Emphasis - Paralegal
B.S.L.S. in Law Studies
Description
The law studies program is designed for the student who wishes to pursue a career as a paralegal or legal assistant.
Minimum Total Credit Hours: 120
Goals/Mission Statement
Our mission is to educate students in a learning environment conducive to excellence in meeting the complex challenges present in justice- related services. Our faculty's goal is to expand the knowledge base and to integrate cutting-edge information into the learning experiences of students. In addition, the Department of Legal Studies' mission is to extend service to our constituents to enhance learning, program development, and justice-related service in Mississippi, the region, and the nation.
General Education Requirements
See the General Education Core Curriculum for the School of Applied Sciences. Students in the law studies major are allowed to take Math 120 to fulfill the College Algebra math requirement. Law studies students are also allowed to take CJ 202 in order to fulfill their statistics requirement.
An additional 3 hours is required in the following related subject: Pol 101 (3 hours).
Course Requirements
The B.S. in law studies degree requires the following 30 semester hours of LA courses: LA 102, 103, 104, 201, 202, 204, 205, 303, 304, and 305.
Other Academic Requirements
For majors in this field, a minimum grade-point average of 2.5 must be maintained on all law studies coursework.
Emphasis - Paralegal
Description
The paralegal emphasis will provide students with the experiences, knowledge, and skills for careers as paralegals.
Course Requirements
In addition to the 30-hour law studies core, students who select the paralegal emphasis must complete the following 24 hours of LA coursework:
- LA 440 - Issues in Access to Justice
- LA 490 - Advanced Seminar in Legal Studies
- LA electives (18 hours). LA 495 is strongly recommended.
Other Academic Requirements
All students in the paralegal emphasis must choose a minor. The legal studies minor will not be allowed for paralegal studies majors.
General electives may be needed to meet the degree requirement of 120 college credit hours.