Pre-Law Concentration
The Pre-Law concentration in Philosophy is one way of selecting core and elective classes in such a way as to maximize the benefits of studying philosophy as a preparation for further study in law.
Among many things, philosophy offers critical thinking skills that no other discipline can. Philosophy majors consistently make higher LSAT scores. Also, a study in philosophy can help future lawyers to have a fundamental knowledge of the law, including its nature and its utility. Further, philosophical reasoning is an indispensable element required for legal analysis.
We encourage you to consider a Philosophy major with a pre-law concentration. Please contact Chair of the Department Todd Buras or Undergraduate Program Director Anne_Marie Schultz if you have any questions about the concentration. The requirements for the concentration are summarized below or available in detail in the undergraduate catalogue. Information about Baylor's Pre-Law programming for all majors is available here.
Required Courses for Philosophy Major with Pre-Law Concentration
- Philosophy Core: (12 semester hours)
- History: PHI 3310 and 3312
- Logic: PHI 1306 or 1307 or 4345
- Ethics: PHI 3301
- Pre-Law Concentration (18 hours)
- Nine semester hours from the following courses in legal, moral, and political philosophy: PHI 3318, 4318, 4360, 4361, 4385
- Nine hours of any level electives. Additional courses in logic recommended; see below for further recommendations.
- A maximum of three semester hours from the following list of courses in other fields may be taken to fulfill elective requirements. Courses not on the list are considered by petition.
- ANT 4305
- ECO 4338, 4343
- HIS 4338, 4339, 4395, 4396
- PSC 3339*, 3363, 3373, 4383*
- PSY 4327, 4329, 4339, 4395
- REL 4346, 4390, 4393, 4395
- SOC 4309, 4335*, 4353, 4391
Courses marked by * are recommended for students with a pre-law concentration.