Choosing the right undergraduate major can significantly impact your law school readiness and application strength. If you’re considering law school, you’ll want a degree that builds the analytical thinking, research skills and legal knowledge that admissions committees value.
The online Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Political Science program from Arkansas State University (A-State) offers that foundation, with graduates of this program achieving a 100% law school placement rate. Political science stands out as the most popular pre-law major for good reasons, and understanding how this degree prepares you for law school can help you make an informed decision about your educational future. The degree develops competencies that align directly with law school requirements while also opening doors to rewarding careers if you choose a different path.
Why Do Political Science Majors Excel in Law School?
About 18% of law school applicants major in political science, according to Law School Admissions Council (LSAC) data, making it the single most common major by over 10%. This popularity reflects the strong alignment between political science education and the competencies law schools seek. Nearly half of all law school applicants (48.3%) come from the social sciences, according to the LSAC, with political science leading as the top choice within this category.
The American Bar Association does not recommend specific undergraduate majors for aspiring law students, per the LSAC. However, political science naturally addresses many of the core competencies the ABA emphasizes, including problem-solving ability, critical reading, writing skills, oral communication, and an understanding of institutions and values.
When you study political science, you engage deeply with constitutional law, civil liberties, political theory and the judicial process, subjects that form the foundation of legal education. Arkansas State University’s political science program emphasizes exactly these areas, providing students with a strong background in law and policy, including legal writing, research and advocacy skills that translate directly into law school coursework.
These foundational elements create a natural transition into legal education. The analytical frameworks you develop as a political science major become the building blocks for legal reasoning and case analysis.
Political Science Develops Essential Skills for Legal Careers
Law school requires more than memorizing cases and statutes. You’ll need to analyze complex arguments, conduct thorough research, write persuasively and communicate effectively, skills that political science programs systematically develop. These competencies distinguish successful law students from those who struggle with academic rigor. Political science coursework provides comprehensive training across several critical skill areas:
- Research and analytical capabilities: Political science courses train you to evaluate primary and secondary sources critically, assess evidence and construct logical arguments based on that evidence.
- Writing excellence: Legal writing demands clarity, precision and persuasive power, which develop through extensive practice with research papers, policy analyses and position arguments.
- Persuasive communication: Whether you’re presenting oral arguments or negotiating settlements, lawyers must articulate complex ideas clearly and convincingly through presentations, debates and class discussions.
- Systematic thinking: Political science teaches you to think analytically about systems, institutions and human behavior, the same analytical framework lawyers apply to legal problems.
Thinking Like a Lawyer
Perhaps most importantly, political science prepares you to approach problems with the systematic reasoning that defines legal analysis. You learn to identify relevant facts, apply appropriate legal or theoretical frameworks and reach sound conclusions. This analytical approach becomes second nature, preparing you for the case method that dominates law school instruction. A-State’s program particularly emphasizes legal writing fundamentals, giving students practical experience with the types of writing they’ll encounter in legal education.
This transition from political science student to law student happens more smoothly because the intellectual habits you’ve developed already align with legal reasoning. You’re not starting from scratch — you’re building on a strong foundation.
Career Flexibility Beyond Law School
While political science provides excellent law school preparation, it also opens doors to rewarding careers if you decide not to pursue legal education. The median annual wage for political scientists reached $139,380 in May 2024, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Even bachelor’s degree holders in political science find strong career opportunities with solid earning potential.
Entry-level salaries for political science graduates typically range from $50,000 to $60,000, with significant growth potential. Mid-career professionals with political science degrees can expect earnings in the $60,000 to $70,000 range, with continued advancement possible throughout their careers. These figures demonstrate that political science offers substantial long-term career value regardless of whether you pursue legal education.
Employment prospects remain solid across sectors, with political science graduates finding opportunities in government agencies, nonprofit organizations, advocacy groups, consulting firms and private-sector companies. Many graduates also pursue careers in journalism, education, public relations and research.
What Other Careers Can You Pursue With a Bachelor’s in Political Science?
Political science graduates pursue rewarding careers across multiple sectors. The versatility of the degree means professionals can apply their skills in various organizational settings and industries:
- Campaign managers: Develop and execute political campaign strategies, coordinate staff and volunteers, and manage campaign budgets and communications
- Lobbyists: Advocate for clients’ interests by building relationships with legislators and government officials to influence policy decisions
- Public relations specialists: Manage communications for political campaigns, government agencies or advocacy organizations
- Paralegals: Support attorneys by conducting legal research, preparing documents and managing case files in law firms and government offices
- Recruiters: Identify and evaluate talent for organizations, particularly in government agencies, political campaigns and advocacy groups
These career options provide fulfilling work with competitive compensation. The versatility of political science training means there’s no getting locked into a single career trajectory.
Making Your Political Science Degree Work for You
Whether you’re planning for law school or considering alternative careers, certain strategies maximize the value of your political science education. Success requires more than completing coursework; you need to build practical experience and professional networks. Seek internship opportunities early and often, as hands-on experience significantly enhances both employment prospects and earning potential after graduation.
Build relationships with faculty who can provide mentorship, recommendation letters and insights into career paths. For those targeting law school, maintain a strong GPA, as academic performance significantly influences admissions decisions alongside LSAT scores. Take advantage of courses in constitutional law, legal research and advanced writing to strengthen your preparation.
