Bachelor's Degree
Legal Studies
The Bachelor of Science degree in Legal Studies offers an exceptional level of preparation for a paralegal career or a pre-law education through a curriculum of courses which includes hands-on study of legal research and writing, law office and courtroom procedures, and case preparation including participation in a mock trial.
You Will Learn
Students in the Program will benefit from advanced resources of legal education, including Central Penn's own law library fully equipped with up to date print volumes and state-of-the-art computerized research tools. You will learn:
- 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.
- Computer literacy.
- Strong written and oral communication skills.
- Technical skills in legal research, writing and analysis, sub-stantive 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.
Internship/Capstone Course
As a career-oriented college and as an addition to our hands-on curriculum, Central Penn requires all students to complete an internship as a part of their academic program. This opportunity allows students to participate and experience their future careers in the real world. Internships are 360 hours.
Continuing Education and online students complete a capstone course in place of the traditional internship. This can be done at both the associate and bachelor degree level. This course requires an extensive research project and paper related to the students chosen career path.
Potential Careers
Central Penn will prepare students to work in an exciting and challenging legal environment.
- Lawyers
- Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators and Hearing Officers
- Arbitrators, Mediators and Conciliators
- Judges, Magistrate Judges and Magistrates
- Law Clerks
ABA Approved
The Legal Studies program is approved by the American Bar Association (ABA). Paralegals may not provide legal services to the public except as permitted by law. The ABA approval requires that ten (10) hours of legal specialty courses be taken in the traditional (face-to-face) format.
Middle States Accreditation
Central Penn College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, 3624 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104 (Ph: 267-284-5000). The Middle States Commission on Higher Education is an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.
Disclosure
For more information about our graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed the program, and other important information, please click here to visit our 'Disclosures' page.
