Are you skilled at creating arguments? Do you enjoy debate about politics, rights, societal issues and philosophy? Are you interested in studying social sciences or humanities? If so, you might want to consider choosing legal studies as your major in college. These students are particularly interested in how law and society fit together.
Education
According to the College Board, legal studies can be studied at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Also, legal studies could be a helpful major for students interested in attending law school after their undergraduate years. Consider taking AP Government, AP U.S. History, statistics or sociology in high school, in order to prepare for the major. Some typical college courses for a legal studies major are classes like constitutional law, philosophy of law, social-science research methods, and legal research and writing.
What to know before you apply
When you are looking at legal studies programs, it is important to have an idea of what you want to do post-graduation. For example, for those that know they want to be lawyers, you should find out if the colleges you are considering have pre-law advisement. Also, you should try and find out what other legal studies grads are doing with their degrees. Finally, look into the potential courses that you will be required to take. Do they sound interesting? Does the workload seem manageable?
Salary
A legal studies degree can lead to a career as a lawyer, legislator or paralegal. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, lawyers earned a yearly average of $130,490 in 2011, while legislators earned $38,860. Paralegals earned a yearly average of $49,960 in 2011.
For more information about choosing a career, visit NextStepU.com/Careers.
