Headed for law school?
Prepare your legal mind with a major in philosophy: pre-law at the University of Mary Washington. You’ll challenge yourself with courses in logic, ethics and the legal system while testing your powers of argument through Mary Washington’s renowned mock trial and debate teams. Law firm internships, LSAT study sessions, pre-law advising and more position UMW pre-law alumni to excel at the nation’s top schools of law.
Degree Awarded
Students majoring in philosophy: pre-law concentration who complete all requirements earn the degree of Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in philosophy and religious studies.
Areas of Study
Many students in UMW’s pre-law program choose to major in philosophy, but even if you decide to pair your pre-law studies with another of our majors – political science or psychology, for example – you’ll still study the philosophy of ancient Greece, the early modern era, law, ethics, logic, and more.
In addition, UMW offers the “3+3 Accelerated Program” with George Mason University. It allows highly motivated students a fast track to earn both a bachelor’s degree and a law degree in six, rather than seven, years of study.
Career Opportunities
The pre-law track in philosophy prepares you for entry to law school.
Internships
The Department of Classics, Philosophy, and Religion offers opportunities to complete research, present at conferences, and make valuable contacts for the professional world.
To graduate with honors in philosophy, you must have at least a 3.5 grade-point average in the major. You’ll complete a research project and write and defend a senior thesis. If you choose another major to combine with pre-law, you may pursue honors in that program.
Major Requirements
The pre-law concentration requires 33 credits, made up mostly of courses in philosophy – including the philosophy of law, ancient and modern philosophy, ethics, and non-Western philosophy – as well as logic.
Minor Requirements
The pre-law concentration requires 33 credits, made up mostly of courses in philosophy and also requiring Latin, logic, and philosophy of law.
The Department of Classics, Philosophy, and Religion offers several scholarships and awards.