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 Thomas Ward 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

1. Philosophy Core: (12 semester hours)
   1. History: PHI 3310 and 3312
   2. Logic: PHI 1306 or 1307 or 4345
   3. Ethics: PHI 3301
2. Pre-Law Concentration (18 hours)
   1. Nine semester hours from the following courses in legal, moral, and political philosophy: PHI 3318, 4318, 4360, 4361, 4385
   2. Nine hours of any level electives. Additional courses in logic recommended; see below for further recommendations.
3. 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.
   1. ANT 4305
   2. ECO 4338, 4343
   3. HIS 4338, 4339, 4395, 4396
   4. PSC 3339*, 3363, 3373, 4383*
   5. PSY 4327, 4329, 4339, 4395
   6. REL 4346, 4390, 4393, 4395
   7. SOC 4309, 4335*, 4353, 4391

Courses marked by * are recommended for students with a pre-law concentration.