Updated July 21, 2025
If you’re interested in a law career, you may be wondering where to start with your undergraduate studies. A specific pre-law major isn’t necessary, and it’s often not available as an undergraduate program.
Fortunately, with the right qualifications, you could get accepted to law school with nearly any undergraduate degree. That said, it’s important to consider how law schools will evaluate your undergraduate experience. You’ll also want to consider a degree that can help prepare you for a rigorous law school education and your future career path.
The 10 Best Majors for Future Law School Students
You don’t need a specific undergrad major to get into law school, but certain pre-law majors can give you an advantage over other applicants and help you prepare for the law school admission test (LSAT). Plus, choosing an undergraduate career that complements your law degree will look good on your resume as a lawyer.
We’ll cover the best majors for law school and how each field can prepare you for your future career.
1. Economics
A degree in economics is an excellent choice if you’re considering a path in corporate law. Even if you’re interested in another field, studying economics can help you develop key critical thinking skills that are essential for success in the legal field.
It can also help you develop the ability to analyze large amounts of data and use it to find connections and solutions to big problems.
2. History
Taking a deep dive into the history of the United States can give you a firm understanding of the American legal system, including how it was developed, how it’s evolved, and the precedents that have helped shape it.
You’ll get the chance to learn about treaties, court rulings, and other aspects of the U.S. legal system that can come in handy when you begin your career.
3. Philosophy
The core of philosophy is wrestling with logic and reasoning to come to conclusions on a matter. Majoring in philosophy will help you develop and hone your ability to isolate and analyze critical facts and details. It will also help you support your conclusions in a logical and persuasive manner.
As a philosophy major, you’ll learn about ethics and human nature, both of which are key areas of expertise for a successful attorney.
4. English
English programs are often focused heavily on reading and writing, something you’re going to be doing a lot in law school and your career. As an English major, you’ll learn how to process information and interpret it quickly and cogently.
You’ll also learn how to speak and write effectively toward making an argument, which is a valuable skill to have at the ready for a future lawyer.
5. International Relations
If you’re considering a career in international law, a pre-law major in international relations may be a no-brainer. You’ll get the chance to learn how the world works, especially how different countries differ in their legal systems and dealings with each other.You’ll also learn important knowledge to help you navigate cross-cultural communication, world politics, cultural history, and more.
6. Finance
A finance degree can be an excellent foundation for a career in corporate law. While you won’t go into as deep of a dive into economics, you will learn about corporate finances work which may be valuable in a number of different law pathways. You’ll also get the chance to develop the skills necessary to interpret data to solve business problems and help companies make better decisions.
7. Accounting
Like a finance degree, an accounting major can give you an advantage if you’re considering working in corporate law, especially for a large accounting firm. This path can also give you the foundation you need if you plan to focus on tax law.
You don’t necessarily need to go into one of those law fields with an accounting degree, though. Instead, you can use your degree to develop your skills organizing and analyzing large amounts of data, which will be useful no matter which legal field you pursue.
8. Political Science
Political science is one of the most popular pre-law majors, so it may feel like a natural choice for general law because the two are so intertwined.
As a poli-sci major, you’ll get a deep understanding of how the American political and legal systems work, especially when it comes to making laws. If you’re interested in pursuing a career as a lawyer and a politician, this may be the best place for you.
9. Communications
A communications major can help you develop important skills in reading, writing, and analyzing text, which will be useful when you head to law school. You’ll also typically be required to stay on top of current events, including new developments in politics and law.
As a lawyer, you’ll be most successful if you have a deep understanding of the history of law in addition to the latest developments in the field that can impact your clients.
10. Liberal Arts or Humanities Concentrations
You may think that getting a degree in a humanities field, such as Art History, Women’s Studies, African American Studies, Film Studies, etc. may not prove useful for a law student, but in fact these can be just as helpful in preparing you for a future career in law. This background can help you get a well-rounded perspective on current political and cultural issues that the law impacts. It can also help you specialize in a future law career, as you may decide to focus your studies and professional pathways to reflect your undergraduate interests.
There are lawyers needed in nearly every industry out there, so think about how to bring your personal hobbies or passions into your law journey.
How to Prepare for Law School Regardless of Your Chosen Major
Once you choose your major, it’s important to take other steps to ensure you can maximize your readiness for and chances of getting into law school. Here are some things you can do outside of your main degree focus:
Use your summers for internships: It may be tempting to take the summer months off, but internships with local law firms, courts, and other legal organizations can give you hands-on experience in your focus area. Plus, if you’re not sure which law field you want to pursue, internships can help you narrow down the list.
Take classes on law and history: In addition to taking the requisite courses for your degree, you’ll likely need to complete some elective courses to get all the credits you need. Consider electives focused on law and legal history, which can help you lay the groundwork for what you’ll be learning once you get to law school.
Take classes in your area of focus: If you already know which area of law you want to pursue, look for classes covering the topics you’ll spend most of your time on. Some colleges may offer undergraduate classes providing an introduction to corporate law, international law, and other areas.
Join the debate team or school newspaper: As a lawyer, learning how to speak and write logically and persuasively is a must. Take advantage of the opportunities available to you on campus through the debate team or school newspaper to develop and practice your skills.
The Top Skills for Law School Students
The American Bar Association affirms that you don’t need a specific undergraduate major for law school, but it recommends you develop the following skills to prepare:
- Problem solving
- Critical reading
- Writing and editing
- Oral communication and listening
- Research
- Organization and management
- Public service and promotion of justice
- Relationship-building and collaboration
- Background knowledge
- Exposure to the law
Note that the majors above are paths worth considering if your goal is to develop these valuable skills. Pursuing a degree in the fields above could help prepare you for a rigorous law program.
Final Considerations
If you’re considering a law degree, you don’t need a specific undergrad major to be eligible for law school. Nevertheless, being mindful of your interests is important, as is understanding how a pre-law major can help you prepare for your future in law school and your career. Take some time to research different degrees, not only in terms of how they might help you but also how they’ll prepare you for the LSAT, the hard work of law school, and the wide world of law beyond.
Need help paying for your chosen major? Considering how you’ll pay for law school once you get to that point? Learn more about ELFI’s student loan options and be connected with an award-winning member of our team who can assist you through the application process from start to finish.
