Program Overview

Legal Studies

The Pre-Law Legal Studies BA is designed to give students outstanding preparation for law school after graduation. This track provides a clearer understanding of the legal profession and stronger readiness for the challenges ahead. What makes it special is that nearly all major classes are taught by practicing lawyers with decades of real-world experience, allowing students to learn directly from those who know the law inside and out.

Program Details

• The program requires 124 hours to graduate.
• 3-9 credits of internships are allowed.

Curriculum

• General Education Courses: Build a strong foundation with classes in Math, English, and other essential subjects required of all majors.
• Legal Research & Writing: Learn how to find and analyze legal information and craft clear, persuasive legal documents.
• Property Law, Family Law, & Civil Litigation: Explore important areas of law that form the backbone of many legal cases and practices.
• Commercial Law & Practical Skills: Gain insight into business-related legal issues and hands-on experience preparing legal documents and understanding litigation procedures.
• Critical Thinking & Logic: Develop the analytical skills that will help students succeed in law school and beyond.

Faculty

Our faculty includes practicing lawyers from various fields of practice who are equally committed to teaching as they are to the legal profession. They are dedicated to helping students reach their academic and professional goals, and providing mentorship along the way.

Career Opportunities

• Paralegal/Legal Assistant
• Judicial Administrator
• Legal Assistant/Clerk
• Politician/Government Official
• Graduate/Law School Student
• Law Enforcement Officer

Alumni

Notable alumni include:

• Belinda Wright, 2018, Document Processing Department, Law Office of Julianne M Holt, Public Defender, Hillsborough County (Florida)
• Madeline Kuluz, 2015, Associate Attorney (pending Bar admission), Cosmich, Simmons & Brown
• Subrina L. Cooper, 1990, Associate General Counsel, The University of Southern Mississippi
• Julie Johnson, 2018, Paralegal, Law Offices of Mager Varnado
• Riane Crosby, 2015, Paralegal, Jackson, Tullos & Rogers PLLC
• Shelley Zabatani, 2017, Paralegal, Law Offices of Haley Martin

Availability

• The Pre-Law Legal Studies BA is available at the Hattiesburg campus.
• A Legal Studies Minor is also available.