Stephanie Woolley | Class of 2014
Legal Studies Major
"The lessons I learned from our amazing professors of this department have served me well now in my job in government."
Destinee Burrell | Class of 2017
Legal Studies Major
"Overall, my experience with the legal studies program was nothing short of amazing."
Wes Gerber | Class of 2018
Legal Studies Major
"If you're considering Ball State's legal studies program for your academic career path, I would say look no further."
Christa DeNeve | Class of 2017
Legal Studies Major
"Legal studies really allows you to explore so I got to explore my love of economics and my love of business."
Lynette Tepe | Class of 2017
Legal Studies Major
"The professors really make you think and give you everything you need to succeed."
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The Legal Studies Program is perfect for students thinking about a career in the legal profession, including positions in government, public law, and business law. Of more than 1,000 paralegal education programs in the country, Ball State's is one of fewer than 300 approved by the American Bar Association.
Legal Studies majors take courses in a variety of legal practice areas, including family law, civil and criminal litigation, alternative dispute resolution, constitutional law, criminal law, administrative law, and business law. You will learn legal theories and practical skills that give you a strong foundation for success. The Legal Studies major provides an excellent foundation for students considering law school.
In preparation to become an attorney, many Legal Studies majors continue their education at law schools across the country. Program graduates have attended Michigan State, Indiana University, Notre Dame, and the University of Dayton, to name just a few. The major provides a strong foundation for success in law school. Many Legal Studies graduates receive partial or full scholarships to attend law school. To set up an appointment to talk to Ball State University Pre-Law Advisor Johanna Maple, JD, please email her at jpmaple@bsu.edu.
Ball State has empowered me to work hard and be super-involved, which will create new opportunities for me. I’ve been able to shape and pursue my dreams of being an attorney.
—Jacqueline Pozadas
Legal Studies and Political Science Major
Major Requirements
This degree includes the University Core Curriculum in addition to a credit of common core of legal studies coursework. You will then take on focused coursework depending on which option you choose: Public Law or Business Law. Legal Studies majors must also complete an internship where the student works with practicing attorneys and paralegals.
Options
Business
The business law option is a good choice if you have an interest in business organizations, insurance, finance and accounting, or if you are interested in managing a law office.
The course offerings give you an excellent overview of the role of the law in everyday business transactions.
Courses
- POLS 344 Advanced Legal Research and Writing
- POLS 445 Advanced Litigation and Alternative Dispute Resolution
- ECON 346 Law and Economics
- BL 260 Principles of Business Law
For a complete list of all classes you will take and their descriptions, please see our Course Catalog.
View Catalog
Public Law
If your interest is in government, politics, public policy, and how the law is involved in these areas, the public law option is for you. This option includes a diverse group of classes that provide you with an excellent overview of many areas of public law.
Courses
- POLS 241 Family Law
- POLS 243 Litigation
- POLS 344 Advanced Legal Research and Writing
- POLS 443 American Constitutional Law
For a complete list of all classes you will take and their descriptions, please see our Course Catalog.
View Catalog
What Can You Do With a Degree in Legal Studies?
Legal Studies majors work in a number of jobs, including:
- Legislative Liaisons
- Consultants
- Human Resources Managers
- Contract Administrators
- Litigation Analysts
- Paralegals, as members of a legal team, work under the supervision of a lawyer and cannot practice law
- Investigators
- Court Administrators
- Real Estate Professionals
- Court Clerks
- Lobbyists
- Policy Developers
- Litigation Consultants
Paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public, except as permitted by law, under the supervision of an attorney.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that paralegals as a profession are expected to grow by 15 percent by 2026, much faster than the average for other occupations.
In preparation to become an attorney, many Legal Studies majors continue their education at law schools across the country. Program graduates have attended Michigan State, Indiana University, Notre Dame, and the University of Dayton, to name just a few. The major provides a strong foundation for success in law school. Many Legal Studies graduates receive partial or full scholarships to attend law school.
Computer Recommendations
Students entering the Department of Political Science will need to possess a personal computer. The College of Sciences and Humanities provides recommendations for the specifications student need to excel in their course work.
See Our Recommendations (PDF)
Paying for Your Education
On top of the dozens of scholarships the university offers its students, our department gives awards every year to its own students to recognize them for their achievements. Learn more.
Ready to Apply?
Are you interested in pursuing a major in legal studies? The first step is to apply as an undergraduate student to Ball State University. Begin the journey today.
Questions?
One of the best ways to understand why Ball State stands out is to come see it for yourself. You can schedule a visit through our Office of Undergraduate Admissions. Make sure to tell them you’re interested in our program. Or if you’d like to speak with someone in our department directly by phone or email, please contact us.