Legal Studies, BA

Location(s): Clarion Campus, Online, California-Blended, Edinboro-Blended

The B.A. in Legal Studies prepares students to work in a multi-disciplinary legal environment without the credential of a Juris Doctorate. Students who want specialized knowledge of laws and regulations and the development of analytical, critical thinking, legal communication, and research skills will benefit from this degree. The ABA-approved B.A. in Legal Studies provides a foundation for work in law firms, law enforcement, government and nonprofit agencies, court systems, and business. The degree also serves as an excellent foundation for the future study of law.

Advisement Sheet

Student Learning Outcomes

Effectively complete legal research tasks
Effectively prepare legal documents
Explain the ethical responsibilities of a paralegal
Analyze complicated issues of substantive law

Curriculum Requirements

General Education

Oral Communication - COMJ 1010 - Public Speaking Credit Hours: 3
Written Communication - ENGL 1200 - College Composition Credit Hours: 3
Quantitative Reason - Any Course Credit Hours: 3
Technological Literacy - Any Course Credit Hours: 3
Arts and Humanities - HIST 1010 - US History to 1877 Credit Hours: 3
Arts and Humanities - HIST 1015 - US History since 1877 Credit Hours: 3
Arts and Humanities - Any Course Credit Hours: 3
Social Sciences - POLI 1100 - Introduction to American Politics Credit Hours: 3
Social Sciences - Any Course Credit Hours: 3
Social Sciences - Any Course Credit Hours: 3
Natural Sciences and Tech - Any Course Credit Hours: 3
Natural Sciences and Tech - Any Course Credit Hours: 3
Natural Sciences and Tech - Any Course Credit Hours: 3
Student Elective Credit Hours: 3

Competencies

Quantitative Applications - Any Course Credit Hours: 3
Applied Methodologies - LAW 2001 - Legal Writing Credit Hours: 3
Intercultural Fluency - Any Course Credit Hours: 3
Ethical Reasoning - LAW 1000 - Introduction to Legal Studies Credit Hours: 3
Ethical Reasoning - LAW 4900 - Legal Studies Experience Credit Hours: 3
Information Literacy - LAW 2000 - Methods of Legal Research Credit Hours: 3
Writing Intensive -
LAW 2001 - Legal Writing
Credit Hours: 3
Writing Intensive - LAW 3450 - Environmental Law Credit Hours: 3
Keystone Experience -
LAW 4900 - Legal Studies Experience
Credit Hours: 3

Major

Required Major Courses

LAW 1000 - Introduction to Legal Studies Credit Hours: 3
LAW 2000 - Methods of Legal Research Credit Hours: 3
LAW 2001 - Legal Writing Credit Hours: 3
LAW 3450 - Environmental Law Credit Hours: 3
LAW 3460 - Principles and Practices of Litigation Credit Hours: 3
LAW 4900 - Legal Studies Experience Credit Hours: 3
BLAW 2000 - Legal and Ethical Environment of Business Credit Hours: 3
BLAW 3000 - Legal and Ethical Environment of Business II Credit Hours: 3
PSYC 1000 - Introduction to Psychology Credit Hours: 3
SOCI 1000 - Introduction to Sociology Credit Hours: 3

Major Electives

Choose 6 credits from the following:
LAW 3390 - Family Law Credit Hours: 3
LAW 3430 - Wills, Trusts, and Estates Credit Hours: 3
LAW 3440 - Administrative Law Credit Hours: 3
LAW 3470 - Real Estate Law Credit Hours: 3
Choose 6 credits from the following:
LAW 4700 - Immigration Law Credit Hours: 3
LAW 4600 - Elder Law Credit Hours: 3
LAW 3700 - Bankruptcy Law Credit Hours: 3
LAW 4300 - Law and Conflict Resolution Credit Hours: 3

Total Credits: 120

Depending on the program of study, students may need to complete additional credits to ensure the total credit hour requirement is met.