Legal Studies

Students in Legal Studies, a major offered by the Department of Politics and Government, have great opportunities for learning and growth, both as individuals and within the paralegal field as a whole. The Department of Politics and Government provides a variety of resources for Legal Studies majors including internship opportunities, small class sizes, as well as full-time faculty or experienced practitioners teaching all levels of coursework.

The Legal Studies curriculum is designed to provide specialized knowledge and skills to prepare students for employment as a paralegal. The learning objectives for the legal studies program are the following: apply critical thinking; strengthen professional communications skills; enhance legal research and writing skills; integrate computer skills in a legal setting; develop interviewing and investigation skills; and acquire an understanding of the paralegal profession and ethical obligations. Paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public, except as permitted by law. Students preparing for law school should consult with the pre-law advisor to determine which courses are appropriate for them.