Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies
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A rigorous American Bar Association approved program, our Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies program is ideal for students who want to build a strong foundation in the history, context, and application of the law. The curriculum explores core legal concepts, emphasizing critical thinking, analytical and reasoning skills, and ethics. You’ll work to hone your research and writing abilities and learn the requirements for becoming a contributing member of the legal team. Instruction from our experienced 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 focus on legal theory, application, and critical thinking provides opportunity for graduates to have gained the knowledge and skills to perform paralegal duties, with the exception that paralegals are not permitted to give legal advice, appear in court, accept cases, or set fees. You may also choose to apply your education toward applying to advanced degrees or law school.
Develop Essential Skills In
- Legal research and writing
- Legal theory and application
- Legal reasoning
- Case analysis
- Computer software used in law offices
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Ready For Your Next Step?
You May Enjoy This Line of Study If You…
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Have deep respect for the justice system and are drawn to the legal world -
Find yourself deeply interested in TV shows about law offices or high profile legal cases on the news -
Like facts and really enjoy being a fact finder and the researcher of details -
Would like working in a law office and being part of the legal team organizing materials and preparing key documents -
Accurately track time and consistently meet deadlines
Go even further with South College!
Mission
The mission of the Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies program is to provide students with a broad academic background in general education, fundamental theoretical legal concepts, and practical applications. This rigorous ABA approved legal assistant education program is designed for the student who clearly shows potential for a career in the legal profession and similar fields.
The coursework emphasizes the development of keen analytical skills and fosters sensitivity to cultural and political history and diversity. Graduates can become contributing members of the legal office in private law firms, banks, insurance companies, title and mortgage companies, governmental and law enforcement agencies, and other corporations. 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.
The objective of this program is to provide students, through completion of courses consisting of lecture, practical application, and hands-on computer instruction, with the knowledge and skills necessary to become contributing members of a team in the legal environment. Students are required to earn a minimum grade of “C” in all major courses.
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.
Admission Requirements
All students must minimally meet the requirements for general admission to South College. General admission to South College does not guarantee admission to the program. Program admission is not granted until a student has successfully completed 60 hours of the required curriculum at South College, earning the minimum grades required by the program.
Accreditation
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.
Got A Question? South College Frequently Asked Questions
What is the tuition for South College?
Tuition and fees for South College students vary by program, and tuition rates are tiered based on the number of credits taken each quarter. For example, in our undergraduate programs, students taking 10-20 credits per quarter are charged one quarterly tuition rate based on their program, while students in the same program taking 1-5 or 6-9 credits are charged different tuition rates. Our tuition rates are designed such that South College students who take a high number of credits per quarter may be able to complete their program at a lower total cost than students who take fewer credits per quarter. Contact our admissions team who can help you prepare the budget for the field of study you want to pursue. And don’t forget we also offer numerous grants, scholarships, and financial aid packages to those that qualify.
More InfoDoes South College offer Financial Aid?
Yes! Financial aid for South College is available to those who qualify. Students at South College have access to a range of financial aid to provide the economic assistance they need to pay for college. Aid is available in the form of scholarships, grants and awards, work-study programs, and loans. We’re happy to participate in numerous federal, state, and private student aid programs, and to offer funding directly. In addition to federal and state financial aid, South College institutional grants can reduce out-of-pocket expenses for qualified military-affiliated students, first responders, and recent high school graduates. Visit our financial page or contact our admissions team. We want you to succeed! Let us help you give your dream direction and address your financial aid questions.
More InfoIs South College Accredited?
Yes! South College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award degrees at the doctorate, educational specialist, master's, baccalaureate, and associate levels, as well as certificates. With over 100 programs and concentrations and campuses on multiple states the state authorizations have been obtained. Visit the link to see the full listing. It is the student’s responsibility to contact the appropriate licensing board to confirm whether a South College program will meet the requirements for professional licensure in that state. South College will assist with this information for fully online programs. For onground/hybrid programs, the institution ensures that the program meets requirements for the state in which the campus is located.
More InfoHow do I apply to South College?
