2013-2014 Academic Catalog 
    
    Mar 29, 2024  
2013-2014 Academic Catalog [Archived Catalog]

Legal Studies, B.A.


The Legal Studies program is being discontinued. As of May 7, 2013, new students will not be admitted to the program. Courses offered in the traditional day time periods will not be offered after May 2, 2014. Courses offered in the evening time periods will not be offered after May 6, 2016.

Maryville University is proud to offer this major which culminates with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Legal Studies. This degree prepares students to practice as paralegals, providing students with a strong basic knowledge of legal terminology, writing, theories, concepts and skills under the direct supervision of an attorney. Paralegals enjoy a wide variety of employment opportunities, including private law offices, corporations, real estate, and title companies, bank and trust agencies and government and judicial offices.

The Bachelor of Arts Degree in Legal Studies is a four year degree program. It prepares students for entry into the paralegal field and provides opportunities for the practicing paralegals to enhance their career credentials. Some of our students are transfer students from community colleges who have received an Associate’s Degree. This program provides an opportunity for these students to continue their education and obtain a Bachelor’s Degree.

Maryville University’s program is approved by the American Bar Association. Approval by the American Bar Association is a qualification that is recognized by members of the legal community as an indicator of quality and is respected by leaders in the field of paralegal education. In addition, Maryville is a member of the American Association for Paralegal Education (AAfPE).

The program’s goal is to combine specialized legal training courses with a strong liberal arts foundation. Advisers will assist students in selecting courses that enhance their liberal arts education and paralegal education as well.

A degree in Legal Studies does not, however, enable a person to practice law or give legal advice.

General Education Requirements:


II. Humanities:


(5 courses)

A. Fine Arts:


  • Art
  • Music
  • Performance
  • Aesthetics

B. Literature/Language:


  • English
  • Foreign Language

C. Philosophy:


D. Humanities Electives:


  • Humanity Elective - one course selected from the following disciplines: ADAH, ADSA, ENGL, FPAR, HUM, MUS, PHIL, or REL

III. Social Science:


(3 courses)

  • Social Science Electives-selected from two of the Following disciplines: ECON, HIST, PSCI, PSYC, SOC or GEOG

IV. Natural Science/Quantitative Reasoning:


(2 courses)

A. Science Courses:


One of the following are recommended:

  • BIOL
  • CHEM
  • PHYS
  • SCI
  • ENV

B. Additional Course:


  • Math or Science

V. General Education Electives:


(2 Courses)

  • Two courses selected from the disciplines within the College of Arts and Science
    (In consultation with the adviser.)

Please Note:


 *Additional course work maybe necessary as determined by the adviser.

The following is the suggested sequencing of the Paralegal coursework:


First Year:


  •  Introduction to Law

Second Year:


  • Civil Litigation
  • Legal Ethics

Third Year:


  • Legal Research and Writing I and II

 
Before the fourth year students must plan to complete all required and elective coursework. Senior year the students should take Senior Seminar and Paralegal Internship.

In order to accommodate both day and evening students, courses are offered in the day and evening over various semesters. Students should consult with their adviser to determine when classes will be offered.

128 Credit Hours are required for graduation with the last 30 completed at Maryville University. 18 credit hours of legal specialty classes must also be completed at Maryville University. All requirements for a student’s minor must be fulfilled prior to graduation.