I am almost done with my political science degree (minor) my intent in the future is to attend law school. So far I have looked at journalism for my bachelor’s degre. I talked to my advisor and she recommended me to switch to pre-law which I feel will not get me any where. What do you guys think? will journalism set me back ?
While some schools offer what they designate a “pre-law” major, most law schools discourage this sort of major. In addition, so-called “pre-law” majors tend not to score as high on the LSAT compared to other majors. Having said that, a lot depends on the particular course requirements for the “pre-law” major. Courses in economics, logic, history, English, expository writing, etc. would be good preparation for law school, the problem comes in if the major loads you up on an excessive number of law-related courses; you’ll have plenty of time for that once you get to law school.
Though law school does not require any particular majors for admission, journalism might not be the best preparation for law school. Why not extend your political science minor into a full polisci major, and do a minor in journalism.
Better yet, do a major in political science and consider a minor or block of courses in professional writing (a track in an English dept.?) or rhetoric (a track in a communication dept.?), if these are available at your school. As a political science major, you also can take an elective course or two in political communication. Writing and rhetoric courses would be good law school prep, and would be relevant to some aspects of journalism (if you decide against law school). (Not all journalists major in journalism, and these aspects of communication also potentially add some career-relevant aspects to a political science degree, e.g., PR, campaigns, etc.).