Legal Studies
Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science (B.A., B.S.)
Undergraduate Major
Grand Rapids • Face to face • 120 Credits
Legal studies explore law, legal institutions, and their impact on society as part of a liberal education.
Overview
The program examines legal principles, systems, and processes, including how laws are developed, interpreted, and enforced. The American Bar Association-approved B.A./B.S. focuses on theory and practice to prepare students for work in various law careers.
Students in this program can play an important role in the delivery of legal services but they are not permitted to practice law. To practice law, learners must obtain a law school degree and satisfy other state requirements for admission to the bar.
The program covers substantive law topics such as contracts, criminal law, torts, property, business law, and family law, along with legal ethics and professionalism. Courses emphasize strong oral and written communication skills, enhancing critical thinking and expanding investigation and legal research expertise.
Approved by the American Bar Association, the major boasts faculty members with diverse professional experience, most of whom are licensed attorneys with backgrounds in civil and criminal law. Faculty members are also engaged in scholarly research and recognized as award-winning teachers and mentors. An advisory board of attorneys and paralegals guides curriculum, internships, employment opportunities, and legal field trends. The program's internship component allows you to earn college credit while gaining practical experience in law firms, government agencies, and other law-related organizations.
School of Criminology, Criminal Justice, and Legal Studies
gvsu.edu/cj
289C Richard M.
DeVos Center
(616) 331-7130
Admissions and Recruitment Office
Career Opportunities
Assist lawyers by investigating facts, preparing legal documents, or researching legal precedent. Conduct research to support a legal proceeding, to formulate a defense, or to initiate legal action.
Top skills- Writing
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 42,769.76 | 10% |
| $ 47,522.23 | 25% |
| $ 60,441.95 | 50% |
| $ 75,969.11 | 75% |
| $ 89,216.74 | 90% |
Assist judges in court or by conducting research or preparing legal documents.
Top skills- Reading Comprehension
- Critical Thinking
- Active Listening
- Writing
- Speaking
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 43,177.48 | 10% |
| $ 47,313.66 | 25% |
| $ 58,318.70 | 50% |
| $ 62,106.37 | 75% |
| $ 77,346.88 | 90% |
File correspondence, cards, invoices, receipts, and other records in alphabetical or numerical order or according to the filing system used. Locate and remove material from file when requested.
Top skills- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Writing
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 32,070.41 | 10% |
| $ 35,960.06 | 25% |
| $ 42,342.01 | 50% |
| $ 49,333.12 | 75% |
| $ 61,753.35 | 90% |
Facilitate negotiation and conflict resolution through dialogue. Resolve conflicts outside of the court system by mutual consent of parties involved.
Top skills- Negotiation
- Active Listening
- Writing
- Speaking
- Reading Comprehension
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 36,414.49 | 10% |
| $ 57,773.42 | 25% |
| $ 70,359.02 | 50% |
| $ 98,514.30 | 75% |
| $130,850.96 | 90% |
Search real estate records, examine titles, or summarize pertinent legal or insurance documents or details for a variety of purposes. May compile lists of mortgages, contracts, and other instruments pertaining to titles by searching public and private records for law firms, real estate agencies, or title insurance companies.
Top skills- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Critical Thinking
- Speaking
- Writing
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 35,388.24 | 10% |
| $ 41,956.51 | 25% |
| $ 47,294.53 | 50% |
| $ 61,557.86 | 75% |
| $ 78,363.54 | 90% |
85%
GVSU Students Receive Offers Before Graduation
"One of the Top Public Universities in America"
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#1
University in Michigan by Employers
Scholarships
Grand Valley State University offers a wide variety of merit-based
scholarships. For information on all of the scholarships that are
available to students, please visit Scholarships at GVSU.
Grand Valley offers myScholarships
(a scholarship matching tool) to help admitted students match
with GVSU scholarships, as well as external scholarship opportunities.
myScholarships will prompt you to answer questions to help match you
to scholarships for which you might qualify.
Student Organizations
Getting involved and staying engaged with our vibrant campus community help you make the most of your Grand Valley experience. Attending student life events, joining a student organization, or participating in campus recreation opportunities are all fantastic ways to maximize your college years:
Career Advising
Whether you are a first-year student, a transfer student, or a current student thinking about your career options, advising is an important part of your academic journey.
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