The coursework in legal studies is designed to provide students with a broad understanding of the legal environment in which individuals, businesses, and the judiciary operate. This major should be attractive to those individuals (for example, managers, teachers, government employees, and legal assistants) who need additional legal knowledge to function more effectively. The program in legal studies does not prepare students for the practice of law, and its graduates are not eligible for admission to the bar. MA degree-seeking students with a declared major in legal studies may seek, concurrently with the degree, a certificate in paralegal studies. Some of the coursework is applied toward both the degree and the certificate. Students who are interested in the certificate program should refer to Graduate Certificates.

Upon completion of the program, students will be able to: Utilize critical thinking strategies for legal reasoning and analysis. Demonstrate an understanding of the Code of Professional Responsibility to guide professional behaviors and decision-making. Integrate the skills and knowledge necessary for understanding legal issues working from both theoretical and practical applications. Demonstrate an understanding of the essential goals of legal researching, problem solving, and logic as applied to legal writing. Evaluate legal information to be used in effective written communication for practical problems encountered in a legal environment. Analyze the significant role that legal assistants have in the legal world. Apply advanced legal knowledge and skills in legal practice.