The Legal Studies (B.S.) at Illinois State University is designed for students seeking to develop specialized knowledge and critical skills essential for a career as a paralegal or for further legal education. You will gain a robust understanding of the paralegal profession, including its ethical obligations and practical applications. This undergraduate degree focuses on applying critical thinking, enhancing professional communication, and mastering legal research and writing. It is ideal for motivated individuals who are interested in the intricacies of the legal system and aspire to contribute meaningfully within it.
This full-time, on-campus Bachelor of Science program is structured over four years, requiring a minimum of 120 credit hours, including 40 senior-level hours. Throughout your studies, you will engage with core legal studies courses (LGS), alongside general education requirements and electives, ensuring a well-rounded education. You will develop practical skills in legal research, writing, and computer applications within a legal setting. Graduates will be well-prepared for employment as paralegals or to pursue law school, equipped with the analytical and professional competencies demanded by the legal field.