Expansion of the philosophy program to include a pre-law track

Texas Border Business

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By Sara Reyna

Offering students a new way to jumpstart a law degree, South Texas College (STC) recently expanded its philosophy program to offer a new pre-law degree program, the only one of its kind in the Rio Grande Valley among two-year institutions.

This supplement is designed to provide students with a unique blend of philosophical studies and essential skills critical to the practice of law, such as: B. Communication skills, reasoning and understanding of the moral foundations of law, thereby providing a solid foundation for aspiring lawyers.

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STC Philosophy Program Chair Brittany Leckey, Ph.D., expressed excitement about the expansion of the philosophy program and emphasized its role in meeting robust demand for lawyers and providing additional opportunities for STC students interested in pursuing law are.

“We have seen a steady demand for lawyers across the country. “We are proud to be one of the few two-year institutions in the RGV to offer a pre-law degree option, and this will open more doors and spaces for our students to explore the legal field,” said Leckey. “These skills will be invaluable to students looking to secure a place at law school and will give them a competitive advantage once they begin their careers as lawyers.”

The Philosophy Pre-Law Track program ensures that students complete the core curriculum required to earn additional degrees or transfer to a four-year institution, thereby providing them with the opportunity to continue their education.

Leckey emphasized that the program's courses are consistent with pre-law programs at major institutions such as the University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) and Texas A&M University's Studies in Society, Ethics and Law (SEAL) program, providing a seamless transfer for enable students.

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“This degree program will provide students with a solid foundation in the humanities and equip them with what are now recognized as ‘enduring skills’ – critical thinking, collaboration and a creative approach to problem solving,” shared Leckey. “The pre-law degree course flows seamlessly into the pre-law degree courses Our four-year partner institutions enable students to continue their studies without interruption.”

Andres Molina Ochoa, Ph.D., professor of philosophy and restorative justice advocate, discussed the importance of integrating the two disciplines and how it can impact students who want to study law.

“We wanted to create a space where we could combine both areas of study because we have learned that philosophy touches every question we ask and that law governs every structure in which we live,” Ochoa shared. “For example, my experience as a practicing lawyer in Colombia shaped my understanding of law, but philosophy provided me with an opportunity to critically analyze the complexities of law. Bringing these two disciplines together will stimulate curiosity and prepare our students to address the most pressing legal and philosophical issues of our time.”

Looking forward, Ochoa said he expects this new addition to the program to be a sign of notable growth for the department.

“Beyond the classroom, we look forward to hosting an event in March 2025 where we will dedicate a week of time for our students to hear from experts in legal philosophy, host various panel discussions with attorneys, and with UTRGV and Texas faculty A&M SEAL programs to provide students with opportunities to continue their studies,” Ochoa said. “Our hope is to continue to develop strong, aspiring law students who can read extensive legal texts, formulate informed arguments and counterarguments, and develop a critical mind essential for future lawyers.”

To learn more about STC's philosophy program, visit https://www.southtexascollege.edu/academics/philosophy/

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