Dec 13, 2024  
General Catalog 2024-2025 
    
General Catalog 2024-2025

Philosophy - Pre-Law Option, B.A.


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The Department of Philosophy  

Bachelor of Arts Degree Requirements 

Students must select from the Philosophy Major, the Pre-Law Option, or the Religious Studies Option.

Philosophy Major Requirements (33 units)


Core (18 units)


Prelaw Option (15 units)


The Prelaw Option emphasizes critical thinking and analytical skills, as well as ethics and issues related to law. It also includes a law-related intern experience. Law schools do not prefer any specific major, but emphasize critical thinking and general education. (See Preprofessional Preparation). Students with a strong interest in philosophy as well as law may find this option valuable. Depending upon the interests of the student, courses or minors in political science, business, criminology, and a variety of social sciences would be useful electives for the Prelaw Option.

Other Degree Requirements


In addition to the major program requirements, every student must also complete the University’s baccalaureate degree requirements such as:

  • American Government and Institutions (PLSI 2 )
  • General Education Requirements (48 units)
  • Multicultural and International (MI)
  • Upper-division Writing
  • Sufficient Elective Units to Meet Required Total Units (varies); it is recommended that units in this area be utilized to complete a second major or minor.

A full description of the University’s graduation requirements can be found in the Baccalaureate Degree Requirements 

Total Units: 120*


*General Education, MI, and Upper-division Writing courses can be double counted with major requirements. This includes PHIL 25  (Area A3). See advisor for details.

Advising Notes


  1. CR/NC grading is not permitted in courses used to fulfill the philosophy major requirements.
  2. Students intending to pursue graduate study in philosophy, law, or religious studies should seek a faculty advisor’s help in planning adequate preparation.
  3. Visit the Philosophy Department office or your faculty advisor for the list of approved T classes for the major.

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