Academics

What should I major in?

Students and parents often ask, “What major is best for law school?”

• A bachelor’s degree in any discipline can lead to a career in law. It’s most important to develop skills in research, analytical writing, and critical thinking – these are key components of many Iowa State majors.
• A good approach to choosing a major is to select a field that interests you and motivates you to work hard.
• Your specific career goals can also guide your major and coursework selection. For example, patent law may require a background in hard science. It’s fine if you don’t have a specific legal field in mind yet. Law schools will expose you to many paths.

You do not need to earn your bachelor’s degree from a university with a law school. Law schools do not place emphasis on this when reviewing applications.

Majors of Iowa State students accepted to law school

3+3 Program

Want a more direct path to law school? The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (LAS) offers a 3+3 program with law schools in Iowa.

This program with The University of Iowa College of Law and Drake University Law School allows students to earn a bachelor’s degree and law degree in six years. Interested students should talk with an advisor early on to see if it is appropriate for them and to plan accordingly. The program is open to students with a major in LAS.