Quick Facts
- Delivery: On Campus
- Credits: 69
- American Bar Association (ABA) approved program
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. Learn more about what this means for your education by visiting
: ABA Standing Committee on Paralegals.
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.
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.
VIEW COURSES
Program Goals and Objectives
- To provide and continuously refine a high quality program for the education of competent paralegals.
- To offer a program that strengthens respect for the rule of law in our society and encourages students to recognize the long term educational and career commitment necessary for success as a member of the paralegal professional.
- To provide an environment in which students can build a solid academic foundation in areas including general education, writing & communication, and legal specialty subjects.
- To help students gain knowledge and experience in technology applications as used in the paralegal profession.
- Support the principles of ethical legal practice, responsibility to the law, professional standards and prohibitions against the unauthorized practice of law.
- To help students apply the classroom knowledge and written exercises in an internship in order to provide critical learning experiences in a real legal environment.
- To help students develop strong networking skills through discussion and dialogue with practicing attorneys, judges, prosecutors, and paralegals on campus and in the community.
Professional Memberships for our Students
We encourage students to begin networking and engaging in our legal community right away. Legal Studies students can join the ABA for free.The Indiana Paralegal Association (IPA) is a great resource for career exploration and opportunities and a great way to connect with local professionals. We encourage all students to join the IPA at a discounted rate.
Paralegal Certification
Our Legal Studies Students, through our partnership with the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA) Assurance of Learning Partner Program, have the opportunity to take their first national certification exam pre-graduation at a reduced cost. Successful test takers will be conferred with the certification of CORE Registered Paralegal upon graduation and can enter the workforce noting their designation (CRP) behind their name.
Concentrations
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.
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.
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)
Keep Exploring
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.
Take the Next Step
Are you interested in pursuing this major? The first step is to apply as an undergraduate student to Ball State University. 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.