Philosophy, Religion, and Law (PRL) is an interdisciplinary degree providing students with foundational skills, advanced study in philosophy, religion, and law, and guided pathways leading to wide-ranging careers, advanced degrees, and the skills and self-knowledge to lead flourishing lives. PRL majors study topics such as the ethics of artificial intelligence technology, of the military, of healthcare; critical thinking and formal logic; philosophy of law; religion and violence; and much more. The PRL major also equips students with the cultural and religious understanding necessary to assume their roles as global citizens in an increasingly interconnected world.
Foundational Skills
PRL majors receive rigorous education in skills foundational to the study of philosophy, religions of the world, law, and other areas. These skills include critical thinking, reading comprehension, and argumentative writing. PRL majors learn how to identify, analyze, and reach sound conclusions concerning ethical issues in a variety of settings, such as business administration, healthcare, public policy, risk assessment and compliance, and legal practice.
Advanced Study
Upon acquiring these foundational skills, PRL majors undertake advanced study in philosophy, religion, and preparation for law. PRL majors complete at least one advanced course in each area followed by specialized study along one of the guided pathways of the PRL degree.
Guided Pathways
PRL majors work with their advisors to specialize in a cross-disciplinary area of advanced study along a guided pathway. Along one guided pathway, PRL majors concentrate in Religion and World Cultures. Along another pathway, PRL majors concentrate in Ethics. Along a third pathway, PRL majors concentrate in Philosophy and Law. These pathways equip students to pursue a variety of careers and advanced degrees in any field that places a premium on critical thinking, clear writing, judicious deliberation, and ethical analysis. Such skills are of particular importance for careers in law, management, public relations and communication, policymaking and analysis, education, healthcare-related fields, as well as civic and religious leadership.
Graduates of philosophy degree programs consistently score the highest on the LSAT and verbal and analytical writing sections of the GRE, and near the highest on the GMAT and other graduate admission exams. Whether graduates pursue advanced degrees or embark directly on their chosen career paths, all PRL majors benefit from investigating some of life’s most difficult questions about value, society, culture, and human history.
Accelerated Law School Pathway Requirements
Students will complete 90 hours and all USM requirements for award of a bachelor’s degree in Philosophy, Religion, and Law by the end of their first-semester of their Senior year and prior to matriculation into law school. The capstone class, PHI 480, must be completed in the first semester of the Senior year. Students must maintain a 3.25 GPA at all times to remain active in the Pathway.
Students will then earn 30 hours of credit towards their Philosophy, Religion, and Law degree via their law school coursework. Specifically, the 30 hours will satisfy 6 hours from the student’s DEG 01 major requirements for the Philosophy, Religion, and Law degree: satisfying 3 hours of the normally required 9 hours foundations courses (PHI 151, PHI 171, REL 131) and satisfying 3 hours of the normally required 6 hours of upper division (300/400) Religion courses, as well as 24 hours of general electives to fulfill the required 120 hours for the degree. These 30 hours will be satisfied via reverse transfer of law school credit hours after successful completion of the first year of law school.
Students participating in this pathway should consult the Accelerated Law School Pathway .
Philosophy, Religion, and Law BA Degree Requirements (120 hours)
Philosophy, Religion, and Law BA Semester Guide
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