Program Overview

Legal Studies Bachelor of Science Degree (BS)

The Legal Studies Bachelor of Science Degree (BS) program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the United States legal system. The program covers various aspects of law, including contract law, torts, civil litigation, and legal research and writing.

College and Program Learning Objectives

The program aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in the legal profession. The learning objectives of the program include:

• Developing an understanding of the United States legal system
• Analyzing legal issues and developing effective solutions
• Communicating effectively in written and oral forms
• Developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills

Course Requirements

The program requires students to complete a minimum of 120 semester credit hours. The course requirements include:

Major Core Courses

• CIS1115 Computer Applications (3 Credits): Provides an introduction to computer technology with an emphasis on applications.
• LAW1100 Introduction to Law (3 Credits): Introduces the United States legal system, including the structure and administration of state and federal courts.
• LAW1110 Contract Law (3 Credits): Examines the common law of contracts and the Uniform Commercial Code.
• LAW2000 Career Development (3 Credits): Introduces students to the fundamentals of career development and career planning.
• LAW2200 Professional Responsibilities and Legal Ethics (3 Credits): Introduces students to the defining ethical issues faced by lawyers and the legal community.
• LAW2210 Legal Research and Writing (3 Credits): Examines legal research and writing, including the use of traditional and computer-assisted research techniques.
• LAW2215 Torts (3 Credits): Provides an introduction to civil wrongs, including negligence, international torts, and products liability.
• LAW2225 Real Property Law (3 Credits): Explores fundamental topics related to the petition, ownership, and transfer of real property interest.
• LAW2230 Civil Litigation (3 Credits): Introduces the rules governing the civil litigation process in both state and federal civil courts.
• LAW4430 Advanced Legal Research, Writing, and Advocacy (3 Credits): Develops and refines the research, analysis, citation, and writing skills introduced in Legal Research and Writing.
• LAW4483 Internship (3 Credits): Students work in a position related to their course of study while completing online course requirements.

Legal Studies Electives

Students are required to complete 15 credits of Legal Studies Electives, with 9 credits at the 3000/4000 level.

Liberal Arts and Science Core Courses

• ENG1105 Writing and Research (3 Credits): An introduction to expository writing through a comprehensive survey of forms of composition.
• ENG2205 Writing Through Literature (3 Credits): Further develops the writing, reading, and interpretive abilities introduced in ENG1105.
• ENG2215 Public Speaking (3 Credits): Designed to help students improve oral communication skills.
• ENG3316 The Confident Writer (3 Credits): Explores a wide variety of non-fiction writing genres.
• HUM2225 Introduction to Ethics (3 Credits): Introduces the study of ethics and moral philosophy.
• MAT2211 College Algebra (3 Credits): Introduces students to solving problems by using geometric and algebraic approaches.
• MAT2212 Quantitative Methods (3 Credits): Introduces students to the personal use of mathematics to explore arithmetic-based and algebra-based business applications.
• MAT2215 Statistics I (3 Credits): Introduces statistical methods and procedures.
• MAT2270 Special Topics in Mathematics (1-3 Credits): Involves readings and discussions, at an introductory level, organized around selected topics in mathematics.
• SOC1123 First Year Experience (3 Credits): Explores the challenges students most frequently face in pursuing and achieving a college degree.
• SOC2215 Introduction to Political Science (3 Credits): Provides an overview of the American political system.
• SOC2231 Human Relations (3 Credits): Students develop the interpersonal skills known to be key ingredients for successful everyday interactions.

Humanities Elective

Students are required to complete a 3-credit Humanities Elective.

Liberal Arts Electives

Students are required to complete 24 credits of Liberal Arts Electives, with 15 credits at the 3000/4000 level.

Mathematics/Science Elective

Students are required to complete a 3-credit Mathematics/Science Elective.

Science Elective

Students are required to complete a 3-credit Science Elective.

Free Electives

Students are required to complete 12 credits of Free Electives.

Graduation Requirements

Students must complete a minimum of 120 semester credit hours to graduate. Additionally, students must achieve a grade of C or better in both ENG1105 and ENG2205 to remain in the program.

Eligibility for Internships and Employment

Eligibility for some internships required to obtain a Berkeley College degree and employment opportunities in fields related to this program may require candidates to meet specific health requirements or pass criminal background checks prescribed by law. Applicants for whom such requirements may be matters of concern are strongly advised to review the program's requirements prior to enrolling.