Frequently Asked Questions About Legal Studies

Why choose a Major in Legal Studies?

The baccalaureate program in Legal Studies prepares students to fulfill professional roles aas paralegals and in related occupations, as well as to pursue graduate study at law school or in other fields, such as criminal justice or social justice. Grounded in a commitment to liberal education, the program provides students with a solid foundation of knowledge, critical thinking, cultural competency and professional skills that are essential to success in the legal field. The program promotes a respect for diversity, and also seeks to prepare students to make ethically sound and appropriate decisions in response to the challenges presented to them in their professional and personal lives. The program's mission is accomplished through studies which focus on:

1. Mastery of substantive knowledge critical to the legal profession, including princioles of legal ethics and legal restrictions on the unauthorized practice of law;

2. Critical thinking skills;

3. Mastery of basic investigative and legal research techniques;

4. Proficiency in oral and written communication;

5. Development of appropriate professional behavior and job-seeking skills.

Paralegals need to be able to think logically and analytically, to present facts and conclusions in a clear, concise manner, to write effectively, to utilize ingenuity during fact-finding, and to exercise good judgment. All of these skills can be nurtured and perfected within the academic environment offered here at Grand Valley State University.

What's the difference between a two-year degree and a four-year degree, anyway?

With regard to choosing a four-year degree option over a two-year degree option, one must consider that there are both educational and professional benefits present in four-year programs that are not present in two-year programs.  In a four-year baccalaureate degree program, curriculum requirements "include general education, electives, and legal specialty courses" (American Bar Association, 1999).  The generalist courses "are similar to the offerings in an associate degree program" (American Bar Association, 1999).

However, the courses taken in the last two years of a baccalaureate degree program are usually "more in-depth and advanced, and allow a student to concentrate in one or more areas of legal specialization, thereby developing special expertise in those selected areas" (American Bar Association, 1999).

Students with a "sound liberal arts education and legal specialty training in several areas are more likely to be able to choose from "a wide number of employment opportunities in various legal settings, as well as in private law firms" (American Bar Association, 1999).

Is this the major to take if I want to go to law school?

The GVSU Legal Studies major is designed to develop legal assistants/paralegals.  Although many legal assistants/paralegals opt later to become lawyers, the GVSU program is designed to prepare students for an occupation that is both separate and different from being a practicing attorney. It is not designated or expected to be used by a traditional college student preparing him/herself to go directly to law school.  Therefore, while it is a preferred degree for many students who will have to work before attending law school, it is not a pre-law program.

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