B.S. in Legal Studies
Overview
The Department of Government, Legal Studies, and Philosophy offers a program of study leading to a Bachelor of Science degree in Legal Studies. This program will prepare students to work in the legal profession, related fields, or pursue graduate study in law. Each course has been strategically selected and oriented around the critical job functions of competent and ethical professionals working in the legal services industry. Students seeking a Bachelor of Science degree take a 14-credit hour sequence in math and statistics (students seeking a Bachelor of Arts degree take an equivalent 14-credit hour sequence in a foreign language of their choice).
Jump right in
Legal Studies majors choose from two different concentrations. The Pre-Law concentration provides a broad-based, interdisciplinary curriculum designed to develop logical reasoning, rhetoric, analysis, critical thinking, and writing skills, which are critical for students planning to pursue continuing studies in law or other graduate areas. The Paralegal concentration is designed for students who have logical and analytical minds, possess organizational skills, and thrive on attention to detail. Paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public, except as permitted by law; however, working as part of a legal team under the supervision of an attorney, paralegals perform tasks vital to the success of a case, including drafting legal documents, interviewing witnesses and clients, preparing trial exhibits, and analyzing documents.
Designed with you in mind
The Legal Studies major program of study is currently offered on the Stephenville campus in a face-to-face format and in the Hybrid/Blended format with some courses offered online and at the Fort Worth campus.
Accreditations
Related Programs
Not what you were looking for? Tarleton State University offers over 100 different degrees and certifications that may be of interest to you, including:
Estimated Completion
120 Credit Hours (4 years)
Application Process
Cost
Locations Available
- Stephenville
- Online
- Hybrid/Blended
Department
College
Plan Your Future
A B.S. in Legal Studies can serve as the foundation prior to law school and prepare you for jobs such as:
- Paralegal/Legal Assistant
- Lawyer
- Judge
- Compliance Officer
- Legislative Assistant
- Court Clerks
- Contract Administrators
- Title Searchers
Some of our students have completed internships with state political leaders and local government offices. Students who are interested should work with their academic advisor to find the correct intern position.
Career Services offers students a wide variety of professional development opportunities that can translate into careers. A few of these programs include:
- Business etiquette dinner
- Resume assistance
- Handshake
- Job fair
Program Objectives
Students in this degree program will:
- Be prepared for graduate school or relevant employment opportunities in the legal field.
- Appreciate the need for legal professionals to practice responsible citizenship and civic engagement.
- Adapt personal and professional decision-making to the legal and ethical principles regulating the legal field.
Coursework Highlights
| Class | Number | Class Name |
|---|---|---|
| LEGL | 3340 | Legal Research & Writing |
| LEGL | 4301 | Constitutional Law |
| LEGL | 4390 | Legal Studies Capstone |
For more information on courses, please refer to the university catalog.
Facilities and Features
This scholarship will be given to students majoring in legal studies, political science with emphasis in legal studies, and/or international studies with a grade point average of 3.5 or higher. Incoming freshmen must finish in the top 25 percent of their high school class and have an ACT score of 23 or higher or an SAT score of 1000 or higher (1080 on the New SAT). Recipients must enroll in fifteen hours per long semester. Learn more about applying from the office of Scholarships.
The Texan Corps of Cadets are instilled with values that are essential for the service of our nation, and are exceptionally qualified to succeed in several areas of business, government, and the military. Corps members can benefit from scholarships, corporate internships, and graduation reward opportunities, as well as with the option to minor in Leadership Studies.
Endowed in honor of Tarleton's Professor Emeritus of Social Sciences, these $1,000 scholarships are offered to qualified history and political science majors. As many as ten academically outstanding students can receive this scholarship during an academic year.