Beginning in Fall 2026, Michigan State University students interested in law, policy, public service, and related careers will have a new way of preparing for their futures. The Department of Philosophy in the College of Arts and Letters is launching a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and Law that combines the study of law, justice, and contemporary ethical issues with the reasoning, writing, and analytical skills central to philosophy.

“Philosophy gives students the tools to examine complex questions from multiple perspectives, build strong arguments, and communicate those arguments clearly and persuasively. The Philosophy and Law major brings those strengths together with a focused exploration of law, justice, and some of the most pressing ethical and political issues of our time,” said Matt McKeon, Chair of the Department of Philosophy. “This new major provides students with a strong foundation for law school and for careers that require thoughtful analysis and sound judgment.”

“This new major provides students with a strong foundation for law school and for careers that require thoughtful analysis and sound judgment.”

Matt McKeon, Chair of the Department of Philosophy

Students in the major will examine questions such as: How does law relate to morality? Should the government regulate private behavior? Why protect free speech? Should political considerations ever override human rights? Is there a good solution to the Trolley Problem? Where is the line between order and oppression?

How Philosophy Builds Skills for Law and Beyond

While designed with careers in law and related fields in mind, the skills students develop are valuable across a wide range of professions. Philosophy graduates work in fields including public policy, government, nonprofits, business, cultural organizations, journalism, technology, academia, and law — all areas where analyzing complex information, evaluating competing arguments, and communicating persuasively are critical.

“Law school will teach you the law. Use your undergraduate major to learn how to think,” said  Fred Rauscher, Professor in the Department of Philosophy. “Philosophy has always been an ideal preparation for law because of its intense focus on reasoning, comprehension, persuasion, creative thinking, and clear writing — skills needed for the LSAT, in law school, and as a practicing lawyer. This major allows you to focus on the controversial moral, social, and political issues you will face in your careers from a philosophical perspective.”

Courses in the major address many of the issues students may encounter as lawyers and in related professions. At its core are two Philosophy of Law courses in which students examine the relationship between power and justice and explore philosophical questions arising from criminal law, constitutional law, international law, law and religion, civil rights, and other areas.

Required survey courses in ethics, political philosophy, and philosophical traditions provide broader context, while other courses allow students to explore specific social, political, and ethical issues in areas such as health care, the environment, gender, and international justice.

The methods of philosophical reasoning also closely align with skills used in the legal profession. Weighing evidence and competing arguments, seeking consensus, finding solutions to complex problems, constructing arguments, and persuading others are central to the study of philosophy.

“Philosophy has always been an ideal preparation for law because of its intense focus on reasoning, comprehension, persuasion, creative thinking, and clear writing.”

Fred Rauscher, Professor in the Department of Philosophy

“Studying philosophy has been invaluable to my policy and political work,” said Satyam Sinha, a Philosophy major. “It has trained me to analyze arguments with precision, identify the strengths and weaknesses in competing positions, and articulate clear, persuasive recommendations. These abilities are essential in policymaking, which involves understanding how interest groups take different positions and how they advocate for those positions in legislation.”

Philosophy majors have historically performed well on the LSAT. According to a 2025 study by Michael Prinzing and Michael Vazquez, philosophy majors ranked first among 57 majors in SAT-adjusted average LSAT scores. The study analyzed records from more than half a million students at more than 800 U.S. colleges and universities.

Majoring in Philosophy and Law

The Philosophy and Law major offers a flexible structure that allows students to complete the program in as little as two years. Students will begin with introductory and survey courses before progressing to higher-level study in areas such as the history of philosophy, value theory, metaphysics, and philosophy of science.

Courses in philosophical traditions and reasoning help establish a foundation for advanced work. In their final semester, students will complete a capstone course that brings together what they have learned through an intensive examination of a particular philosophical issue.

“The Philosophy and Law major demonstrates the essential role the arts and humanities play in preparing students for complex professional and civic challenges.”

Thomas Stubblefield, Dean of the College of Arts and Letters

Current Philosophy majors pursuing the Concentration in Philosophy and Law may switch to the new major beginning in Fall 2026 but are not required to do so. The requirements for the two programs are nearly identical. Students who remain in the concentration will have “Philosophy” listed on their diploma with the Philosophy and Law concentration noted on their transcript. For students in the new major, “Philosophy and Law” will appear on both their diploma and transcript.

“The Philosophy and Law major demonstrates the essential role the arts and humanities play in preparing students for complex professional and civic challenges,” said Thomas Stubblefield, Dean of the College of Arts and Letters. “The ability to analyze difficult questions, consider competing perspectives, and communicate with clarity and purpose will serve students throughout their careers and prepare them to contribute thoughtfully to the communities they serve.”

Careers for Philosophy and Law Graduates

The reasoning, writing, analytical, and communication skills developed through the Philosophy and Law major can prepare graduates for law school as well as careers in the following areas:

• Law and legal services
• Public policy
• Government and public service
• Nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations
• Administration
• Cultural organizations
• Higher education
• Research and data analysis
• Marketing and communications

Comparison of Prelaw Majors

Philosophy and Law and Humanities-Prelaw are the two majors in the College of Arts and Letters designed to help prepare students for law school.

Students interested in an intensive focus on social, legal, ethical, and political issues through the methods and traditions of philosophy may find Philosophy and Law to be the best fit.

Humanities-Prelaw offers a more interdisciplinary approach, allowing students to incorporate other areas of interest related to their academic and career goals alongside core study of law and legal issues. Both majors provide extensive experience in critical reading, writing, discussion, analysis, and argument — skills that are central to a humanities education and valuable preparation for law school and a wide range of careers.

Learn more about the Philosophy and Law major, including course requirements and advising information, on the Department of Philosophy website.

By Austin Curtis and Kim Popiolek