Legal Studies, B.A.

What You’ll Learn in the legal studies Program

Gain classroom knowledge and courtroom experience through a rigorous curriculum that prepares you for an immediate legal career after college or completing law school. 

What You Can Do with a legal studies degree

Work as a paralegal or legal assistant with your bachelor’s degree or be thoroughly prepared to complete law school and become a licensed attorney. 

What makes our program unique

While MSU does not offer a pre-law program, the legal studies program has instructors who are attorney-professors and offers pre-law advisors for all MSU students interested in pursuing law school, regardless of major. 

ABA Approved and Nationally Ranked

The legal studies program is ranked 10th most affordable Legal Studies program in the nation by Great Value Colleges, and one of the few listed that is approved by the American Bar Association (ABA). The ABA only approves programs that meet strict standards for quality and have demonstrated success in producing well-qualified graduates. 

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Admission to the legal studies program

Follow the standard undergraduate application process to become a legal studies student at Morehead State.

Mission & Goals

The legal studies program prepares students with the competencies to compete successfully as legal professionals and law students regionally and nationally. Competencies align with the criteria established by the American Bar Association for approved programs and work success in the career field. Multiple competencies are developed through course instruction, community engagement staffing pro se legal clinics, and mandatory private and public law office internships.

Goals

• Successful paralegals and law students are proficiently skilled in using legal technology.
• Students will demonstrate technology proficiency.
• Students will be prepared to work in the legal field.

Opportunities outside the classroom

Notes: Kentucky law and Supreme Court Rules prohibit paralegals from engaging in the unauthorized practice of law. Paralegals are legal professionals but must be appropriately supervised by a lawyer to ensure conduct compatible with the professional and ethical standards of legal practice. 

While some courses may be offered online, students in the program must take at least nine semester credits or the equivalent of legal specialty courses through synchronous instruction.