Participate in mock trials, debate or student government to develop the advocacy and leadership skills that strengthen law school applications. These experiences demonstrate your commitment to developing the competencies law schools value. An online political science degree from Arkansas State University offers working professionals the flexibility to build this foundation while managing career and family commitments. With accelerated coursework, multiple start dates per year and the ability to transfer up to 90 credit hours, you can efficiently progress toward your educational goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
As you consider whether political science is the right path for your law school journey, you may have questions about how this degree prepares you for legal education and what alternatives exist if you choose a different career direction. Here are answers to common questions about political science as a pre-law major.
Is political science a good major for law school?
Yes, political science is an excellent major for law school preparation. The degree develops critical thinking, research, writing and analytical skills that law schools value and that contribute to success in legal education. The American Bar Association recognizes that while no specific major is required, political science aligns naturally with the core competencies essential to legal studies.
What percentage of law students majored in political science?
Approximately 18% of law school applicants hold undergraduate degrees in political science, making it the single most popular pre-law major by a significant margin, according to LSAC data. Overall, nearly half of all law school applicants come from social science backgrounds. This concentration reflects both the degree’s effectiveness in preparing students for legal education and its popularity among those considering law careers.
What skills does political science develop for law school?
Political science programs develop several skills essential for law school success. These include critical thinking and logical reasoning, research and analytical abilities, persuasive writing, oral communication and argumentation, policy analysis, and understanding of legal and governmental institutions. These competencies directly align with the core skills law schools seek in applicants. Students practice these skills through research papers, case analyses, presentations and policy evaluations throughout their coursework.
How do political science majors perform on the LSAT?
A political science degree develops the logical reasoning and analytical thinking that the LSAT measures. The coursework in constitutional law, political theory and policy analysis provides excellent preparation for the types of analytical challenges presented on the LSAT.
What can you do with a political science degree if you don’t go to law school?
Political science graduates pursue diverse careers in government, policy analysis, public relations, political consulting, intelligence analysis, advocacy, journalism, business and education. Career options include legislative assistant, campaign manager, public affairs specialist, nonprofit program director and corporate social responsibility coordinator, among many others.
What is the average salary for political science graduates?
Entry-level political science graduates typically earn between $50,000 and $60,000 annually. Mid-career professionals with political science degrees average around $60,000 to $70,000, with continued growth potential throughout their careers. Political scientists with advanced degrees earn a median annual wage of $139,380. Salary varies significantly by sector, with government positions offering stability and benefits, while private sector roles may offer higher compensation potential.
Does Arkansas State’s political science program prepare students for law school?
Yes, A-State’s B.A. in Political Science online program provides strong law school preparation with a curriculum emphasizing law and policy, legal writing, research and advocacy. Graduates of this program have achieved a 100% law school placement rate, demonstrating the program’s effectiveness in preparing students for legal education. The program covers constitutional law, civil liberties, political theory and research methodologies that form the foundation for success in law school.
Can you complete a political science degree online while working?
A-State’s program features flexible scheduling, accelerated coursework and multiple start dates throughout the year, allowing you to balance your education with professional and personal responsibilities. You can participate in coursework on your schedule rather than at set class times. The asynchronous format means you access lectures, complete assignments and engage with classmates when it fits your schedule.
How long does it take to complete an online B.A. in political science?
The B.A. in Political Science requires 120 credit hours total. Completion time varies based on how many credits you transfer and how many courses you take per term. A-State accepts up to 90 transfer credit hours, which can significantly reduce your time to graduation. With accelerated terms and the flexibility to adjust your course load based on your schedule, motivated students can complete the degree efficiently while managing work and family obligations.
What makes A-State’s political science program effective for law school prep?
A-State’s program combines rigorous academic training with practical skills development. The curriculum emphasizes legal writing, research methodologies and policy analysis that directly prepare students for law school. The program’s track record demonstrates its effectiveness. Students study constitutional law, civil liberties, legal research and advocacy, gaining both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. The online format allows you to gain this preparation while maintaining your current career.
About Arkansas State University’s Online B.A. in Political Science
A-State offers a comprehensive online B.A. in Political Science degree designed to prepare students for careers in law, public service, policy and advocacy. The program provides a strong foundation in legal systems, constitutional law, political theory and public administration while developing the critical thinking, research and communication skills essential for law school and professional success.
Graduates of A-State’s campus political science program have achieved a 100% law school placement rate, demonstrating the program’s effectiveness in preparing students for legal education. The online format offers the same rigorous curriculum with added flexibility for working professionals.
Program features include fully online coursework with no campus visits required, accelerated seven-week terms with multiple start dates yearly, the ability to transfer up to 90 credit hours from previous college coursework and affordable tuition for all U.S. residents. The curriculum covers essential topics including American constitutional law, civil liberties, political theory, international relations and public policy analysis.
Whether you’re planning for law school, a Master of Public Administration (MPA) or a career in public service, A-State’s B.A. in Political Science online degree provides the foundation you need. For more information about admission requirements and upcoming start dates, visit the program page.
Learn more about Arkansas State University’s online B.A. in Political Science program.