This rigorous American Bar Association approved program is ideal for students who want to establish knowledge in the legal field. While earning your Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies degree, you’ll take courses designed to build a strong academic foundation in the history, context, and application of the law. Expert instruction from our faculty, guest speakers, field trips, and 120 hours of hands-on internship training will help to prepare you for the realities of this fascinating field.
The curriculum explores core legal concepts, emphasizing critical thinking, analytical and reasoning skills, and ethics. You’ll hone your research and writing abilities and the requirements as a contributing member of the legal team. You may also choose to apply your education toward application to advanced degrees or law school.
The curriculum’s focus on legal theory, application, and critical thinking allow graduates to perform high-level paralegal duties, with the exception that paralegals are not permitted to give legal advice, appear in court, accept cases, or set fees
As you work toward your future professional goals, review the related information at the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
In order to successfully earn a Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies degree, students should be detail-oriented, driven, organized, and efficient. Working as part of a team and being able to adapt to varying project demands will also be useful over the course of the program.
Because South College maintains small class sizes, you’ll receive individualized attention and professional guidance to help you get the most from your education. We also facilitate internships at law firms, court systems, agencies, and other entities with paralegal needs so that you can complete 120 hours of hands-on internship training.
Learning Outcomes
Students completing the program will:
Demonstrate knowledge of fundamental theoretical legal concepts necessary to hold a paralegal position under the direction and supervision of a licensed attorney.
Develop analytical and reasoning skills that promote independent thinking.
Demonstrate knowledge of appropriate professional and ethical responsibilities as set forth in the Rules of Professional Responsibility and other applicable guidelines, laws, and directives.
Develop legal research, writing, and drafting skills necessary to hold a paralegal position under the direction and supervision of a licensed attorney.
Demonstrate knowledge of appropriate professional and ethical responsibilities as set forth in the Tennessee Rules of Professional Responsibility and other related guidelines, laws, and directives.
The South College Certificate in Paralegal, Associate of Applied Science in Paralegal Studies, and Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies programs offered at the Asheville campus are approved by the American Bar Association Standing Committee on Paralegals (321 N. Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60654-4778, www.americanbar.org) and are North Carolina Bar Qualified Programs. Graduates who successfully complete the optional state examination may apply to become North Carolina Bar Certified Paralegals (North Carolina State Bar, 208 Fayetteville Street, Raleigh, NC 27601; (919) 828-4620; www.nccertifiedparalegal.org.
Knoxville
The South College Certificate in Paralegal Studies, Associate of Science in Paralegal Studies, and the Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies programs offered at the Knoxville campus are approved by the American Bar Association (ABA) Standing Committee on Paralegals (321 N. Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60654-4778, www.americanbar.org).
Amounts for tuition, fees, books, and supplies are subject to change. South College follows the required methodology provided by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission for the reporting of employment information for graduates. This information is compiled on an annual basis and published via the institution website each year for graduates during the most recently completed reporting year (July 1-June 30). For more detailed information related to the calculation of graduate employment rates, please click here.
I chose South College because it came highly recommended from mentors of mine, the faculty is second to none, and the program fits my ever-changing lifestyle. I also chose it because of the flexibility. My wife is still serving in the United States Air Force on Active Duty, and this means that we move when they tell us to move.
- Shawn Domm, Doctor of Physical Therapy
One of the major reasons I chose South College was for the smaller class sizes. It allows more one-on-one time between students and professors, which enhances the learning experience for me.
- Elizabeth Frerichs, Bachelor of Science in Health Science
I went to college originally straight out of high school with the intent of majoring in musical performance with a concentration in theoretical studies. I was not prepared to for college at that point, so I decided to gain some experience and maturity by joining the work force full-time. After working for 10 years, I felt it was time to try school again.
- Adam Hatcher, Bachelor of Business Administration
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