Bachelor of Science in Paralegal Studies

Effective May 20, 2012, this program is no longer available for future enrollments

The Bachelor of Science in Paralegal Studies degree (BSPS) provides the student with advanced study in critical areas of legal work along with the technical and communication skills necessary for success in this competitive field. The BSPS will prepare students for a life-long career working in the legal community and is an excellent choice for those considering law school in the future.

Outcomes:

  • Analyze complex facts
  • Demonstrate a well-rounded knowledge base in key areas of law
  • Demonstrate competence in legal research and writing
  • Distinguish the role of the paralegal from the lawyer and the ethical guidelines for paralegal
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the legal processes and the courts
  • Demonstrate proficiency in tasks common to paralegal practice such as client interviews, fact gathering, document preparation, and case management

Degree Requirements

Courses: Preparatory

ENGL080English Composition Preparation

4

IT 080

MATH 060

MATH 080

Courses: General Education

BIO122Anatomy and Physiology

4

ENGL111English Composition I

4

ENGL112English Composition II

4

ENGL200Professional Writing

4

ENGL210Professional Speaking

4

 

HIST150World History Since 1500

4

or

HIST210World History and Culture I

4

 

INTD111Creating Academic and Professional Success

4

IT105Information and Technology Literacy

4

IT254Spreadsheet Applications

4

LITR220Values in World Literature

4

MATH143Business Algebra

4

MATH306Computer Assisted Statistics

4

MGMT115Introductory Business Practices

4

PHIL310Ethics

4

SOCL101Introduction to Sociology

4

Total Credit Hours:60

Courses: Core

ACCT201Accounting I

4

CJUS365Criminal Law

4

CJUS375Criminal Procedure

4

CJUS440The Laws of Evidence

4

CJUS448Criminal Investigation

4

HRMT310Human Resource Management

4

HRMT330HRM Legal Environment

4

HSS121Medical Terminology

4

HSS300Healthcare Law and Regulations

4

INTD340Career Planning

4

LANG100Survival Spanish

4

PBAD200American Government

4

SOCL356American Diversity

4

Total Credit Hours:52

Courses: Concentration

PALS200Introduction to Paralegal Practice & Ethics

4

PALS215Legal Research & Writing

4

PALS216Legal Technology

4

PALS225Civil Litigation I

4

PALS226Torts

4

PALS230Contract Law

4

PALS250Commercial Law

4

PALS265Property / Real Estate

4

PALS275Family Law

4

PALS285Trusts, Wills, & Estates

4

PALS315Advanced Legal Research & Writing

4

PALS325Civil Litigation II

4

PALS330Paralegal Studies Practicum

4

PALS400Uniform Commercial Code and Securities Regulations

4

PALS425Debtor/Creditor

4

PALS450Intellectual Property

4

 

PALS475Internship

4

or

PALS480Capstone

4

Total Credit Hours:68

ENGL112, English Composition II, is a prerequisite for all 300 and 400 level courses. Exceptions to this policy must be approved by the appropriate Director of Education, Dean or Chair.

Total Credit Hours: 180

Locations

  • Sioux Falls