Program Overview
Eastern Michigan University's ABA-approved Paralegal program equips students with practical skills in legal research, writing, and analysis. The program's core courses cover essential legal concepts and procedures, while elective courses allow students to specialize in areas such as marijuana law or cyber law. Graduates are prepared for careers in law firms, corporations, and other legal settings, or for further education in law school.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
- Overview: The Paralegal program at Eastern Michigan University is approved by the American Bar Association and provides professional training for a career in the legal field.
- Objectives: The program aims to equip students with "real world" skills in legal research, writing, analysis, computer-based research, court procedures, doctrinal law, legal document drafting, corporate transactions, client interviewing, and trial preparation.
- Description: Students will gain a thorough understanding of the legal system and develop proficiency in the essential skills required to work under the supervision of an attorney, including legal research and writing, legal ethics, civil litigation, probate law, family law, and corporate law.
Outline:
Required Foundational Courses (6 hours)
- Principles of Macroeconomics OR Principles of Microeconomics
- Introductory Sociology OR Social Problems
Required Core Courses (33 hours)
- Introduction to the Legal System
- Law Office Administration and Technology
- Legal Writing, Research and Analysis I (GEWI)
- Advanced Legal Writing, Research and Analysis II
- Probate, Estates and Wills
- Family Law
- Advanced Legal Writing, Research and Analysis III
- Transactional Law
- Civil Litigation, Investigation and Procedure I
- Civil Litigation, Investigation and Procedure II
- Legal Internship (GELB)
Business & Information Processing Courses (15 hours)
- Principles of Financial Accounting
- Microcomputers for Business Applications
- Advanced Spreadsheet Applications
- Advanced Database Management
- Electronically Stored Information and eDiscovery
Restricted Elective Courses (18 hours)
Group I - Paralegal Electives (9 hours)
- Marijuana Law
- Land Transaction and Real Estate
- Women and the Law
- Cyber Law and Compliance
- Special Topics
- Bankruptcy Law
- Paralegal Capstone (GELB)
- Special Topics
Group II - Interdisciplinary Electives (9 hours)
- Women in Business (GEUS)
- Advanced Workforce Communication and Collaboration
- Workplace Training and Technology
- Interviewing as Communication
- Criminology
- Women, Crime and Justice
- White Collar Crime
- Criminal Law II
- Legal Environment of Business
- Law of Business Enterprises
- Employment Law
- Disabled in the U.S.A. - Rights, Prejudice, Claims and Responsibilities
- Special Topics
- Special Topics
- Engineering Intellectual Property
- Philosophy of Law (GEWI)
- Criminal Law and Politics
- Law and Policy in a Constitutional Democracy
- Constitutional Law: Institutions and Process
- Constitutional Law: Civil Rights and Liberties
- Constitutional Law: Criminal Due Process, Privacy and Economic Rights
- Legislative Process
- Women and Politics
- Judicial Process and Behavior
- U.S. Supreme Court Simulation (GEWI)
- Additional Law-Related Course (3 hours)
Minor Requirement:
This major does not require a minor.
Careers:
- Employment opportunities: Graduates may find employment in law firms, corporations, banks, human resource offices, hospitals, state and federal governments, and court systems.
- Further education: Graduates may also choose to pursue law school after completing the Paralegal degree or working in the legal field for a few years.
Entry requirements:
Admission to the University as an undergraduate or second bachelor's degree candidate. Completion of WRTG 121 with a grade of "B" or higher. Completion of LEGL 211 - Introduction to the Legal System with a grade of "B-" or higher. Completion of LEGL 304W - Legal Writing, Research and Analysis I with a grade of "C+" or higher. A cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.
