Guide to Online Pre-Law Degrees and Majors
Updated March 14, 2024
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Are you thinking about going to law school? Before enrolling, you will need to obtain a pre-law degree.
Luckily, "pre-law" is a general term that can apply to many academic programs. A good pre-law program prepares you for law school and provides the skills and education you need to pursue a career in diverse professional fields.
To enter law school, you can major in just about any topic. However, the best pre-law programs provide you with proper training in effective communication, as well as basic education in the principles of government and criminal justice.
Not all pre-law programs are built the same. This guide covers everything you need to know to find the best online pre-law degree for you.
Popular Online Legal Studies Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
What Is the Best Pre-Law Major?
Prospective pre-law students can benefit from many majors. The best pre-law degrees match your interests and challenge you academically. Seek out a program that teaches the mechanics of writing and research while building your analytical thinking skills.
Popular majors that can prepare you for law school include:
-
Economics: This major explores commerce at the microeconomic and macroeconomic levels. Enrollees engage with statistics to deepen their understanding of hypothesis testing and probability distributions. -
History: A history degree allows students to explore important world events like the transatlantic slave trade and delve into American politics. Students acquire the skills to perform historical research, often completing a capstone project. -
International Relations: Students survey international law and foreign policy crises in this major. This degree requires enrollees to learn methodologies used in political science research. Coursework blends world geography, global society, world religions, and political theory. -
Mathematics: Math majors engage with calculus, modern and linear algebra, and real analysis. Enrollees can become proficient in problem-solving and pattern identification. This major prepares students for concrete thinking and decision-making in law school. -
Philosophy: Undergraduates studying philosophy can deepen their argumentative and analytical skills. Philosophy majors typically focus on argumentation, ethics, justice, and reason. You'll examine the teachings of philosophers such as Aristotle, Plato, and Kant. -
Physics: A degree in physics teaches students to become problem-solvers as they examine the greatest mysteries of the universe. Introductory courses include mechanics, programming, waves, thermal physics, quantum physics, and electromagnetism. -
Political Science: With a degree in political science, students can learn to analyze power organization and political systems. Coursework mixes American political studies, comparative politics, international relations, and social movements. A political science internship, if offered, may allow learners to work in law offices and other professional settings.
Best Online Pre-Law Degrees
Pre-law as a distinct academic major is not commonly offered at institutions. Rather, "pre-law" typically describes any undergraduate student planning to attend law school, regardless of their major.
The best pre-law degree matches your goals and interests, preparing you for graduate study in your preferred field of law. Therefore, CollegeChoice does not have a ranked list of the best online pre-law degrees. Instead, check out our rankings of the best online bachelor's programs in subjects that are relevant to law:
- Best Online Bachelor's in Legal Studies Programs
- Best Online Bachelor's in Paralegal Studies Programs
- Best Online Bachelor's in Criminal Justice Programs
- Best Online Bachelor's in History Programs
- Best Online Bachelor's in Economics Programs
- Best Online Bachelor's in Public Relations Programs
- Best Online Bachelor's in Business Administration Programs
Most Important Skills to Develop as a Pre-Law Student
Law school can be difficult, but certain skills can help you meet the challenge. The Law School Admission Council gathered responses from faculty at roughly 90 law schools in the United States and Canada to identify key skills for success. Here are some of the top abilities required to earn a JD.
- Critical reading
- Deductive reasoning
- Inductive reasoning
- Ability to identify a case's key facts
- Persuasive writing
- Hypothesis testing
- Organization and management
- Research skills
Reasons to Earn Your Pre-Law Degree Online
- Ability to attend college in other states
- No commute requirements to the campus
- Save time and money on commuting and transportation fees
- Some schools offer flat tuition for online learners, including out-of-state students
- Convenient for parents and people caring for family
- Achieve a better work-life balance since you don't spend time commuting
- Learn time management skills
Requirements for a Pre-Law Degree and Law School
Admission Requirements
Pre-Law Bachelor's Programs
- High school diploma or GED certificate
- Official transcripts
- Minimum 2.5-3.0 GPA for transfer students
- Standardized test scores (SAT or ACT)
- Online college application and fee
- Resume
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal essay
Juris Doctor (JD) Programs
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited college
- Official college transcripts
- LSAT score
- Resume
- Letters of recommendation
- A personal statement
A law degree usually takes seven years of full-time study following high school. This timeline includes four years of study in an undergraduate program of your choosing. Usually, you do not need to earn a specific undergraduate degree. However, majors with coursework in English, government studies, economics, public speaking, and history are helpful.
Before you can start a law program, you will also need to take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT). The best pre-law degree programs prepare you for this examination, as it is required if you intend to pursue a JD program accredited by the American Bar Association. You may also want to take specialized courses in areas like labor, tax, and corporate law to prepare you for this examination.
What Jobs Can You Get With a Bachelor's in Pre-Law?
Pursuing a pre-law degree prepares you for a range of careers in the legal field and beyond. In addition to courts and legal offices, you can work in government, law enforcement, education, nonprofits, technology, and more.
Before entering a JD program, pre-law students and graduates can work or intern at a law firm or gain experience in other fields that require research, writing, and office skills.
| Job Title | Median Salary (2022) | Job Outlook (2022-32) |
|---|---|---|
| Information Clerk | $38,710 | -4% |
| Legal Secretary | $44,080 | -10% |
| Paralegal | $59,200 | +4% |
| Retail Sales Worker | $30,750 | -2% |
| Tutor | $36,680 | +3% |
Frequently Asked Questions About Pre-Law Degrees
Is there a major called pre-law?
Any degree obtained before attending law school is considered pre-law. Unlike pre-med, aspiring lawyers can pursue a range of undergraduate majors from accredited colleges that equip them with the necessary skills for law school. The coursework for pre-law majors varies depending on the program. Typically, students choose programs that prepare them for the LSAT.
Is pre-law a hard major?
Students pursuing law school should push their limits in their undergraduate major. The difficulty of a major depends on the field and person. Law schools accept students who perform exceptionally well in challenging subjects.
Is pre-law worth it?
Make your pre-law experience worthwhile by pursuing a degree that enhances your analytical and logical reasoning skills. Law schools prefer students with diverse undergraduate experiences. Choose a pre-law major that sets you up for LSAT success and law school admission. Taking courses focused on reading and writing can also be advantageous for you in law school.
Can you skip college and go to law school?
Not every state requires a four-year bachelor's degree to get into law school. California, for instance, only requires an associate degree. To prepare for legal writing and research, it benefits you to earn an undergraduate degree. That said, law schools approved by the American Bar Association may require at least a bachelor's degree.
What type of lawyer makes the most money?
Patent attorneys and corporate lawyers earn high salaries. According to Payscale data from March 2024, corporate lawyers made an average salary of $124,870, and patent attorneys made $151,920. The BLS reports that the federal government pays lawyers the highest salaries, with a median annual salary of $158,370 as of May 2022.
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