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.
Why choose a legal studies degree?
- Professional memberships: 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.
- Two concentrations: Choose public law or business law.
- Legal research and writing: Complete introductory and advanced study in legal research, analysis, and written communication.
- Pre-law advising: Students considering law school may use pre-law advising for academic and application planning.
To set up an appointment to talk to Ball State University Pre-Law Advisor Johanna Maple, JD, please email her at jpmaple@bsu.edu.
- Paralegal Certification opportunity: Through our partnership with the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA) Assurance of Learning Partner Program, students 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.
What you’ll study as a legal studies major
Coursework for legal studies majors may include:
- Introduction to Law
- Legal Studies
- Legal Ethics
- Legal Research & Writing
- Civil Litigation
- Criminal Procedure
- Family Law
- Tort Law
- Business Law
- American Government
For a full list and specific coursework requirements visit the course catalog or speak with an academic advisor.
View legal studies courses
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.
What career options are available for legal studies majors?
Depending on their concentration, experience, location, and additional qualifications, graduates may pursue roles such as:
- paralegal
- legal assistant
- litigation support specialist
- contracts assistant
- compliance assistant
- court services specialist
- legal records specialist
- title or real estate support specialist
- legislative or policy assistant
- government relations assistant
- legal research assistant
The legal studies degree does not qualify a graduate to practice law. Becoming an attorney requires a law degree and satisfaction of the licensing requirements in the applicable jurisdiction. Other advanced positions and professional designations may require additional education, experience, examinations, or licensure. This list is not comprehensive, if you don't see your preferred profession in this list speak with a faculty member or an academic advisor about career opportunities.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
A legal studies degree helps you develop the analytical, research, and communication skills needed to understand the law and its impact on individuals, businesses, and society.
You'll build skills in:
- Legal research and analysis
- Critical thinking and problem-solving
- Written and oral communication
- Legal writing and document preparation
- Case analysis and reasoning
- Ethical decision-making
- Negotiation and conflict resolution
- Public speaking and professional advocacy
- Policy analysis and interpretation
- Attention to detail and organization
- Collaboration and teamwork
- Understanding legal systems, regulations, and constitutional principles
Yes. A legal studies degree could be an excellent preparation for law school because it develops many of the skills that law schools value, including critical thinking, legal research, analytical reasoning, writing, and effective communication.
A law degree requires additional education and is a separate admissions process outside of a bachelor's degree. The bachelor's degree does not guarantee admissions into a law school. For more information speak with an advisor.
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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)
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.