The legal studies department curriculum, approved by the American Bar Association, prepares students for careers as paralegals by combining a liberal arts education with skills necessary for those interested in law-related employment. A paralegal performs specifically delegated substantive legal work under the supervision of an attorney.While paralegals may not give legal advice to clients or appear in court on their behalf, these highly skilled professionals perform a wide range of tasks and play an integral role in the delivery of legal services.
Required courses: (25 credits)
| Course | Title | Credits |
| LE 100 | Orientation to Legal Studies | 1 |
| LE 101 | Introduction to the American Legal System | 3 |
| LE 208 | Legal Research | 4 |
| LE210 | Legal Writing | 3 |
| LE 301-302 | Civil Procedures I & II | 6 |
| LE 480-481 | Legal Internship I & II | 8 |
Elective courses: (12 credits)
Four electives chosen from the following. At least nine credits must be at the 300-level.
| Course | Title | Credits |
| LE 115 | Criminal Law | 3 |
| LE 200 | Special Topics | 3 |
| LE 250 | Gender & the Law | 3 |
| LE 260 | Trial Techniques | 3 |
| LE 300 | Special Topics | 3 |
| LE 310 | Elder Law | 3 |
| LE 311 | Administrative Agencies | 3 |
| LE 312 | Family Law | 3 |
| LE 315 | Wills, Probate & Estate Administration | 3 |
| LE 320 | Land Transfers & Closing Procedures | 3 |
| LE 325 | Alternate Dispute Resolution | 3 |
| LE 330 | Business Entities | 3 |
| LE 340 | The Constitution & the Court | 3 |
| LE 345 | Intellectual Property | 3 |
| LE 350 | Federal Indian Law & Policy | 3 |
Additional Requirements:
Legal studies majors also must take AC 101, a 200-level English course and an American history course. These may be taken in conjunction with the College of Arts and Sciences requirements. Students must complete a minor in any other department within the University. LE 480-481, Legal Internship I and II, are limited to legal studies majors and must be done within the fall and spring of the student's senior year. Students must take LE 100, LE 101 and LE 208 by the end of their sophomore year to successfully complete the degree requirements within four years.