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• Legal Studies (partially online)
  Overview
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• Savannah

Legal Studies

Bachelor of Science Degree

The Legal Studies programs offered in the traditional on-ground classroom format at the Columbia, SC, Montgomery, AL, Savannah, GA, and West Palm Beach, FL locations are approved by the American Bar Association (ABA). Additionally, South University's Savannah, GA campus has been approved by the American Bar Association (ABA) to offer 20 legal specialty courses from its Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies program in an online 5½-week delivery format. Students are also required to take 4 specific courses in an 11-week, on-ground campus setting in an ABA approved program.

The Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies degree program online provides an excellent foundation for those who are seeking employment and advancement in the growing profession of paralegals and legal assistants. Paralegals assist attorneys with the preparation of criminal and civil cases by interviewing clients, investigating facts, drafting
legal documents, researching law, and assisting the
attorney at trial.

Success centered on your schedule:

• All Savannah Campus online students are able to take the general education courses and 20 legal specialty courses online while you are able to work full time.
• All Savannah Campus online courses are delivered in a 5½-week format.
• All Savannah Campus online students are also required to take 4 specific courses in an on-ground campus setting (11-week format) in an ABA approved program.
• Full time students on any campus can earn a bachelor’s degree in Legal Studies in as little as three years. Degree completion time may be shorter if you have previous transferable college credit.

The Legal Studies program at South University gives you the opportunity to become part of this exciting field. As a student in South University's Legal Studies program, you will:

• Be prepared to seek employment or advancement in your career as a paralegal with the solid foundation of a bachelor’s degree.
• Be prepared for challenging assignments, including investigating cases, researching the law, and preparing documents for litigation or business transactions, while working under the supervision of an attorney.
• Learn how the law applies to real-life problems through practical coursework that stresses critical thinking and a systematic approach to problem solving.
• Apply legal theories and substantive law into practical applications in a law office or at any organization involved with legal processes.
• Enhance your critical and analytical thinking skills, conduct computerized legal research and develop the written and organizational skills required to effectively manage legal cases.
• Refine your interpersonal and communication skills and learn how to establish strong professional client relationships.
• Learn how to conduct effective witness interviews.

Time-honored academic heritage

• Established in 1899, South University has delivered quality education and personal attention to students for more than 100 years.
• South University has campus locations in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina.

South University's Institutional Accreditation

• South University is regionally accredited by the Commission on Colleges, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS).
• • South University is accredited to award associate's, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees (Level V institution).

Academic Requirements

To be admitted to the Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies program online at South University, the prospective student must be a high school graduate OR have the equivalent GED (General Education Development certificate).

After meeting this qualification, applicants must:

1. Achieve a satisfactory score on either the SAT I, the ACT, or the CPTs OR
2. Meet the eligibility requirements for a transfer student.

For additional information, view the
Undergraduate Admissions Requirements.

Rapid Employment Growth

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, "Employment of paralegals and legal assistants is projected to grow 22 percent between 2006 and 2016, much faster than the average for all occupations." "Despite projected rapid employment growth, competition for jobs is expected to continue as many people seek to go into this profession; experienced, formally trained paralegals should have the best employment opportunities." "Although many employers do not require such approval, graduation from an ABA-approved program can enhance employment opportunities."

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-09 Edition, Paralegals and Legal Assistants, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos114.htm (visited March 14, 2008).

Get started

Set a course for your own career growth by enrolling in the Legal Studies program at South University. Click here to be contacted by an admissions representative.