Quick Facts
- Delivery: On Campus
- Credits: 69
- American Bar Association (ABA) approved program
A major in legal studies 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, constitutional law, administrative law, and business law. Students learn legal theories and practical skills that result in graduates who are career ready to work as a paralegal. Note that paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public, except as permitted by law, under the supervision of an attorney.
Many Legal Studies majors continue their education in law school with the goal of becoming an attorney, and many have received law school scholarships. Legal Studies graduates have attended law school at Michigan State, Indiana University, Notre Dame, and the University of Dayton, to name just a few. 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
The Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies 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.
Does Ball State accept transfer credit?
It's important to note that transfer credit for legal specialty course work completed outside of Ball State's legal studies program is limited and subject to individual review. Legal Studies majors must take a minimum of 12 credit hours of legal specialty course work at Ball State University. That means no more than 9 hours of legal specialty course work completed outside of Ball State University may replace legal specialty course work required by Ball State's legal studies major.
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PROGRAM GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
- The Program will continuously assess program quality using internal and external evaluation tools.
- The Program will encourage students to work in the legal field and/or continue their education in graduate school, law school, or by earning a certification through class discussions, sponsored programs, program partnerships, and advising sessions.
- Students will be given assignments that require them to conduct legal research.
- Students will be given assignments that require them to draft legal documents.
- Students will be given assignments that require oral presentations.
- The Program will offer legal specialty courses on a variety of law related topics.
- The Program will integrate technologies used in the legal profession into program courses and students will be given practical assignments to improve learning.
- The Program will stay informed of legal technology used in the legal field.
- The Program will include a legal specialty course on legal ethics and professionalism.
- Students will be tested on the professional ethics codes and related concepts, including the unauthorized practice of law.
- Students will be able to demonstrate the ability to recognize an ethics issue and know where to find the corresponding professional rule dealing with the issue.
- Students will demonstrate the ability to draft legal documents.
- Students will conduct themselves in a professional manner.
- Students will demonstrate the ability to take direction from a supervising attorney and follow directions.
- Students will demonstrate the ability to handle confidential client information.
- Students will be given opportunities that require them to interact with legal professionals outside of faculty.
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.