The legal studies major and area degrees 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 paralegal 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 paralegals, and therefore, the minor is not approved by the ABA.

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.