Visit South College and see for yourself what the college has to offer. Campus tours include a personal admissions consultation, campus facility tour and more! When you are ready to start your journey at South College, submit an online application or speak with an admissions representative. Once your application is received, we will begin building your personalized plan to pursue the chosen degree or certificate program based on your interest. We want you to have the best possible educational experience. To learn more about the educational opportunities available for your future, Apply today!
Apply NowDo you Offer Housing?
South College offers a wide range of degree and certificate programs in areas such as business, healthcare, legal studies, education, criminal justice, and technology. At this time, we do not currently offer housing options. Our expansive online study and hybrid options allow our students to learn wherever they are located, and often with the flexibility of their own convenient time. With academic advisors that support the students throughout their tenure at South College, along with tutors, study groups, and a student success team, students at South College have resources at their fingertips to assist them in their educational pursuits and may be able to guide towards housing areas close to the campus of their choice. The individual attention and support provided by our faculty and staff helps to set us apart. Students interested in a more personalized learning experience are often attracted to South College over other larger universities and colleges in our campus locations. Request more information about South College today!
More InfoLooking for South College Consumer Information?
South College was founded in 1882 and focused on serving students who want a hands-on, relevant education that can have a meaningful impact on their lives. South College strives to provide quality instruction, resources, and support services based on systematic and ongoing assessment and evaluation of objectives/outcomes to ensure the development of student abilities necessary for the achievement of positive student outcomes and the mission/vision of the college. The institution establishes policies and procedures to maintain compliance with applicable federal, state, and accrediting requirements. Click below to learn all about South College’s history, and who we are as an institution today.
More InfoDoes South College accept Transfer Students?
Yes! Credit for transfer work may be given if it was taken at an accredited collegiate institution, if it is equivalent to courses offered at South College, and if it carries a grade of C or better. Any coursework taken over seven years ago may be denied transfer credit if the material is outdated. Policies for the acceptance of any graduate level transfer credit are determined by the associated program faculty within guidelines determined by the institution. We want students to succeed and will do our best to help you in your journey to apply transfer credits to those who qualify. Contact admissions for assistance for your transfer individualized plan and consideration and learn about transfer specifications and time limits by course here:
More InfoWhat Kind of Certificate & Degrees does South College Offer?
South College is a regionally accredited private co-educational, institution with non-residential campuses in Knoxville and Nashville, Tennessee; Asheville, North Carolina; Atlanta, Georgia; Indianapolis, Indiana; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and Orlando, Florida. Students can pursue academic programs at all levels, including professional certificates and associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. New academic programs are added frequently in response to local, regional, and national employment trends, and South College is committed to providing programs at all levels with innovative course content and teaching platforms. Explore all the programs and come back often as we regularly add new programs that may spark your interest!
More InfoOnline vs On-Campus – What Is Best?
Since its founding 140 years ago, South College‘s mission has been to serve students who want a hands-on, professional focused education. Today this means offering traditional classroom experiences along with accelerated, hybrid, and online learning options. It means small class sizes, modern labs, and campuses that are convenient to large numbers of students. Most of all, it means experienced instructors who provide real world experiences in their classes and lead in-depth discussions on the concepts taught. South College also offers non-traditional distance-learning programs, allowing students to earn a college degree online providing more flexibility with the same level of quality education and experience from all academic programs offered. This option is great for potential students who are working a full-time job or are not in travel distance to one of the learning sites. Online vs. campus? You decide. Get the student experience you desire in the program that fits your style best on your road to success!
More InfoDoes South College Have Programs for Active or Retired Military?
As an institution of higher education, South College recognizes its responsibility to society and supports both institutional and individual commitments to service. South College encourages its administration, faculty, and staff to invest their knowledge, experience, and expertise in community, professional, and institutional service. South College’s core values of excellence, responsibility, and integrity serve as the foundation for assessing the quality of institutional, school/departmental, and individual performance in achieving this mission. South College is grateful for the service and sacrifice of our military and their families. We are happy to provide the South College Military Grant to support our military – past and present – in the pursuit of their education and skill development. The South College Application Fee is waived for all active-duty military members, veterans, their spouses, and their dependent children who receive this Grant.
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