The College of Arts and Sciences Launches New Philosophy and Law Program, Bridging Liberal Arts and Legal Studies

The College of Arts and Sciences proudly announces the launch of a unique B.A. in Philosophy and Law (PhiLaw), an interdisciplinary major that merges philosophical reasoning with legal studies. Led by Travis Timmerman, Ph.D., this program is designed to prepare students for law school, government careers and a variety of professional fields where analytical thinking, logic and legal expertise are invaluable. 

Timmerman’s journey into philosophy began much like that of many pre-law students. He originally planned to attend law school, and since philosophy majors have consistently for a long time scored highest on the LSAT exam, an advisor recommended that he take logic courses to improve his LSAT performance and hone his analytical reasoning. What started as a strategic decision quickly turned into a passion for critical thinking, argumentation and reasoning. This realization led him to pursue a career in philosophy with the goal of helping students develop the same essential skills that serve legal professionals and other high-level decision-makers.

Timmerman became a strong advocate for a curriculum that bridges philosophical analysis with legal education. The PhiLaw program was designed not just as a pipeline to law school but as a versatile academic track for students pursuing law-adjacent careers in business, government, policy, risk and compliance. Unlike traditional pre-law tracks, the PhiLaw program integrates both academic and professional perspectives, ensuring that students are taught not only by philosophy professors but also by legal professionals and Seton Hall Law School faculty. Multiple faculty in the program have earned both a J.D. and Ph.D., so they offer students direct insights into the intersections between philosophical theory and legal practice. One key instructor, Visiting Assistant Professor Heinrik Hellwig, Ph.D., specializes in jurisprudence and brings expertise that was instrumental to the philosophy and law program at the University of California, Riverside.

Another defining feature of this new BA in Philosophy and Law is its flexibility. Many students in pre-law programs follow the 3+3 accelerated track, but not all students want to fast-track their undergraduate and graduate degrees. Some prefer to complete a full four-year undergraduate experience, while others may seek law-adjacent careers in fields such as public administration, corporate compliance, or healthcare policy, many of which do not necessitate the J.D. The PhiLaw program is designed to accommodate all these students by equipping them with valuable pre-professional experience and the adaptability of a liberal arts degree regardless of their postgraduate plans.

The philosophy and law major retains the full philosophy curriculum while integrating eight law-oriented courses. Foundational Law, Legal Research, The U.S. Constitution, and Common Law, all taught in person on the South Orange campus, set the foundation. Then students pick an applied law track in business and finance, technology and privacy, health and human services, or sports, gaming and entertainment.  Students will also complete a capstone experience, working closely with faculty mentors to tailor their career paths, whether applying to top law schools or securing jobs immediately after graduation.

A key initiative of the PhiLaw program is to establish a strong alumni network, connecting students with graduates in law, policy, and business. Timmerman also plans to introduce a semester-long career development seminar, where students will refine their resumes, prepare for interviews, and secure legal and policy-related positions. Students will have access to special events and engagement at Seton Hall’s highly ranked Law School in Newark and a strong cohort experience on the South Orange campus. With its distinguished faculty, interdisciplinary coursework, and real-world applications, the PhiLaw program will provide students with the skills and connections necessary to succeed in a variety of professional fields.

Students who are interested in learning more about the B.A. in Philosophy and Law can contact Professor Travis Timmerman at [email protected]. 

Categories: Arts and Culture, Education, Law