Prepare for law school with the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in University Studies — Society, Ethics and Law concentration. Through this degree, you'll develop a highly transferable skill set that is useful to non-profits and businesses alike.
The University Studies — Society, Ethics and Law concentration curriculum is primarily guided by the published recommendations of the American Bar Association (A.B.A.). While the A.B.A. does not recommend nor require any particular major, it does encourage prospective law students to:
- Pursue opportunities (courses and experiences) that cultivate a specific set of skills
- Obtain experiences that “can help [them] hit the ground running when [they] become a lawyer
- Develop “a broad understanding of history, including the various factors (social, political, economic, and cultural) that have influenced the development of our society in the United States.”
The requirements for this University Studies degree reflect the A.B.A.’s recommendation.
Under the broad themes of Society, Ethics and Law, the degree requires classes that contribute to a broad understanding of philosophy, politics, economics and history.
This degree requires that students pursue experiences and opportunities that typically cultivate the A.B.A’s recommended skill set:
- Problem Solving: involves “courses and other experiences that will engage [students] in critical thinking about important issues, challenge ... beliefs and improve ... tolerance for uncertainty and criticism.”
- Critical Reading: involves “close reading and critical analysis of complex textual material.”
- Writing and Editing: involves “preparing original pieces of substantial length and revising written work in response to constructive criticism. [...] Language is the most important tool of a lawyer, and lawyers must learn how to express themselves clearly and concisely.”
- Oral Communication and Listening: involves “the ability to speak clearly and persuasively... and excellent listening skills.”
- Research: involves “undertaking a project that requires significant library research and the analysis of large amounts of information obtained from that research.”
The study of philosophy lends itself to the development of the five recommended skills. To this end, the required minor in Philosophy provides an opportunity to cultivate these skills. Students are strongly advised to take philosophy courses over and above the minimum requirements for a minor, including independent studies and honors research courses.
B.A. in University Studies — Society, Ethics and Law Concentration Curriculum
About the University Studies Program
The University Studies Degree format provides the flexibility to combine areas of study that are of special interest. This interdisciplinary format allows you to customize your higher education experience to meet your future career goals.
All University Studies degrees require the completion of two university-approved minors. Students in the Society, Ethics and Law concentration must choose Philosophy as one of the minors; the other must be outside of the liberal arts.