Undergrad Paths for Future Law Students

According to recent statistics from the Law School Admission Council, nearly 71,000 students applied to law schools across the United States for the 2021 enrollment year. As the number of applicants continues to surge, selecting an undergraduate major that will distinguish you from other applicants can be a defining factor in your chances of acceptance. If you're considering a pre-law track, read more to learn about how Tulane SoPA offers a variety of programs that introduce our students to the legal realm in preparation for the field of law.

Choosing a Path Into Law

When choosing the right major for your pre-law path, it's important to select a program that not only interests you but also stresses the fundamental skills that successful lawyers utilize in their daily work. Whichever major of study you opt for, you'll want to make sure that the designated coursework builds your logic and reasoning, reading comprehension, and writing skills. Because most law schools require you to take the four-part LSAT test before admission, it's critical that you have a thorough grasp of each of these core disciplines that you'll be evaluated on.

Determining the undergraduate major that is best for your unique circumstance can start with a consultation with your pre-law advisor. Not only offering guidance in selecting the appropriate courses to take in preparation for law school, these advisors can also assist you with any law school applications. In addition to speaking with your advisor, you'll want to consider the acceptance rates of your preferred program. Taking this extra step can help you know what to expect of the admissions process and ensure that you properly prepare for applying.

ABA Thoughts on Undergraduate Majors

According to the American Bar Association, there is no one clear path to take when preparing for your legal education. In fact, students from across various disciplines are admitted to law school each year. However, the ABA does suggest that you pursue an undergraduate program that allows you to take advantage of your research and writing skills, whether through common tracks such as history and political science or more diverse disciplines like mathematics and art. At Tulane SoPA, we offer recommended fields of pre-law study ranging from general legal studies to public relations.

BA in General Legal Studies

If you're positive in your commitment to law school, a BA in General Legal Studies offers students the opportunity to experience the rigor and nature of work that the ABA and other legal employers demand. Through courses focused on theory and application, this undergraduate law degree introduces students to legal terms, processes, and regulations that serve as the law's foundations. In addition, programs in legal studies allow undergraduate students to develop crucial skills needed to excel in legal professions, which include:

• Legal research
• Critical reading and writing
• Exposure to different types of law
• Promotion of justice

As a student in general legal studies, you'll cover the different sectors in the field of law, granting you the ability to work in areas ranging from criminal, civil, and administrative law.

BA in Digital Media and Marketing Communications

Not just geared towards emerging advertisers and public relations officials, a BA in Digital Media and Marketing Communications teaches students how strategically innovative communication solutions can impact society, business, and even law. Pre-law students in the program can gain an understanding of the legal and ethical implications grounded in digital communications, as well as build on the following skills:

• Research
• Problem-solving
• Relationship-building and collaboration
• Exposure to digital communication law

When you take the route of digital media and marketing communications, you can jumpstart your career in legal journalism or sports and entertainment law through SoPA's diverse course offerings and work-ready degree program.

BA in Social Sciences

As a major, the flexible study of social sciences comprises many disciplines. In fact, a BA in Social Sciences allows students to delve into the cultural, political, historical, and economic contexts across a blend of societies. When you pursue a social sciences degree, you can expect to take courses in anthropology, sociology, political science, and other related fields, which lends to a comprehensive understanding of the influences and impact of human behavior. If you're interested in working in civil rights law and entertainment law, a BA in Social Sciences may best prepare you for successfully interacting with a variety of groups. As a pre-law student, you'll gain versatile skill sets that'll aid you as you navigate the legal field, some of which include:

• Critical thinking
• Oral communication and listening
• Problem-solving
• Research and writing

BA in Public Relations

Strategic communication is a cornerstone of legal work. That's why obtaining a BA in Public Relations is a competitive advantage when applying to a law degree program. As an opportunity to refine your communication skills, pursuing a major in public relations introduces you to the essential problem-solving skills needed to manage brands and organizational reputations and properly navigate crises. As a pre-law study, an in-depth understanding of the practice of public relations can lead to careers in entertainment and corporate law. When utilized as a first step in your path towards law school, a public relations undergraduate program exposes you to the following core skills of law:

• Problem-solving
• Oral and written communication
• Relationship-building and collaboration
• Organization and management

FAQs

Which majors have the highest acceptance rates into law schools?

According to the Law School Admission Council, students in majors with the highest LSAT scores and acceptance rates into law school include economics, history, philosophy, English, and political science. If you opt for a major that falls outside of this list, you'll want to consider locating a program that allows you to take courses in these areas of study to boost your chances of success in law school.

Is pre-law a good major?

Though not mandatory for acceptance into law school, majoring in pre-law or general legal studies can expose you to many of the legal concepts you'll cover in law school. Not only will you obtain a stronger sense of legislation and regulation processes, but you'll also demonstrate your commitment to pursuing law post-graduation and leverage your knowledge against other law school applicants coming from a non-legal program.

Start Your Journey to Law School Today

Whether you choose a route in general legal studies, public relations, or anything in between, Tulane SoPA equips our pre-law students with the core skills, values, and experiences essential for success in law school. To start your pre-law path, request more information about our recommended programs or apply online today.