The Department of Philosophy announced a new major in society, ethics and law for the fall. The major, available this semester, was previously a university studies concentration that has since been converted into a major after approval from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board in June. 

The new degree — the only one of its kind in Texas, according to the College of Arts and Sciences Dean Mark Zoran — is intended not only for those interested in law school but also “students interested in issues integral to citizenship, such as ethics and societal justice.” 

Kristi Sweet, associate professor and head of Texas A&M Philosophy, said the program is a good fit for students hoping to work in nonprofit, fundraising, community service and religious professions. 

“A philosophy major can be advantageous for a student who wants to develop critical thinking, high-quality writing and excellent communication skills, especially in terms of communicating with people who don’t already share their ideas,” Sweet said. “Philosophy can help you learn how to hear, understand and conceptualize things that you don’t already hold as your own views. The society, ethics and law major is very well-suited for students who want to use those skills in arenas where their goal is to transform society for the better.”

The previous concentration encouraged students to pursue a curriculum similar to the American Bar Association’s recommendations for those interested in law: problem-solving, critical reading, writing and editing, oral communication and listening and research, according to Linda Radzik, a professor of philosophy and director of undergraduate studies. Radzik credits Dwayne Raymond, an instructional associate professor of philosophy, with conceptualizing the original concentration. 

According to the Department of Philosophy’s website, students in society, ethics and law, or SEAL, must take two courses for each of the following requirements: ethics, social and political thought, philosophy of law and the history of law. Other requirements include two social science courses and technical writing. An internship is required, and while a minor isn’t, the website still encourages students to “consider how a minor might contribute to the development of another distinctive skill set.” 

“With the SEAL major, [A&M] students will be even better prepared for law school,” a Texas A&M Today article reporting the information reads.