The Catholic University of America

Philosophy and Law

Philosophy is highly recommended by legal educators as a preparation for the study of law. Special counseling will enable the student to select relevant courses in the School of Arts and Sciences to fulfill the distribution requirements for graduation and enhance the student's preparation for the further study of law.


Pre-Law Program in Philosophy

This program is designed for students who wish to prepare for a career in law or related fields. The curriculum places a special emphasis on philosophical topics pertinent to the study of law.

Pre-Law Curriculum

Required for all majors (12 courses):

  • 301 - Reasoning and Argumentation
  • 353 - History of Ancient Philosophy
  • 354 - History of Medieval Philosophy
  • 355 - Metaphysics I
  • 356 - Metaphysics II
  • 453 - History of Modern Philosophy
  • 454 - Contemporary Philosophy
  • 557 - Co-ordinating Seminar (Senior Seminar)
  • 558 - Co-ordinating Seminar (Senior Seminar)
Two of the following:
 
  • 332 - Political Philosophy
  • 333 - Philosophy of Natural Right and Natural Law
  • 403 - Morality and Law
Elective (one of the following):
 
  • 309 - Ethics
  • 310 - Philosophy of Art
  • 311 - Contemporary Moral Issues
  • 313 - Philosophy of Human Nature*
  • 315 - Philosophy of Language
  • 317 - Philosophy of Religion
  • 329 - Philosophy of Science
  • 331 - Philosophy of Knowledge*

Additional requirement for students enrolled in the School of Philosophy (2 courses):

  • 313 - Philosophy of Human Nature
  • 331 - Philosophy of Knowledge

*Not an elective for majors in the School of Philosophy.

Comprehensive examinations are administered during the second semester of the senior year.