In this major, extensive coursework in moral, social, political, and legal philosophy is combined with courses utilizing historical and social science methodologies to explore relevant topics.

The SEAL major closely attends to the American Bar Association’s (ABA) recommendations that undergraduates “pursue an area of study that interests and challenges you, while taking advantage of opportunities to develop your research and writing skills.” More specifically, the ABA advises students to cultivate the following “Core Skills, Values, Knowledge, and Experience”: problem solving; critical reading; writing and editing; oral communication and listening; research; relationship-building and collaboration; background knowledge about the historical and social development of the United States and the diversity of cultures within and beyond the U.S.; public service and promotion of justice; and exposure to the law. 

SEAL students are directed to use their core courses to take logic (Math core) and oral communication. SEAL majors take two courses in ethics, two courses in social and political thought, two courses in philosophy of law, a two-course sequence in the history of law, two social science courses, either epistemology or philosophy of language, and technical writing. SEAL majors must also complete an internship. A minor is not required; however SEAL majors are encouraged to consider how a minor might contribute to the development of another distinctive skill set.