The bachelor of arts in legal studies is approved by the American Bar Association (ABA) and is the only ABA program in the St. Louis area. The degree is designed to meet the ever-changing needs of the paralegal profession and prepares students to enter the legal profession. We offer a solid, broad-based education including legal specialty courses. Students will learn both the theoretical and practical aspects of the law as they gain paralegal knowledge and an understanding of the ethical framework in which legal professionals function.

Upon completion of the program, students will be able to:

• Demonstrate the fundamentals of legal reasoning and analysis.
• Comprehend the Code of Professional Responsibility to be able to address ethical dilemmas faced by lawyers and legal assistants.
• Master the skills and knowledge necessary for understanding legal issues working from both theoretical and practical applications.
• Explain the essential goals of legal researching, legal and logical reasoning, and begin to develop legal writing skills.
• Be able to apply the theory of legal research and writing to practical problems encountered in a legal environment.
• Distinguish the significant role that legal assistants/paralegals have in the legal world and the practical skills necessary to function in it.