Is pre-law a BA or BS?

Asked by: Dr. Francis Kerluke IV  |  Last update: July 31, 2025
Score: 4.7/5 (13 votes)

You can also get hands-on experience through our Pre-Law Studies program. Choose between the Bachelor of Arts (incorporating a liberal arts/language focus) and the Bachelor of Science for your Law & Policy – Pre-Law degree.

Is there a BA in law?

The BA in Law curriculum prepares you for a wide variety of careers, both directly with the legal profession and in the many fields involving law, regulation, negotiation, advocacy and risk management.

Is a political science BA or BS better for law school?

Depending on your school, you can graduate with either a B.A. or B.S. in political science. Political science is a logical choice for future law students. The overlap between the political and legal worlds means that you'll be entering law school with a strong foundation to build upon.

Is a BA or BS in economics for law school?

the B.A. in economics is the best preparation for graduate and law school. The score on the LSAT exam is the primary statistic that Law Schools use to determine admission into their schools and when deciding on Financial Aid awards.

Can you be a lawyer with a pre-law degree?

A pre-law degree won't limit you to pursuing a career as a lawyer; there are a wealth of job options that don't require going to law school but will still have you working in the legal field. For example, you could help reduce the number of cases that are presented before a judge.

Best Undergrad Major For Law School (and College Degree)

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What is a pre-law degree called?

Being “pre-law” does not denote a student's major or program of study; instead, being pre-law identifies a student's educational goal. Many students are surprised to find out that there is no particular suggested major, nor are there any specific courses required for entrance to law school.

Can I pass the bar without law school?

In California, qualified applicants can take the bar exam without going to law school. Most law schools require a college degree, but some may only ask for equivalent course work, and some law schools focus on your legal interest and life experiences and not on your grades or LSAT scores.

Do you need a BA or BS for law school?

While some universities may offer pre-law majors and programs, there is no specific undergraduate degree required for law school. Students have been admitted to law school from nearly every academic discipline, according to the ABA.

What is the difference between a BA and a BS?

While a BA (Bachelor of Arts) degree usually focuses on general studies, along with subjects like the arts, communication and sociology, a BS (Bachelor of Science) degree delves into topics such as business, technology and healthcare.

Is it better to have a BA or BS in economics?

The BA degree complements studies in fields such as engineering, political science, psychology, mathematics, and many other social sciences. The BS program is STEM-designated and emphasizes developing the mathematic and econometric skills that are increasingly in demand today.

What is the best pre-law major?

However, they also reiterate that the best pre law majors are those which will challenge students to think critically and inspire their best work:
  • Political Science.
  • Finance.
  • Arts and Humanities.
  • Communications.
  • Psychology.
  • Sociology.
  • Business Administration.
  • Criminal Justice.

Are BS good grades in law school?

“A” Students get judicial clerkships and eventually become law professors. “B” Students get high paying jobs at big law firms doing corporate work. “C” Students do personal injury law and make more than both of them put together.

Can I be a paralegal with a political science degree?

Political science graduates can pursue careers as paralegals and legal assistants. Some graduates also decide to enroll in law school, hoping to eventually pass the bar and become lawyers.

What degree do most lawyers have?

Juris Doctor (JD)

A Juris Doctor degree is the required legal degree for professionals who are pursuing a career as a practicing attorney.

Which law pays the most?

What are the highest-paid types of lawyers? The highest-paid lawyers typically specialize in fields such as corporate law, intellectual property, tax law, medical malpractice, and entertainment law. These areas command higher salaries due to the complexity, demand, and financial stakes involved.

What do you call a person with a law degree?

The titles JD and Esq. both refer to someone who has completed law school. JD stands for Juris Doctor, and signifies that someone has completed law school and earned their JD degree. Esq. stands for Esquire and is an honorary title that typically signifies someone has both completed law school and passed the bar exam.

Is it bad to get a BA instead of a BS?

Companies generally value both degrees and look for candidates who match the job requirements and company culture. A BS may be preferred for technical or analytical roles, while a BA can be a great fit for roles requiring strong communication and strategic thinking.

Is criminal justice a BA or BS?

A BA will teach through lectures, discussion groups and guest speakers. Alternatively, students can instead choose to get a Bachelor of Science (BS) in criminal justice. This degree type focuses more intently on the criminal justice field and its specific topics.

Who gets paid more, BA or BS?

'Long-term salary trends suggest that while BS holders may initially earn higher salaries, BA holders often experience notable salary growth over time, especially in leadership and specialized roles. '.

What is a pre-law degree?

You may choose to major in subjects that are considered to be traditional preparation for law school, such as history, English, philosophy, political science, economics or business, or you may focus your undergraduate studies in areas as diverse as art, music, science and mathematics, computer science, engineering, ...

Can you be a lawyer with just a bachelor's degree?

Technically, yes. California is one of only four states that lets lawyers forgo law school—but specific requirements must still be met. As one alternative path, students can work under the supervision of a California judge or an attorney in a law office for 18 hours a week for four years.

What type of lawyer makes the most money?

Patent Attorney Salary

Patent attorneys are the highest-paid type of lawyers, with an average salary of $185,351, ranging from $119,88 to $285,530. Various factors contribute to a patent attorney's average salary, including experience, firm, location, and subject matter expertise.

Is 32 too old for law school?

It's never too late in life to apply to law school. Although most applicants are under 25, about 1 in 5 are 30 or older and a much smaller proportion are over 40.

Did Kim K pass the bar?

The Skims mogul has been able to keep up with her legal apprenticeship and plans to sit for the state bar exam in future. No, Kim Kardashian has not passed not the California General Bar exam but successfully passed the baby bar in 2021. She cleared it in her fourth attempt.

What is the easiest state to become a lawyer in?

Going by the 2021 bar exam passing rates, Wyoming has the easiest bar exam to pass. However, we don't really get the full picture by just looking at the passing rates. Each state's bar exam can differ in difficulty and content.