Aspiring Legal Studies Students Should Know About the BSLS Degree Program
Bachelor’s degree programs in legal studies not only teach students the technical skills needed by legal assistants and paralegals, but they also prepare students for law school or positions in government, law offices, and corporations. The BSLS degree may also be a good fit for current legal professionals who want to get a bachelor’s degree. Graduates may be eligible for optional professional certification, which could boost their market value. Students learn about the legal system’s ideas and systems and, in many programs, acquire professional experience through internships.
Admission to a legal studies program normally necessitates a high school diploma or GED certificate, as well as a minimum grade point average in some situations.
Bachelor of Arts in Legal Studies
Legal studies curriculum at the bachelor’s level contains an introduction to many various types of law, as well as legal research and analysis. Mock trials are included in certain programs. The following are examples of possible course topics:
- The fundamentals of American law
- Legal research principles
- Legal research and writing
- Environmental law and law office technology
- Contracts and torts
Information on Continuing Education and Certification
While certification is optional for paralegals, individuals may find it advantageous in the job market. According to the BLS, various organizations, including the American Alliance of Paralegals, Inc., the National Association of Legal Assistants, and the National Federation of Paralegal Associations, offer certification programs. Certifying organizations often demand a combination of academic instruction and professional paralegal experience, while individuals may also be asked to pass an exam.
Bachelor’s degree holders in legal studies are well prepared to continue their study. Individuals who wish to practice law may pursue a variety of graduate degrees, including a Master of Laws, Juris Doctor, or Doctor of Science in the Law, through law school. Students with a legal studies background may go on to earn graduate degrees in business, public administration, or public policy.
The law studies program is designed for students who want to work as a paralegal or legal assistant. The Bachelor of Science in Law (BSL) degree can also be used as an undergraduate professional degree, with students able to concentrate in a variety of job fields such as paralegal, labor mediation, human resources, and criminal justice, to name a few. All core credits from the Bachelor of Science in Law (BSL) program transfer to the Juris Doctor (JD) Program and are accepted toward the completion of the Juris Doctor (JD).
By providing curriculum in technology, research, and law, BSLS programs prepare students for jobs as paralegals or lawyers. Voluntary certification is provided to increase job opportunities, and many graduates go on to acquire advanced degrees.
