The Master of Arts (M.A.) in Legal Studies at Texas State University offers a comprehensive exploration of the American legal system, designed for those seeking a graduate-level understanding of legal theories, analysis, research, and writing. This program is ideal if you are interested in law but do not intend to practice as an attorney, providing essential training in paralegal skills, legal research, and ethical considerations. You will gain a foundational knowledge of substantive law across various fields, preparing you for diverse professional roles that intersect with the legal domain.
This non-thesis, 36-credit-hour program is studied full-time on campus over two years at the San Marcos location. Your core curriculum includes a cumulative research project and an internship, alongside essential paralegal skills training in areas like case management and law office technology. You will have the opportunity to delve into elective course work across up to ten different areas of law, such as family law, criminal law, and intellectual property, or even earn a mediation certificate. Upon graduation, you will be well-prepared for careers in legal support, compliance, and various roles requiring a strong understanding of legal frameworks.