Philosophy, Law, and Politics Certificate

Program Overview

The Philosophy, Law, and Politics Certificate from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County provides a foundation in the philosophical underpinnings of law, legal studies, and political theory. It equips students with critical thinking, analytical, and ethical reasoning skills for careers in law, government, or policy-related organizations. The certificate requires 12 credits of coursework, including a foundation course in philosophy and a selection of courses in philosophy, law, and politics.

Program Outline

Philosophy, Law, and Politics Certificate - University of Maryland, Baltimore County

Degree Overview:

• Program Description: This certificate provides a solid foundation in the philosophical underpinnings of law, legal studies, political theory, and public policy.
It caters to students who intend to attend law school, pursue graduate studies in related fields, or seek employment in these areas.
• Objective: The certificate equips students with the critical thinking, analytical, and ethical reasoning skills required to excel in law, legal studies, and related fields.

Outline:

• Foundation Course (3 credits): Students must complete one 100- or 200-level philosophy course.
• Philosophy, Law, and Politics (3 credits): Students choose one course from:
• PHIL 355 - Political Philosophy (3)
• PHIL 356 - Philosophy of Law (3)
• Additional Courses (9 credits): Students choose 9 credits from the following:
• PHIL 354 - Ethics, Animals, and the Environment (3)
• PHIL 355 - Political Philosophy (3)
• PHIL 356 - Philosophy of Law (3)
• PHIL 357 - Philosophy and Human Rights (3)
• PHIL 358 - Bioethics (3)
• PHIL 456 - Justice and Climate Change (3)
• PHIL 471 - Freedom, Determinism, and Responsibility (3)
• PHIL 486 - Kant’s Moral and Political Philosophy (3)

Assessment:

• The certificate requirements specify that students must earn a minimum grade of 'C' in all coursework applied to the certificate.

Careers:

• Potential career paths for graduates include:
• Law School
• Graduate studies in law, political theory, or public policy
• Employment in law, government, or policy-related organizations

Other:

• A maximum of one course used to fulfill Philosophy, B.A.
requirements in Logic, Ethics, Metaphysics/Epistemology, and History can be used towards the certificate requirements.
• Similarly, one course used to satisfy the Philosophy Minor History requirement can be applied to the certificate.