How to choose a law-related major

Hey guys! I was looking into various law-related majors and I'm confused about the differences between them. What are some popular law disciplines, and how do they differ from each other?

Hey there! It's understandable that you might be confused with all the various law-related majors out there. I'll try to break down a few popular law disciplines to help you get a better understanding of the differences among them.

1. Criminal Justice: This major focuses on the criminal justice system, including law enforcement, courts, and corrections. You'll study topics like criminal law, police work, criminology, and crime prevention strategies. This major prepares you for careers in law enforcement, probation, and parole or as a stepping stone toward law school.

2. Legal Studies: Legal studies is an interdisciplinary major that covers multiple aspects of the law. You will examine the legal system, legal theory, and various fields within the legal profession. Courses typically cover topics such as constitutional law, contract law, and civil rights. While this major doesn't train you to be a lawyer, it can provide a solid foundation for law school or work in paralegal and legal assistant roles.

3. Political Science: While not exclusively law-focused, political science is a popular major for aspiring lawyers, as it deals with the study of government, public policies, political behavior, and systems. Courses often include subjects like constitutional law, comparative politics, and international relations. Many law schools value political science background as it helps develop critical thinking and analytical skills, which are vital for success in law school.

4. Pre-Law: Pre-law is not a major in itself, but rather an advising track or group of courses that are designed to prepare you for law school. These courses may include subjects like logic, rhetoric, legal writing, and history. While there isn't a strict pre-law curriculum, it often includes taking courses from multiple disciplines, which help build the skills necessary for law school success.

5. Philosophy: Philosophy is another popular choice for aspiring lawyers, as it emphasizes critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and logic—skills that are highly valuable in the legal profession. Courses may include ethics, metaphysics, epistemology, and the philosophy of law.

Each of these majors offers something different in terms of the focus. It's essential to consider your interests and career goals when choosing a law-related major. Remember that law schools accept applicants from various academic backgrounds, so it's recommended that you choose a major that genuinely interests you, rather than one you think will solely prepare you for law school. Good luck!