Is Political Science a Good Major for Law School?

political science law student looking at laptop

If you have plans to study law down the road, then you may be wondering what undergraduate degree is best for law school. For many students in this situation, it may make sense to choose a political science major during their undergraduate studies.

So, why is political science a good major for law school, and what can you do with a political science degree even if you end up deciding that law school isn't right for you? With a better understanding, you can decide whether this educational path may be right for you.

Why Political Science Is a Popular Pre-Law Major

There are many reasons why many students preparing for careers in law choose a political science major during their undergraduate studies. For starters, political science as a field is very closely related to law, especially when it comes to understanding government systems, legal systems and the processes by which new laws are created.

Likewise, the skills and knowledge acquired from a political science program can be applied to numerous law-specific fields. Whether you have plans to practice civil rights law, constitutional law or criminal law, you can obtain a lot of essential knowledge in a political science program.

How a Political Science Degree Builds Skills Needed for Law School

From gaining an understanding of what makes up our laws and government agencies to improving your own critical thinking skills, there are many ways in which a political science degree program can set you up for your chosen career path.

Understanding the Foundations of Law and Government

Political science coursework at the undergraduate level should cover the basic foundations of constitutional law, civil law and criminal law, all of which are essential to understand prior to entering a law program. Coursework in a political science program also covers topics related to government systems and politics that can be directly applicable to the legal process.

Developing Strong Analytical and Critical Thinking Skills

Political science degree programs also tend to focus specifically on improving students' critical thinking and analytical skills, both of which are essential for students entering law school. Knowing how to analyze even the most complex of issues, use logical reasoning and carefully build arguments are all skills that can come in handy in a future law program.

Enhancing Research and Writing Abilities

Strong research and writing skills are a must when studying law, and the right political science degree program can prepare students with plenty of research and writing practice. From research papers to assignments that require students to take a stance on a political position, this practice can pay off many times over in law school and in a future career as a lawyer.

Strengthening Communication and Debate Skills

A political science degree program can also help students enhance their communication and debate skills, both of which are essential in law school and any related careers. Lawyers, for example, need to be able to communicate with confidence both verbally and in written form to their clients and other professionals. They also need to be able to formulate and present strong arguments while making counterpoints to the arguments of other leaders.

How a Political Science Major Helps During Law School Admissions

In addition to preparing students for the rigors of law school, a political science degree can also help students put their best foot forward when it comes to applying to law programs in the first place.

Demonstrates Academic Preparedness

For starters, having completed a political science degree at the undergraduate level demonstrates to law schools that the student has been thinking ahead and planning for their future. By choosing to study a law-adjacent field, students should be prepared to enter a law program with the foundational knowledge and skills needed to succeed.

Alignment with Skills Tested on the LSAT

The right undergraduate political science degree program can also help students by covering essential topics often part of the Law School Admission Test (LSAT), such as:

Logical reasoning
Argumentative writing
Reading comprehension

With a strong foundation in thinking critically and analytically, reading and writing and formulating strong arguments, students who complete a political science degree may be better prepared to take the LSAT when it comes time to apply to law school.

Advantages of a Political Science Degree for Any Career Path

You may be wondering, "What if I change my mind and decide not to apply to law school, after all?"

Fortunately, a political science degree is highly versatile, with skills that can be readily applied across a wide range of industries. Regardless of where you land, a political science degree program can help you build the analytical, communication and research skills that can serve you well in just about any field. Meanwhile, a background in political science can help you become a more aware and responsible citizen.

What Can You Do With a Political Science Degree Other Than Law School?

The good news is that even without a future career in law, there are many potential career paths and job opportunities you can explore with an undergraduate degree in political science.

Government and Public Service

Political scientists are highly sought-after in the government and public service sectors. Whether you're interested in working at the local, state or federal level, you may be able to explore such career paths as:

Legislative Assistant- A professional who develops, introduces and enacts new laws.
Policy Analyst- A professional who researches and evaluates policies and regulations to make recommendations to government leaders and other officials.
Public Affairs Specialist- A professional responsible for establishing and maintaining a positive public opinion and image on behalf of a political figure or government body.
Foreign Service Officer (FSO)- A commissioned member of the Foreign Service who works in an embassy, consulate or similar setting to advance the country's interests at a global scale.

Advocacy and Nonprofit Work

If you're more interested in using your political science knowledge to support a cause that's important to you, then advocacy work or nonprofit work may be better suited for you. Some examples of roles political scientists may qualify for in this field include:

Human Rights Advocate- Somebody who promotes and fights for basic human rights through research, documentation and strategic action.
Environmental Protection Specialist- Somebody who works to ensure that companies and organizations are adhering to compliance laws and regulations meant to protect the environment.

Journalism and Media

Many political scientists also end up working in journalism and media, with potential roles including:

Political Correspondent or Analyst- A professional who studies and reports on political systems at the local, state or federal level.
Public Relations Specialist - Somebody responsible for maintaining a positive public image on behalf of a government office, political candidate or other public figure.
Investigative Journalist- Somebody who works to uncover information that may be of public interest, such as political corruption or criminal activity.

Business and Consulting

Political science majors may also consider the following career paths in the business and consulting fields:

Corporate Manager (CEO, CFO, Marketing Manager, etc.) - A high-level executive responsible for overseeing and directing specific aspects of a company's operations, such as overall strategy (CEO), financial management (CFO), or marketing initiatives (Marketing Manager), to ensure organizational success.
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Manager- A professional who makes sure that a company's policies and practices are both sustainable and ethical.

Education and Academia

Last but not least, many political science graduates end up pursuing roles in academia, with examples including:

Research Specialist- Somebody who performs research on a variety of relevant topics, usually at a college or university laboratory.
Civics Instructor or Teacher- Somebody who teaches civics, government or related topics at the elementary level.

Learn More in a Political Science Degree Program

As you can see, there's a lot you can do with a political science major , regardless of whether you decide to study law in graduate school or pursue a career straight out of your undergraduate program. From careers in public service and advocacy to journalism, business and academia, a political science degree empowers you to forge your own path.

Still looking for the political science degree program that's right for you? At the University of Memphis Global, we're proud to offer a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science that's designed with accessibility and convenience in mind with 100% online course availability. Meanwhile, this program's curriculum provides a strong foundation for advanced studies in law with a broad-based approach to understanding political systems and public affairs.

Contact us to learn more information about this degree program, or get started by completing your online application today.

Sources

https://www.memphis.edu/uofmglobal/degrees/undergraduate/political-science.php

https://www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes111031.htm

https://www.theadvocatesforhumanrights.org/about

https://careers.doi.gov/occupational-series/environmental-protection-specialist

https://www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2007/spring/art03.pdf

https://careers.state.gov/career-paths/foreign-service/officer/

https://www.bls.gov/ooh/media-and-communication/public-relations-specialists.htm

https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/15512169.2019.1612756