Texas Border Business
By Sara Reyna
Offering students a new option at kick-starting a degree in law, South Texas College (STC) recently expanded its Philosophy program to offer a new pre-law track, the only- of-its-kind in the Rio Grande Valley among two-year institutions.
This addition was designed to offer students a unique blend of philosophical studies and essential skills that are crucial for legal practice, such as communication skills, argumentation and understanding the moral foundations of law, creating a strong foundation for aspiring lawyers.
STC Philosophy Program Chair Brittany Leckey, Ph.D., expressed her enthusiasm for the expansion to the Philosophy program, emphasizing its role in meeting the stable demand for lawyers and offering more opportunities for STC’s students interested in pursuing a law degree.
“We’ve seen a steady demand for lawyers statewide. We are proud to be one of the only two-year institutions in the RGV to offer a pre-law track option and it will open more doors and spaces for our students to explore the legal space,” Leckey expressed. “These skills will be invaluable for students hoping to secure a place in law school and will provide them with a competitive edge once they begin their careers as attorneys.”
The Philosophy Pre-Law Track program ensures students complete the core curriculum necessary for earning additional degrees or for transferring to a four-year institution, providing them with an opportunity to continue their education.
Leckey highlighted that the program’s courses align with pre-law programs at major institutions like the University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) and Texas A&M University’s Studies in Society, Ethics and Law (SEAL) program, enabling a seamless transfer for students.
“This track will give students a strong foundation in the liberal arts, equipping them with what are now recognized as ‘durable skills’— critical thinking, collaboration and a creative approach to problem-solving,” Leckey shared. “The pre-law track seamlessly transfers into pre-law programs at
Philosophy Professor and Restorative Justice Lawyer Andres Molina Ochoa, Ph.D., elaborated on the significance of integrating the two disciplines and how it can impact students who want to pursue law.
“We wanted to create a space where we can connect both fields of study because we have learned that philosophy touches every question we ask and law governs every structure we live in,” Ochoa shared. “For example, my experience as a practicing lawyer in Colombia has helped shape my understanding of law, but philosophy offered me a way to critically analyze the complexities of it. Merging these two disciplines together will encourage curiosity and prepare our students on how to navigate the most pressing legal issues and philosophical questions of our time.”
Looking forward to the future, Ochoa said he anticipates this new addition to the program to be a sign of remarkable growth for the department.
“Beyond the classroom, we look forward to hosting an event March 2025, where we will dedicate a week for our students to hear from experts in philosophy of law, hold various panel discussions with attorneys and engage with faculty from UTRGV and Texas A&M SEAL programs to show students their options to continue their studies,” said Ochoa. “Our hope is to continue fostering strong aspiring law students who can read dense legal texts, create solid arguments and counterarguments and develop critical spirits that are essential for future lawyers.”
To learn more about STC’s philosophy program visit, https://www.southtexascollege.edu/academics/philosophy/
