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The journey to becoming a lawyer begins with a solid undergraduate education, but gaining admission to law school can be a formidable challenge. In 2026, the legal landscape continues to evolve, making it essential to choose an undergraduate major that not only prepares you for the rigors of law school but also aligns with today’s dynamic job market.
Most law schools require applicants to have a completed bachelor’s degree, a competitive GPA, and a strong LSAT score. While specific GPA and LSAT thresholds are often set high, law schools are generally flexible regarding the choice of major.
Theoretically, students from any academic background can pursue law school, but certain majors have become increasingly popular due to their relevance to legal studies. Commonly accepted majors include Political Science, Psychology, History, English, and Criminal Justice, which remain perennial favorites among law school applicants.
At Zippia, we explored which undergraduate majors boast the highest law school acceptance rates. Below is a quick overview of the top ten majors for aspiring law students:
- Inter-American Relations
- Nuclear Engineering
- Marine Studies
- Classics
- Environmental Sciences
- Insurance and Risk Management
- Literature
- Policy Studies
- Linguistics
- Industrial Relations
Legal practice intersects with almost every field, meaning that regardless of your major, there are legal avenues to explore and specialize in. While the inclusion of majors like Nuclear Engineering and Marine Studies may seem unconventional, they highlight the diverse pathways into law related to technology and environmental issues.
How We Determined the Best Majors for Law School
Using recent data from the Law School Admission Council, we analyzed acceptance rates across various majors at ABA-approved law schools. The ranking of these majors is based on the acceptance percentages of applicants from each field. In cases of ties, the major with the highest number of admitted applicants received the top ranking.
While the question of which major is “best” for law school can be subjective and dependent on individual preferences, the acceptance data provides a clear picture of the most effective pathways to legal education.
1. Inter-American Relations
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Number of Applicants Admitted: 7
Percentage of Applicants Enrolled: 71.43%
Number of Applicants Enrolled: 5
This major provides a robust understanding of American history and sociological dynamics, essential for interpreting legal frameworks.
2. Nuclear Engineering
Acceptance Rate: 92.86%
Number of Applicants Admitted: 13
Percentage of Applicants Enrolled: 78.57%
Number of Applicants Enrolled: 11
Nuclear Engineering majors develop critical analytical skills through their studies in mathematics and physics—skills that are equally valuable in law.
3. Marine Studies
Acceptance Rate: 92.86%
Number of Applicants Admitted: 13
Percentage of Applicants Enrolled: 71.43%
Number of Applicants Enrolled: 10
This major involves rigorous study in marine biology and ecology, making it relevant for those interested in environmental or maritime law.
4. Classics
Acceptance Rate: 90.56%
Number of Applicants Admitted: 259
Percentage of Applicants Enrolled: 80.07%
Number of Applicants Enrolled: 229
A major in Classics equips students with critical reading and analysis skills, perfect for dissecting complex legal texts.
5. Environmental Sciences
Acceptance Rate: 89.07%
Number of Applicants Admitted: 326
Percentage of Applicants Enrolled: 75.41%
Number of Applicants Enrolled: 276
This interdisciplinary major prepares students for roles in environmental law, focusing on the impact of human activity on nature.
6. Insurance and Risk Management
Acceptance Rate: 88.10%
Number of Applicants Admitted: 37
Percentage of Applicants Enrolled: 73.81%
Number of Applicants Enrolled: 31
Majors in this field are prepared for careers focused on insurance law, risk assessment, and financial regulations.
7. Literature
Acceptance Rate: 87.92%
Number of Applicants Admitted: 211
Percentage of Applicants Enrolled: 77.08%
Number of Applicants Enrolled: 185
A background in literature fosters analytical skills and the ability to interpret complex arguments, skills invaluable in legal practice.
8. Policy Studies
Acceptance Rate: 87.64%
Number of Applicants Admitted: 241
Percentage of Applicants Enrolled: 76.36%
Number of Applicants Enrolled: 210
Policy Studies majors are well-versed in public affairs and the impact of legislation on society, an excellent fit for those pursuing public interest law.
9. Linguistics
Acceptance Rate: 87.50%
Number of Applicants Admitted: 105
Percentage of Applicants Enrolled: 70.00%
Number of Applicants Enrolled: 84
Majoring in Linguistics strengthens understanding of language mechanics, critical for interpreting legal texts and arguments.
10. Industrial Relations
Acceptance Rate: 87.50%
Number of Applicants Admitted: 35
Percentage of Applicants Enrolled: 65.00%
Number of Applicants Enrolled: 26
Industrial Relations majors focus on workforce management and dispute resolution, preparing them for labor law and corporate representation.
Conclusion
In summary, while the pathway to law school may be varied, choosing the right undergraduate major can enhance your chances of acceptance. Explore the detailed list below for more insights on these majors and their relevance to your law school aspirations. Whether you are looking to delve into environmental law, corporate law, or public interest, there’s a major that aligns with your career goals.
Detailed Ranking of the Best Majors for Law School
| Major | # Of Admitted Applicants | % Of Applicants Admitted |
|---|---|---|
| INTER AMERICAN RELATIONS |
7 | 100.00% |
| NUCLEAR ENGINEERING |
13 | 92.86% |
| MARINE STUDIES | 13 | 92.86% |
| CLASSICS | 259 | 90.56% |
| ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES |
326 | 89.07% |
| INSURANCE AND RISK MANAGEMENT |
37 | 88.10% |
| LITERATURE | 211 | 87.92% |
| POLICY STUDIES | 241 | 87.64% |
| LINGUISTICS | 105 | 87.50% |
| INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS |
35 | 87.50% |
Author
Ryan Morris was a writer for the Zippia Advice blog who tried to make the job process a little more entertaining for all those involved. He obtained his BA and Masters from Appalachian State University.
