Teaching Undergraduates About Where Their Tax Dollars Go

Andrew Leahey, Adjunct Professor

Posted on March 15, 2024

The undergraduate law program at Drexel represents a clear step forward in legal education—offering a unique opportunity to dismantle traditional barriers erected to keep fields like tax law secluded within the ivory tower of advanced degree programs.

By integrating courses such as Introduction to Tax Theory and Policy into the undergraduate curriculum, Drexel not only expands the breadth of undergraduate education, but it also fundamentally shifts how and when students can engage with complex legal concepts. This approach demystifies subjects, like tax, that for far too long have been perceived as inaccessible to all but those with specialized degrees or backgrounds—like accounting or advanced mathematics.

At the heart of this curriculum decision is the belief that a practical understanding of subjects like tax law, that touch the lives of everyone, should not be reserved for postgraduate studies or moated by standardized testing. We aim to allow our students to pursue a working knowledge of tax theory and policy from the outset of their legal education—and encourage other schools to follow suit.

The inclusion of tax is about more than just diversifying course offerings—it’s about reimagining the role of legal education in society and what foundational knowledge can be provided before law school.

The undergraduate law program’s embrace of courses traditionally held in abeyance for the pursuit of advanced degrees exemplifies Drexel’s dedication to innovation and practicality in legal education. By providing early access to complex subjects like tax law, we not only enhance our students’ academic experiences but also lay the groundwork for a more dynamic, inclusive, and consequently impactful, legal profession.

Posted in law-plus, law-faculty