Introduction
If you’re thinking about law school, one of the first questions you might ask yourself is: What major should I choose as an undergraduate? Since law school doesn’t require a specific major, students often wonder whether a degree in criminal justice is the best preparation. This leads to the common question: is criminal justice a good major for law school?
The short answer is that it can be—but it’s not the only path. Choosing the right major depends on your strengths, long-term career goals, and how well the program prepares you for the rigor of law school. Let’s explore this in detail.
Understanding Law School Admissions
No Required Major
Unlike medical school, law schools do not mandate a specific undergraduate major. Admissions committees are more interested in your GPA, LSAT (or GRE) scores, personal statement, and extracurriculars than your specific degree.
Skills That Matter Most
Law schools look for students who have strong:
- Critical thinking
- Analytical reasoning
- Reading comprehension
- Writing skills
- Research abilities
With this in mind, let’s evaluate how a criminal justice degree fits into these expectations.
What Is A Criminal Justice Major?
A criminal justice major typically covers topics such as criminology, policing, courts, corrections, juvenile justice, and forensic science. It focuses on the legal system and its practical applications.
Students pursuing this major often consider careers in law enforcement, corrections, social services, or law school. While it provides a strong understanding of the justice system, its academic rigor and perception in law school admissions vary.
Is Criminal Justice A Good Major For Law School?
The direct answer: It depends.
A criminal justice major can give you valuable insight into how the justice system operates. However, some law schools may prefer majors that are more academically rigorous, such as political science, philosophy, history, or economics.
Let’s break down the pros and cons.
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Advantages Of Choosing Criminal Justice For Law School
1. Strong Foundation In Legal Concepts
Studying criminal justice gives you a head start in understanding the U.S. legal system, criminal law, and how courts function. This background can be useful in law school, particularly if you plan to specialize in criminal law.
2. Practical Knowledge
You’ll gain exposure to real-world issues like policing, sentencing, and corrections. This knowledge helps you connect theory to practice once you’re in law school.
3. Engaging For Future Lawyers
If you’re passionate about criminal defense, prosecution, or public policy, criminal justice can be exciting and motivating, making your studies more enjoyable.
4. Networking Opportunities
Many criminal justice programs collaborate with local courts, law enforcement, and community organizations. This provides valuable internships and experience that can strengthen your law school application.
Disadvantages Of Choosing Criminal Justice For Law School
1. Perception Of Rigor
Some law schools view criminal justice as less academically demanding than majors like philosophy, English, or economics. This can matter when admissions committees compare applicants.
2. Limited Focus
Criminal justice is specialized and may not give you the broad intellectual foundation needed for law school success. You’ll need to build strong writing, critical thinking, and analytical skills outside your major.
3. GPA Risks
While the coursework may seem easier in some programs, others may be heavily research-based and challenging. If you don’t maintain a high GPA, it could hurt your chances.
4. Competition With Traditional Pre-Law Majors
Since many law school applicants major in political science or philosophy, you may face stronger competition if your major doesn’t showcase the same level of analytical rigor.
How Criminal Justice Compares To Other Majors
Political Science
Often considered the most popular pre-law major, political science emphasizes government systems, policy analysis, and legal principles. It is broader and more academically respected.
Philosophy
Philosophy develops critical reasoning, logic, and writing skills—qualities highly valued by law schools. Students with this major often excel on the LSAT.
History
History trains students to analyze documents, interpret events, and build arguments—skills directly applicable to law.
English
English majors learn how to read complex texts and write persuasively, preparing them for the heavy reading and writing load in law school.
Economics
Economics enhances quantitative reasoning and logical analysis, especially helpful for fields like corporate law or tax law.
Compared to these, criminal justice is more applied and less theoretical. While it can still prepare you for law school, it doesn’t always carry the same academic weight.
Making Criminal Justice Work For You
If you’re passionate about criminal justice and want to pursue it as your major, you can absolutely make it a strong foundation for law school. Here are strategies to enhance your application:
1. Double Major Or Minor
Pair criminal justice with philosophy, political science, English, or economics to strengthen your academic profile.
2. Focus On Writing-Intensive Courses
Take electives that require heavy writing and analysis. Law schools want to see that you can handle complex arguments and communicate effectively.
3. Excel On The LSAT
A high LSAT score can offset concerns about your major. Philosophy and political science students may have an edge, but strong preparation can put you ahead.
4. Gain Relevant Experience
Internships in law offices, courts, or government agencies can make your application stand out. Admissions committees value practical exposure.
5. Maintain A Strong GPA
Regardless of your major, GPA is one of the most important factors. Aim for at least a 3.5 or higher to remain competitive.
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Who Should Choose Criminal Justice As A Pre-Law Major?
You may thrive with a criminal justice major if:
- You are passionate about criminal law or law enforcement.
- You plan to pursue careers like prosecutor, defense attorney, or judge.
- You balance your degree with rigorous writing and reasoning courses.
- You are confident you can achieve a strong GPA.
Alternatives If You’re Unsure
If you’re drawn to law but aren’t sure criminal justice is right for you, consider combining it with another major or choosing one that develops stronger analytical and writing skills.
Some alternatives include:
- Philosophy (logic, reasoning)
- Political Science (government, policy)
- History (analysis, research)
- English (reading, writing)
- Economics (data, critical thinking)
Final Thoughts
So, is criminal justice a good major for law school? Yes—if you approach it strategically. While it may not be the most prestigious pre-law major, it can provide a solid foundation, especially for students interested in criminal law. The key is to supplement your degree with strong writing, reasoning, and analytical training.
Law schools care less about the title of your major and more about the skills you bring, your GPA, LSAT score, and your passion for the field. If criminal justice excites you and motivates you to succeed, it can absolutely work as your path to law school.
