Philosophy/Juris Doctor, (B.A./J.D.)

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Program objectives for a B.A./J.D. in Philosophy are to: (a) provide training in analytic and logical thinking, (b) learn how to read difficult texts and assess arguments, (c) conduct research, develop arguments, and present them clearly in speech and writing, (d) learn logical and analytic reasoning in preparation for the LSAT, (e) explore contemporary legal, political, and moral issues that are pertinent to legal professionals.

Note: While the combined BA/JD program is designed to accelerate the time to graduation, enrolling in the 3+3 program at the BA level does not automatically grant admission to the JD program. All admission decisions are based upon a holistic assessment of all application materials submitted. If admitted, 3+3 students will start as first-year law students at the beginning of what would have been their senior year. These students will complete their upper-division philosophy electives by taking first-year law school courses: Legal Methods 1, Legal Methods 2, Torts 1. They will complete their upper-division electives by taking Civil Procedure 1, Civil Procedure 2, Property 1, Property 2, Contracts 1, Contracts 2, Criminal Law. Unsuccessful applicants will complete their undergraduate degree in philosophy as seniors, and may apply to law school following the usual timeline and procedures.

University General Education Program (41 hours)

See University General Education Program for the General Education requirements.

College and Degree (B.A.) Requirements (6-9 hours)

The College and Bachelor of Arts requirements are in addition to the University General Education Program requirements that are listed above.

The Major (30 hours)

Completion of 30 semester hours in philosophy courses including:

PHIL 1101 - Intro to Philosophy Credit Hours: (3)
OR
PHIL 1102 - Intro to Ethics** Credit Hours: (3)
PHIL 1611 - Elementary Logic ** Credit Hours: (3)
PHIL 3001 - History of Ancient Philosophy ** Credit Hours: (3)
PHIL 3002 - History of Modern Philosophy ** Credit Hours: (3)
PHIL 3411 - Contemporary Moral Problems ** Credit Hours: (3)
OR
PHIL 3511 - Ethical Theory Credit Hours: (3)
And
15 additional upper division semester hours

Typical 6 Year Philosophy BA/JD Sequence

Freshman Year

First Semester
PHIL 1101 - Intro to Philosophy Credit Hours: (3)
or
PHIL 1102 - Intro to Ethics** Credit Hours: (3)
Foreign Language/B.A. (3)
MATH* (3)
Natural Science* (4)
ENGL 1010 - English Composition** Credit Hours: (3)
Semester Totals 16 hrs.
Second Semester
PHIL 1611 - Elementary Logic ** Credit Hours: (3)
Foreign Language/B.A. (3)
COMM 2381 - Oral Communication Credit Hours: (3)
Natural Science* (4)
ENGL 1020 - English Comp/Analysis** Credit Hours: (3)
Semester Totals 16 hrs.

Sophomore Year

First Semester
PHIL 3001 - History of Ancient Philosophy ** Credit Hours: (3)
PHIL 3411 - Contemporary Moral Problems ** Credit Hours: (3)
or
PHIL 3516 - Philosophy of Law ** Credit Hours: (3)
{Note: The major requires students to take 3411 or 3511}
History* (3)
ENGL 2201 - Literary Heritage ** Credit Hours: (3)
or
ENGL 2202 - Lit Heritage: African-American ** Credit Hours: (3)
Foreign Language / B.A. (3)
Semester Totals 15 hrs
Second Semester
PHIL 3002 - History of Modern Philosophy ** Credit Hours: (3)
PHIL 3511 - Ethical Theory Credit Hours: (3)
or
- PHIL 3516 (3)
{Note: The major requires students to take 3411 or 3511}
History* (3)
Social/Behavioral Sciences (3)
Foreign Language / B.A. (3)
Semester Totals 15 hrs

Junior Year

First Semester

Social/Behavioral Sciences (3)
UD PHIL Elective (3)
Elective (3)
Elective (3)
Elective (3)

Semester Totals 15 hrs

Second Semester

Fine Arts B.A.** (3)
Elective (3)
Elective (3)
Elective (3)
Elective (3)

Semester Totals 13 hrs

Senior Year

First Semester

UD PHIL Elective - Legal Methods 1 (3)
UD PHIL Elective - Torts 1 (3)
UD Elective - Civil Procedure 1 (3)
UD Elective - Property 1 (3)
UD Elective - Contracts 1 (3)

Semester Totals 15 hrs

Second Semester

UD PHIL Elective - Legal Methods 2 (credited towards PHIL major (2 hour course))

UD Elective - Torts 2 (3)

UD Elective - Civil Procedure 2 (2)

UD Elective - Property 2 (3)

UD Elective - Contracts 2 (2)

UD Elective - Criminal Law (3)

Semester Totals 15 hrs

Total Hours through Year Four: 120

Year Five and Six

Fall Year Five

Typical Law school curriculum

Spring Year Five

Typical Law school curriculum

Fall Year Six

Typical Law school curriculum

Spring Year Six

Typical Law school curriculum