Best Undergrad Schools for Pursuing Criminal Law?

Hey, y'all! I'm really passionate about criminal law, and I'm looking at universities with strong programs in that field. Can anyone suggest some top-tier schools to consider?

Hello! It's great that you're passionate about criminal law and are looking for universities with strong programs in the field. Here's a list of top-tier schools that have highly-regarded law schools or programs with an emphasis on criminal law:

1. Harvard University: Although Harvard doesn't have a specific undergraduate program in criminal law, their social science courses (Government, Sociology, etc.) and Law, Ethics, and Democracy Program offers a solid background for those looking to attend law school in the future. Additionally, Harvard Law School has a renowned criminal law program, which you can keep in mind for future studies.

2. Georgetown University: Georgetown offers a Justice and Peace Studies program at the undergraduate level that allows you to explore the intersection of justice, law, and societies. Their law school, Georgetown Law, is one of the top programs in the country for criminal law.

3. University of Pennsylvania: UPenn's Criminology program focuses on criminal behavior, the criminal justice system, and how crime can be addressed and reduced. Furthermore, Penn Law School is a top-tier law school with strong criminal law offerings.

4. University of California, Irvine: UC Irvine provides an undergraduate Criminology, Law, and Society major that covers various aspects of criminal law, policy, and social control. Its law school also has a top-notch criminal law and criminal justice program.

5. New York University: NYU's Sociology major has the option of specializing in Law and Society, which can help build a strong foundation for future criminal law studies. As with the others on this list, their law school (NYU School of Law) has a highly respected program in criminal law.

6. Northeastern University: Northeastern offers a combined major in Criminal Justice and Political Science, enabling you to explore criminal law in the context of the broader legal and political systems. Their law school also has a strong focus on criminal law and social justice.

Keep in mind that while these schools have programs related to criminal law, undergraduate studies don't necessarily have to be in criminal law specifically. Strong social sciences or humanities majors like Political Science, Sociology, or Philosophy, particularly with a focus on ethics, can help you develop critical thinking and communication skills that will be valuable in law school and future legal practice.

Additionally, it's important to consider factors like location, campus culture, financial aid, and extracurricular opportunities when choosing a school. Don't hesitate to visit campuses and attend open houses to really get a feel for each school! Good luck with your college search!