Program Overview

Bachelor of Science Degree (BS) in Legal Studies

The Bachelor of Science Degree (BS) in Legal Studies is a comprehensive program designed to provide students with a solid foundation in legal principles, research, and writing. The program requires 120 semester credits for graduation.

Program Structure

The program is structured into eight semesters, with a mix of core courses, electives, and internships. The course sequence is as follows:

First Semester

• ID: LAW1100, Course Name: Introduction to Law, Credits: 3
• ID: CIS1115, Course Name: Computer Applications, Credits: 3
• ID: SOC1123, Course Name: First Year Experience, Credits: 3
• ID: ENG1105, Course Name: Writing and Research, Credits: 3
• ID: HUM2225, Course Name: Introduction to Ethics, Credits: 3

Second Semester

• ID: LAW1110, Course Name: Contract Law, Credits: 3
• ID: LAW2200, Course Name: Professional Responsibilities and Legal Ethics, Credits: 3
• ID: LAW2215, Course Name: Torts, Credits: 3
• ID: ENG2205, Course Name: Writing through Literature, Credits: 3
• ID: Free Elective, Credits: 3

Third Semester

• ID: MAT2211 or MAT2212 or MAT2215 or MAT2270, Course Name: College Algebra or Quantitative Methods or Statistics I or Special Topics in Mathematics, Credits: 3
• ID: LAW2210, Course Name: Legal Research and Writing, Credits: 3
• ID: LAW2230, Course Name: Civil Litigation, Credits: 3
• ID: LAW2000, Course Name: Career Development, Credits: 3
• ID: Free Elective, Credits: 3

Fourth Semester

• ID: LAW2225, Course Name: Real Property Law, Credits: 3
• ID: ENG2215, Course Name: Public Speaking, Credits: 3
• ID: SOC2231, Course Name: Human Relations, Credits: 3
• ID: Mathematics/Science Elective, Credits: 3
• ID: Legal Studies Electives, Credits: 3

Fifth Semester

• ID: SOC2215, Course Name: Introduction to Political Science, Credits: 3
• ID: Humanities Elective, Credits: 3
• ID: Legal Studies Elective, Credits: 3
• ID: Liberal Arts Electives, Credits: 6

Sixth Semester

• ID: ENG3316, Course Name: The Confident Writer, Credits: 3
• ID: Legal Studies Electives, Credits: 6
• ID: Liberal Arts Elective, Credits: 3
• ID: Free Elective, Credits: 3

Seventh Semester

• ID: LAW4430, Course Name: Advanced Legal Research, Writing and Advocacy, Credits: 3
• ID: Legal Studies Elective, Credits: 3
• ID: Liberal Arts Electives, Credits: 6
• ID: Science Elective, Credits: 3

Eighth Semester

• ID: LAW4483, Course Name: Internship, Credits: 3
• ID: Liberal Arts Electives, Credits: 9
• ID: Free Elective, Credits: 3

Legal Studies Electives

The following electives are available:

• ID: BUS2231, Course Name: Business Law I, Credits: 3
• ID: BUS3331, Course Name: Business Law II, Credits: 3
• ID: IBS3320, Course Name: International Business Law, Credits: 3
• ID: JUS2201, Course Name: Criminal Procedure, Credits: 3
• ID: JUS2205, Course Name: Criminal Law, Credits: 3
• ID: JUS2240, Course Name: Justice and the Judiciary, Credits: 3
• ID: LAW1105, Course Name: Introduction to Compliance, Credits: 3
• ID: LAW2105, Course Name: Principles of Legal Nurse Consulting, Credits: 3
• ID: LAW2235, Course Name: Immigration Law, Credits: 3
• ID: LAW2240, Course Name: Family Law, Credits: 3
• ID: LAW2250, Course Name: Wills, Trusts and Estates, Credits: 3
• ID: LAW2260, Course Name: Law Firm Communications and Technology, Credits: 3
• ID: LAW2270, Course Name: Special Topics in Legal Studies, Credits: 3
• ID: LAW3310, Course Name: Alternative Dispute Resolution, Credits: 3
• ID: LAW3320, Course Name: Constitutional Law, Credits: 3
• ID: LAW3330, Course Name: Employment Law, Credits: 3
• ID: LAW3340, Course Name: Law Firm Management and Administration, Credits: 3
• ID: LAW3325, Course Name: Intellectual Property Law, Credits: 3
• ID: LAW3335, Course Name: Business Organizations and Corporations, Credits: 3
• ID: LAW4470, Course Name: Special Topics in Legal Studies, Credits: 3

Program Requirements

• Students must achieve a grade of C or better in both ENG1105 and ENG2205 to remain in the program.
• Nine credits of Legal Studies Electives must be at the 3000/4000 level.
• 15 credits of Liberal Arts Electives must be at the 3000/4000 level.
• Students choose one MAT course from the courses listed under the Third Semester to satisfy the MAT requirement.
• 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.

Career Opportunities

Eligibility for some internships 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. Note that law enforcement jobs typically require the candidate to be physically and mentally fit and have a valid driver's license, a clean driving record, no felony criminal record, no domestic violence charges (felony or misdemeanor), no loan/credit card defaults, and the ability to be licensed (via your agency or department) to carry a firearm. A selection process involving qualifying examination and/or supplementary training may also be required. Job requirements for non-sworn personnel in criminal justice and related agencies vary.