Bachelor of Science Degree Program in Legal Studies

INT499 Bachelor Degree Internship or IDS490 Bachelor Degree Capstone

TEC235 Object Oriented Programming I TEC240 Visual Basic for Applications TEC345 Internet Programming II

TEC248 Routers ad Switching TEC330 Network Management TEC412 Pen Testing

TEC238 Python TEC366 Visualization TEC388 Data Analysis with Python

Students must take 18 additional credits and should look for classes labeled ACC, BUS, COM, CRI, HSM, LGS, or TEC. Any course not fulfilling another degree requirement may be used. Alternatively, a non-Information Technology minor may be declared to meet this requirement.

The Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies is approved by the American Bar Association (ABA) and is designed for students who wish to receive an advanced education as paralegals, enter law-related fields requiring a bachelor’s degree, enhance their academic or professional credentials, or attend law school. Paralegals assist lawyers in providing legal services in a private law firm, corporate law office, or government agency. Paralegals are not permitted to give legal advice or provide legal services directly to the public.

While most courses in the Legal Studies program run online as well as on campus, the ABA requires that all students take at least 9 credits of legal specialty courses in a traditional or remote face-to-face format. See “Limitations on transfer of legal specialty credits” below for a list of legal specialty courses.

The Central Penn Legal Studies program is widely known for its academic rigor and enjoys a reputation for excellence within the legal community. With few exceptions, all courses are taught by licensed attorneys, providing graduates of this program with instruction from those who are most academically and experientially qualified. Students also participate in a wide variety of hands-on learning activities, including field trips, a mock trial, guest lectures, and an internship.

• A thorough comprehension of relevant bodies of law, the legal system, judicial processes, and prevailing legal theory.

• Problem solving and research ability relative to legal issues, principles, and procedures. • Development of computer literacy skills. • Strong written and oral communication skills. • Technical skills in legal research, writing and analysis, substantive case evaluation, legal communication, law office and courtroom procedures, and case preparation and management. • Proficiency in the use of computer-assisted legal research. • The ability to perform and manage procedural and substantive legal tasks in an ethical manner. • Professional maturity and preparedness to function effectively and professionally in a legal environment.

In addition to the 42 credits of general education coursework, students are required to take 60 credits of core courses and 18 credits of minor courses to total 120 credits.

Effective Summer 2022, all Legal Studies courses have been renumbered with an LGL designation. For registration purposes, current courses will also be available under the previous LGS designation for students entering Central Penn prior to Summer 2022. These courses are shown here with both LGL and LGS numbers.

LGL100/LGS110 Foundations in Law LGL110/LGS130 Principles of Legal Research LGL120/LGS180 Historical Perspectives of the Constitution LGL130/LGS210 Evidence LGL210/LGS135 Legal Research and Writing I* LGL211/LGS280 Legal Research and Writing II* LGL220/LGS140 Civil Litigation I* LGL221/LGS230 Civil Litigation II* LGL230/LGS220 Torts LGL240/LGS200 Contracts and Commercial Transactions LGL250/LGS265 Criminal Law LGL260/LGS170 Criminal Procedure LGL270/LGS160 Wills and Estates LGL280/LGS190 Family Law LGL300/LGS260 Administrative and Municipal Law LGL310/LGS217 Employment Law LGL350/LGS370 Alternative Dispute Resolution LGL400/LGS340 Advanced Legal Research and Writing LGL410 Legal Career Seminar INT499 Bachelor’s Degree Internship or IDS490 Bachelor’s Degree Capstone**

*Courses run in synchronous or traditional face-to-face format only **The capstone course may be taken only with the approval of the Program Director by students who have experience working in the paralegal or a law-related field.