Legal Studies Program Program Options
Major in Legal Studies
While Illinois State University does not offer a formal major in Legal Studies, it is possible for a student to build an individualized major with Legal Studies courses by utilizing the University's Interdisciplinary Studies Major.
Admission Requirements
Degree Requirements
- Complete a total of 24 semester hours from the Legal Studies Core Courses with a C or better in each course
- Complete additional law related courses as per requirements of Interdisciplinary Studies Major.
- Complete all University graduation requirements for B.A. or B.S. degree.
Minor in Legal Studies
Admission Requirements
- Be admitted to the University
- Submit a formal application to the Legal Studies Advisor
- Complete POL 201 and one other Legal Studies course with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or better in these courses
Degree Requirements
- Complete a total of 24 semester hours from the Legal Studies Core Courses with a C or better in each course
- Complete all University graduation requirements for B.A. or B.S. degree.
Certificate in Legal Studies with a Bachelor's Degree
Although some of the Legal Studies courses carry graduate credit, the University does not offer a graduate degree in this program.
Admission Requirements
- Be admitted to the University (usually as a non-degree graduate student).
- Submit a formal application to the Legal Studies Advisor.
- Complete POL 201 and one other Legal Studies course with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or better in these courses
Certification Requirements
- Complete a total of 24 semester hours from the Legal Studies Core Courses with a C or better in each course
Certificate in Legal Studies without a Bachelor's Degree
While many legal employers prefer to have paralegals who hold baccalaureate degrees, it is possible to obtain paralegal work without such a degree if the individual has developed the appropriate knowledge and skills.
Admission Requirements
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Be admitted to the University either as an unclassified undergraduate student or in any major degree program.
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Submit a formal application to the Legal Studies Advisor
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Complete POL 201 and one other Legal Studies course with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or better in these courses
Certification Requirements
- Complete a total of 24 semester hours from the Legal Studies Core Courses with a C or better in each course
- Complete a total of 60 semester hours of college level work
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Complete 18 credit hours of selected general education to be approved by the Legal Studies Director:
- General Guidelines include the following categories:
- 6 credit hours of mathematics and/or natural sciences [business math and accounting do not meet this requirement].
- 12 credit hours of courses in two of the following categories: social science, humanities, English composition & literature, and foreign language [business English does not satisfy this requirement].
