Legal Studies

Our Legal Studies and Paralegal Studies Programs are part of an elite group of programs in Georgia that are approved by the American Bar Association (ABA).

This approval signifies a high degree of quality in our curriculum and in our student resources. Please note that paralegals and other non-lawyers may not provide legal services directly to the public, except as permitted by law.

Our full-time instructors are all attorneys with combined teaching experience of over 50 years. Our curriculum has been carefully developed to provide students with the hands-on training they will need to be successful in the legal field.

Students have a variety of options from which to choose:

B.S. degree in Legal Studies, for students who want to pursue a degree that emphasizes practical skills plus analytical and conceptual thinking, legal research & writing, a study of the evolution of various legal theories, a solid understanding of substantive areas of law, and the role of law in society. It also allows students to take courses in a variety of departments throughout the university. The B.S. degree is a good option for students who plan to work in fields impacted by law and legal regulation or who are considering law school or other fields of graduate studies.
A.S. degree in Paralegal Studies, with the same focus as the paralegal certificate, and an additional emphasis on general education, for students who do not already possess a degree and who do not want to seek a four-year degree at this time.
Paralegal Certificate, with a focus on practical paralegal skills, legal terminology, legal research and writing, and substantive law courses. The Paralegal Certificate is open to students who already possess a bachelor's degree or a qualifying A.A., A.S., or A.A.S. degree.

PARA-coded and LGST-coded courses are offered in the evenings and/or online. General education courses are offered in the evenings, online, and/or during the day.

Please refer to our Admissions page for important information regarding entrance requirements for our programs.

Please note: All applicants to the Paralegal Certificate (including if you already possess a bachelor’s or higher degree) should apply as a “Transfer” student, to ensure you are assigned to the correct major and academic advisor. Do not apply as a “Post-Baccalaureate” student, or you will be sent to the graduate school.

Apply for the Paralegal Certificate as a transfer student

Program Learning Outcomes

The purpose of the Legal Studies Program is to provide students with the skills necessary to perform specifically delegated substantive legal work under the supervision of an attorney.

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

Perform legal research and analysis
Compose legal documents
Examine areas of civil and criminal law
Identify relevant rules of legal ethics
Apply course content to an occupational learning experience (B.S. degree)

Contact Us

Prof. Antoinette France-Harris
Associate Professor of Legal Studies, Program Coordinator