Legal Studies
The legal studies program is for students who are interested in law and who plan to pursue a career as a paralegal, or a law degree in law school, or work in career fields where the knowledge of law and legal procedures will be valuable. The Bachelor of Arts in Legal Studies combines the advantages of a liberal arts education with the development of the professional skills needed to assist attorneys in law offices, courts, government agencies, and work in banks, health care, social work and most areas of business.
The legal studies major and area degrees also prepare students with the career competencies to work as a professional paralegal and are approved by the American Bar Association (ABA). Only about 30 percent of such programs are approved by the ABA. The minor in legal studies is an excellent complement to other majors, but is not intended to fully prepare students as professional paralegals, and therefore, the minor is not approved by the ABA.
Note: Completion of this program or receipt of a BA degree in Legal Studies does not entitle one to practice law or render legal advice or services in Kentucky except as provided by law. See Kentucky Supreme Court Rule 3.700 and Kentucky Revised Statute 524.130.
Students wishing to pursue law school can select from a variety of majors and minors, including legal studies. Those who choose a major other than legal studies are strongly encouraged to consider the legal studies minor. The legal studies instructors are attorney-professors and the pre-law advisors for all MSU students interested in pursuing law school. They provide information about the law school admissions process, including the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT), and legal career opportunities.