YSU launches 3+3 philosophy, law program

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It's a new program for philosophy students at Youngstown State looking to pursue law school.

The concept is working to save students time and money while partnering with Northeast Ohio law schools.

Students working to get their Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy at Youngstown State have a new path to keep in their back pocket.

"For students who are sure they want to go to law school, this is an opportunity to sort of save the tuition of one year," explained Dr. Mark Vopat, Professor of Philosophy and Director of the Dr. James Dale Ethics Center at Youngstown State University.

"We decided that this would be good given that our students already want to go to law school," Vopat explained. "To give them an option that they can both study something they enjoy. Philosophy students are offered a practical route to a career."

Students can begin their law coursework at the start of the 4th year of their undergraduate program, partnering with Cleveland State University, University of Akron or Case Western Reserve University.

"You can apply to all three of the schools and decide where you want to go," Vopat explained. 

This saves the student a full year of undergraduate study, tuition, and living expenses.

"Year #1 of law school now counts essentially as year #4 at YSU," Vopat said. "So we accept all those credits back from the law school. In return, the law school is actually waving the requirement that you have a bachelor's degree before you start law school."

Dr. Vopat said critical thinking and analytical skills are notable in philosophy students, also ranking at the top for LSAT performance.

"Philosophy as a discipline is something that teaches you to argue, to think outside the box, to organize thoughts, and see relationships," Vopat said. "It was just a really good fit with what our students have been doing and they've been very successful at doing it."

The program starts this semester. Visit this link to learn more about the program.