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What can a degree in criminology do to help you become a lawyer

I ask because I was thinking about going to university to get my undergraduate degree in criminology, but I am not sure if this will help me to become a lawyer #law #lawyer

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Genevieve’s Answer

Criminology can be a good major to explore if you're interested in practicing criminal law as an attorney. Some colleges also offer pre-law minors. However, law schools do not require a candidate to have any certain major. In fact, law schools like to admit a class of students with varying degrees and experiences. However, there are some majors that are popular among law students. These majors include political science, philosophy and english- but remember, not majoring in these areas does not make it less likely you will get into law school. There are no majors law schools favor over others.


If you're not sure what areas of law you're interested in, you can also try to do legal internships during the summer with the local courthouse, legal aid foundation, or a law firm. You can also get involved with mock trial or debate programs.

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Stefanie’s Answer

Hi -- great question! I agree with Genevieve that you don't necessarily have to major in any particular subject before going to law school. I actually got a Criminology certificate in college, but majored in Sociology and minored in English. I focused on criminology classes because they interested me. I did work in a Prosecutor's office after college as a paralegal, which was a great and interesting experience - -but I have actually been practicing Employment Law for the past 20 plus years, so your major definitely doesn't need to dictate the type of law you ultimately practice. That said, I would think that if you are going to major in Criminology, that might mean that you are leaning towards a career either in Law Enforcement or in Criminal Law. If you don't have a very strong interest in one of those specific careers, you might want to balance out your Criminology classes with another more broad subject as a major (such as Sociology, Political Science, History and/or English).

I hope that helps! Good luck!
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