Don't Major in Criminal Justice if you want to go to Law School

[gonzo8402]

http://abovethelaw.com/2009/09/criminal_justice_fails_lsat.php

We have some interesting statistics that suggest legal sounding majors -- like Prelaw or Criminal Justice -- have a negative relationship with LSAT performance.

Courtesy of Tax Prof Blog, Professor Michael Nieswiadomy of North Texas, has given us average LSAT scores broken down by 29 differed undergraduate majors.

The bottom of the list is very interesting:

25. Education: LSAT = 149.4
26. Business Administration: LSAT = 149.1
27. Health Professions: LSAT = 148.4
28. Prelaw: LSAT = 148.3
29. Criminal Justice: LSAT = 146

A little bit of knowledge is a dangerous thing. But is there something going on in criminal justice classes that makes people unable to complete a logic game?

After the jump, let's look at what you should major in if you want to do well on the LSAT.

The bottom of the list was interesting, but the top of the list is pretty much expected. People with difficult majors tend to do well on the LSAT:

1. Physics/Math: LSAT = 160
2. Economics: LSAT = 157.4
2. Philosophy/Theology: LSAT = 157.4
4. International Relations: LSAT = 156.5
5. Engineering: LSAT = 156.2

Math is good, thinking is good, and justice has nothing to do with it. Click here for the full list.

 

[sean69]

Makes sense to me.

if you notice most of the majors in the bottom list require a predisposition to solving logic problems and developing/processing arguments.

Very interesting though. Good post.

-----------------------------------

 

[Penancestare]

also most people use "criminal justice" and other similar majors so forth as cop outs. The talent level in those programs, from what I've seen, is not generally impressive.

 

[gonzo8402]

also most people use "criminal justice" and other similar majors so forth as cop outs. The talent level in those programs, from what I've seen, is not generally impressive.

I've heard that as well. And its' unfortunate. I work in a university and the common thread I see from people in "cop out" majors is a lack of advising and knowledge on what to take or what college is in general. These kids are just taking classes to take them...

 

[sean69]

also most people use "criminal justice" and other similar majors so forth as cop outs. The talent level in those programs, from what I've seen, is not generally impressive.

YEP.

most state troopers and some cops have criminal justice degrees.

case in point.

 

[clarkkent]

I'm not surprised

 

[Sango]

Good info..

 

[dHustla]

Good, keep 'em dumb

they need to be stupid as possible, ol' vocational college rejects, barney phife idiots

 

[Temujin]

First off the correlation between your major in college and the LSAT is zero. The LSAT like most "aptitude" tests doesn't test substantive knowledge so what you learned in college is irrelevant.

Second John Q (above) has no idea what he is talking about. Having a law degree and passing the bar like any other certification instantly creates money making potential. How you choose to tap that potential is up too you. I know single mom attorneys that stay home all day and check documents for $50 an hour and I know high paid attorneys who work 60-70 hour weeks and make 200k. But do downplay any form of higher education is ridiculous.

Also I am a lawyer so I know of what I speak.

 

[melonpecan]

Major in English

 

[Blunt]

YEP.

most state troopers and some cops have criminal justice degrees.

case in point.

Those degrees usually come after the fact (on the taxpayer's dime). A way to get promoted.

 

[puertorock2005]

look if you have no direction, it doesn't matter what degree you take up, you won't be successful either way.

 

[sean69]

Those degrees usually come after the fact (on the taxpayer's dime). A way to get promoted.

And the relevance?

None.

You just like rebutting just for the hell of it huh?

 

[Blunt]

And the relevance?

None.

You just like rebutting just for the hell of it huh?

WTF??? The "relevance" is that cops usually get that degree AFTER they already have a job, as opposed to those coming up and looking forward to law school. Different perspectives.

Now what's the "relevance" of your post about me???

 

[sean69]

Those degrees usually come after the fact (on the taxpayer's dime). A way to get promoted.

WTF??? The "relevance" is that cops usually get that degree AFTER they already have a job, as opposed to those coming up and looking forward to law school. Different perspectives.

Now what's the "relevance" of your post about me???

Yeah and there intellectual predisposition is drastically altered in the interim of achieving said degree.

You analytically challenged nematode, whether you fucking quote me before or AFTER your Bluntian reasoning crystallizes in your truncated brain is irrelevant.

Now. Don't you have a North Atlantic Troll Union symposium or some shit to attend?

 

[M.H.C.]

Sean69 always ethers Blunt.

 

[sean69]

Sean69 always ethers Blunt.

Skunt is a fraud. His gimmick is played out.

 

[QueEx]

But back to the main topic at hand: I was always told that law schools didn’t like any students with any type of Pre-Law

I don't think you were advised, correctly. The problem with pre-law is that the courses leading to the degree may give you a smattering of knowledge, but not the basics that tend to lead to successful law study. The best preparation for law school is to take courses in logic or those that touch or concern logic, i.e., math, economics, philosophy, english, etc. Pre-law course-work tends not to load up on logic-related courses.

Pre-Law majors because they felt it polluted your mind about the law thereby making it harder for a Law Professor to re-teach you. They want you to have a virgin legal mind when you enter Law School because then you are more easily molded to their way of teaching. I was surprised myself when I found this out.

Again, someone badly misinformed you. Law professors don't really teach the law. A better statement might be that the law is learned, typically, through the give and take of the Socratic method.

No one would be concerned over any introductory legal courses that you've had before law school because few, if any, legal courses that one might take in undergrad, pre-law or otherwise, are on a level with law school courses. Besides, no one really gives a shit about what you know. Law school is more about learning how to think. Learning how to analyze. In fact, it leaves you analyzing every gotdamn thang all the damn time: theories, people, pussy, every damn thang. LOL

QueEx

 

[OnSlaught]

Interesting.

Well, at least if/when I consider law school I'll have a leg up on others...

 

[Blunt]

Greatest law school film ever.

 

[OnSlaught]

Greatest law school film ever.

Damn, I can't believe I am agreeing with you on something.

John Houseman did an excellent job of playing the dickhead prof.