Can a psychology degree get you into law school?

Who gets paid more, lawyers or psychologists?

Comparing Lawyers to Psychologists

Both of these professions require extensive postsecondary training. Lawyers typically earn higher salaries while psychologists are enjoying a higher rate of job growth.

Which degree is best for a lawyer?

The best degree for a lawyer involves a bachelor's degree in any major that builds critical thinking, writing, and research skills (like Political Science, History, English, Philosophy, Economics) followed by a required Juris Doctor (JD) from law school, which is the professional degree to practice law in the U.S. While no single undergraduate major is mandatory, fields focusing on analysis, human behavior, and government, or specialized areas like STEM for patent law, offer strong foundations. 

What major is most accepted to law school?

Common Undergraduate Majors for Pre-Law Students

• Political Science. According to LSAC data, about 18% of law school applicants major in political science, making it the single most common major by over 10 percentage points. ...
• Psychology. ...
• Criminal Justice. ...
• English. ...
• Economics. ...
• History. ...
• Philosophy. ...
• Strategies for Choosing a Major.

What do the top 1% of lawyers make?

The top 1% of lawyers earn well into the high six figures to millions annually, with top "Big Law" associates hitting $400k+ quickly, and partners/specialists (like patent attorneys) exceeding $500k-$1M+, depending heavily on location, firm size (Big Law pays most), and specialization (corporate, IP, tax). Entry-level salaries at top firms can start around $215k+, while partners in successful firms can earn $500k to over $1M. 

Which psychology is best for law?

Social Psychologists

They may also consult with attorneys, courts, and agencies on issues relevant to their study in legal areas; examples include witness credibility, jury selection, confessions, and decision-making influences.

What is the best degree to pair with law?

Don't sacrifice your passions

Combine your Law degree with Engineering, Business, Science, Communication, International Studies or Creative Intelligence and Innovation.

How can I combine psychology and law?

Top Psychology and Law Career Paths in Forensic Psychology

• Give psychological evaluations of individuals in legal proceedings.
• Provide expert testimony in court.
• Collaborate with legal professionals on cases and strategy.
• Advise police and legal professionals on mental illness and criminal psychology.

Which is better, BA or BS psychology?

Choose a B.A. in Psychology if you prefer a broader, humanities-focused approach for careers in social work, marketing, or general business, while opt for a B.S. in Psychology for a science-heavy, research-focused path (more math/stats/science) ideal for medicine, neuroscience, or clinical psychology graduate programs. Both provide a strong psychology foundation and prepare for graduate school, but the B.S. offers a more quantitative, analytical skillset for scientific roles, whereas the B.A. offers more flexibility in electives. 

Can I become a lawyer with a bachelor's in psychology?

It is possible to attend law school with a psychology degree. Law schools consider applicants from all degrees except criminal justice (there's a good explanation somewhere in Quora, but essentially the focus is too different, like a nurse who applies to study medicine).

Which field of psychology is the highest paid?

The psychologist making the most money is typically a Psychiatrist, a medical doctor (M.D.) specializing in mental health who can prescribe medication, earning significantly more than other psychology roles, often over $200,000-$300,000+ annually. Other top earners include Industrial-Organizational (I-O) Psychologists, who apply psychology to the workplace, and Neuropsychologists, specializing in brain-behavior relationships, both commanding high salaries, with I-O psychologists averaging over $100,000-$150,000 and Neuropsychologists earning $90,000-$270,000+ depending on setting. 

What degree do you need to get into law school?

An Undergraduate Degree

Since a J.D. is a postgraduate degree, earning a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution is typically required to apply and get into law school.

Do lawyers make $500,000 a year?

Yes, many lawyers earn $500,000 or more annually, especially Big Law partners, senior corporate counsel, specialized litigators, and successful solo practitioners in high-value fields like IP or medical malpractice, though this is not the norm for all attorneys, with median salaries being much lower. Reaching this income level requires specialization, strategic business growth, marketing, and often working in major markets, with top-tier law firms (Big Law) offering high starting salaries and significant bonuses that can push senior associates past the $500K mark.
 

How difficult is law school?

Law school is an academic challenge; most students agree the first year (“1L” year) is the most difficult. In part, this is because law school is taught using methods entirely different than the lecture method used in most college classrooms.

Which type of lawyer is the richest?

The richest types of lawyers are often specialists in high-stakes fields like Corporate Law, Intellectual Property (IP) & Patent Law, and Medical Malpractice/Personal Injury, especially those with science backgrounds or who handle massive litigation, with top earners often found in BigLaw or as successful plaintiffs' attorneys. While IP lawyers (especially patent attorneys with STEM degrees) command high fees for complex inventions, large corporate mergers, or complex personal injury settlements, overall wealth can also come from strategic business investments or big-ticket litigation.
 

What are good pre-law majors?

The best pre-law majors are often those that build strong critical thinking, reading, and writing skills, with Political Science, History, English, Economics, and Philosophy consistently topping the list for popularity and effectiveness, though many majors work well, including Criminal Justice, Psychology, and Business, as law schools value a diverse skill set and a high GPA more than a specific major.
 

Which bachelor's degree is best for a lawyer?

There's no single "best" undergraduate major for law school; the American Bar Association (ABA) emphasizes strong reading, writing, analytical, and research skills, regardless of major. Popular choices like Political Science, History, English, Philosophy, and Economics are common due to their focus on critical thinking, but majors in STEM, Arts, or Business also lead to successful law school admission, especially if they align with a student's interests and future legal focus (e.g., Technical majors for patent law). Focus on a challenging major you enjoy, excel in (for GPA), and that develops strong communication and logic. 

What GPA do you need for law school?

Law school GPA requirements vary significantly, but most schools look for at least a 3.0, with top programs often seeking 3.5+ (even 3.8+), while some less competitive ones accept below 3.0; your GPA, combined with your LSAT score, determines competitiveness, with high scores needed for elite schools and your undergraduate performance trend (e.g., upward) also considered. 

How old is the youngest lawyer?

The youngest lawyer is generally considered to be Sophia Park, who passed the California bar exam at 17 years and 8 months old in late 2024, breaking her brother Peter's previous record, though she'll be sworn in and licensed in March 2025 after turning 18, as most jurisdictions require lawyers to be 18. She accelerated her education, starting law school at 13 while in junior high and graduating early.
 

What should I major in if I want to be a lawyer?

You don't need a specific major to become a lawyer; law schools accept students from any undergraduate field, but popular choices that build key skills are Political Science, History, English, Philosophy, and Economics. The most important thing is to choose a major that develops strong critical thinking, reading, writing, and logical reasoning, as these skills are crucial for law school and the LSAT. A solid GPA and LSAT score from any challenging major are more important than the subject itself, according to the American Bar Association. 

Is a law degree worth the cost?

Earn More Money Over Your Lifetime

Starting salaries may dissuade you from investing in law school. Nevertheless, research shows that "law degree holders' earnings grow rapidly and peak late in life," suggesting better financial outcomes than forgoing a JD degree.