top 10% earners: $200,000+
- Corporate & IP lawyers often exceed $250,000 in major markets
Job Growth Projection
The legal profession is projected to grow steadily, with increased demand in:
- Healthcare regulation
- Technology and data privacy
- Environmental compliance
- Corporate governance
Return on Investment (ROI)
Law school is expensive. Tuition at private law schools can exceed $150,000–$200,000 total.
ROI depends on:
- Law school ranking
- Geographic market
- Practice area
- Student debt load
Graduates entering large firms or specialized fields typically see faster ROI compared to public interest law.
Strategic undergraduate preparation improves:
- Scholarship eligibility
- LSAT performance
- Law school acceptance rates
What Law Schools Actually Look For
Law schools prioritize:
- High LSAT score
- Strong GPA
- Rigorous coursework
- Writing ability
- Leadership and internships
They do not require a specific major.
Graduating from an ABA-accredited law school (accredited by the American Bar Association) is typically required for bar eligibility in most states.
States with Strong Lawyer Job Markets
High-demand states include:
- California
- Texas
- New York
- Florida
Major metro markets often offer the highest salaries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best major for law school?
There is no single best major for law school. Philosophy, economics, mathematics, political science, and English often rank highly because they build logic, analytical reasoning, and writing skills. Law schools prioritize LSAT scores and GPA over specific majors.
What major has the highest LSAT scores?
Philosophy, mathematics, and physics majors often report the highest average LSAT scores due to strong training in logical reasoning and analytical thinking. Economics also performs well.
Do law schools prefer certain majors?
Law schools do not require specific majors. However, they value academic rigor, critical thinking, and strong writing ability. A challenging major with a high GPA is more important than choosing a traditional pre-law field.
Is political science the best pre-law major?
Political science is the most common pre-law major because of its overlap with government and constitutional law. However, it does not consistently produce the highest LSAT averages compared to philosophy or STEM fields.
Can STEM majors go to law school?
Yes. STEM majors are highly valued, especially for intellectual property and patent law. Analytical and research skills developed in science programs translate well to law school success.
Is law school worth it in 2026?
Law school can be worth it if graduates enter high-paying or specialized fields and manage debt strategically. ROI varies based on law school ranking, geographic location, and practice area.
Final Thoughts on the 10 Best Degrees for Future Lawyers
If you’re wondering how to choose the best bachelor degree for lawyer jobs, you need to look within. What does that mean? Ask yourself what interests you. Do you have a personal interest or passion? Many times your interests can guide your career path.
If you’re interested in women’s rights and issues, think about a degree in gender studies or history. Take courses that highlight your interests. Even earn a minor or a concentration in a niche area of interest. Then graduate from law school and find law firms that specialize in women’s rights.
By choosing a degree you are passionate about, you can increase the likelihood of getting into law school and passing the bar exam.
Related Resources:
5 Great Specializations for Online Criminal Justice Students
- 30 Most Affordable Online Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice: Private Non-Profit Colleges
- 30 Most Affordable Bachelor’s in Psychology Programs