Susan Achury Plaza, PhD., assistant professor of political science and director of legal studies at Lycoming College
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Lycoming College is strengthening its offerings in the field of law with the launch of a new academic program in legal studies for Fall 2025. Furthering the appeal of the new legal studies major is the College’s cooperative 3+3 law degree program with Widener University Commonwealth Law School, creating a clear pathway for aspiring lawyers to obtain a juris doctorate.
Legal studies at Lycoming College brings together law-related offerings from accounting, anthropology, criminal justice, history, political science, philosophy, and religion for a strong foundation of legal knowledge. The interdisciplinarity of the major is designed to equip students with the critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and ethical decision-making skills required of many careers within the legal profession, including lawyers, paralegals, and consultants.
Lycoming’s program aims to help students develop a solid understanding of the law, as well as the core skills necessary to score well on law school admissions exams, including the LSAT. Applied experiences, such as mock trials, internships, community-based learning, and other engagement opportunities with legal professionals, help students build confidence in legal reasoning and public speaking.
“Law is a force for justice only in the hands of those who understand the society it serves,” said Susan Achury Plaza, PhD., assistant professor of political science and director of legal studies at Lycoming College. “Our legal studies program blends the humanities and social sciences with real-world experiences, preparing students to pursue a career in law school, advocacy, or public service.”
Nicholas Grimes, a member of Lycoming’s Class of 2013, recently graduated from Widener University Commonwealth Law School as class valedictorian. After passing the Pennsylvania Bar Exam, Grimes joined Williamsport’s McCormick Law Firm as an associate attorney.
“Lycoming College successfully prepared me for my post-graduate studies. The top-tier education I received put me well ahead of my peers when I entered law school,” said Grimes. He expressed his appreciation for both institutions, adding “Lycoming College and Widener Commonwealth are both remarkable schools. The faculty at both institutions are among the best in the nation, and the size of the schools allows, and encourages, you to have one on one interactions and mentoring with those distinguished faculty members. As a side benefit, both schools are located in beautiful areas with great communities.”
More information on Lycoming College’s new legal studies major can be found online.