Program Overview
The Bachelor of Arts in Paralegal Studies combines legal theory and practical skills to prepare individuals for a career in the legal field. It offers a comprehensive curriculum with legal specialty electives and an internship experience. The program is approved by the American Bar Association and aligns with Ohio's licensure requirements, equipping students to excel as paralegals or in related legal support roles.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Bachelor of Arts in Paralegal Studies program combines legal theory and practical skills to prepare you for a career in the legal field. The program prepares students for the Certified Paralegal exam from the National Association of Legal Assistants.
- PLST 28001 LEGAL RESEARCH AND WRITING (3 credit hours)
- PLST 28004 CIVIL PROCEDURE (3 credit hours)
- PLST 36792 INTERNSHIP IN PARALEGAL (ELR) (16 credit hours)
- PLST 38006 APPLIED LEGAL RESEARCH AND LITIGATION (WIC) (23 credit hours)
- Legal Specialty Electives (24 credit hours) - Choose from the following:
- PLST 28003 FAMILY LAW AND PROCEDURE
- PLST 28007 ESTATE AND PROBATE ADMINISTRATION
- PLST 35001 ENVIRONMENTAL LAW FOR PARALEGALS
- PLST 35003 HEALTH LAW
- PLST 35005 LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT LAW FOR PARALEGALS
- PLST 38003 ADMINISTRATIVE LAW AND PROCESS
- PLST 38005 TORT LAW
- PLST 40095 SPECIAL TOPICS IN PARALEGAL STUDIES
- PLST 42701 EVIDENCE AND E-DISCOVERY
- PLST 42705 BANKRUPTCY LAW I: BASIC FUNDAMENTALS
- PLST 42706 BANKRUPTCY LAW II: CREDITOR-DEBTOR RELATIONS
- PLST 42708 REAL ESTATE LAW
- PLST 48002 CONTRACT LAW
- PLST 48300 LAW OF CORPORATIONS AND OTHER ASSOCIATIONS
- PLST 48401 PATENT LAW
- PLST 48403 PATENT PROSECUTION
- PLST 48404 COPYRIGHT LAW I
- PLST 48407 TRADEMARK LAW
- PLST 48408 TRADEMARK PROSECUTION
Additional Requirements (courses do not count in major GPA):
- UC 10001 FLASHES 101 (1 credit hour)
- Foreign Language (14-16 credit hours)
- Kent Core Composition (6 credit hours)
- Kent Core Mathematics and Critical Reasoning (3 credit hours)
- Kent Core Humanities and Fine Arts (9 credit hours - minimum one course from each)
- Kent Core Social Sciences (6 credit hours - must be from two disciplines)
- Kent Core Basic Sciences (6-7 credit hours - must include one laboratory)
- Kent Core Additional (6 credit hours)
- General Electives (27 credit hours)
Graduation Requirements:
- Minimum Major GPA: 2.000
- Minimum Overall GPA: 2.000
Foreign Language College Requirement:
- Students pursuing the Bachelor of Arts degree in the College of Arts and Sciences must complete 14-16 credit hours of foreign language.
- To complete the requirement, students need the equivalent of Elementary I and II in any language, plus one of the following options:
- Intermediate I and II of the same language
- Elementary I and II of a second language
- Any combination of two courses from the following list:
- Intermediate I of the same language
- ARAB 21401
- ASL 19401
- CHIN 25421
- MCLS 10001
- MCLS 20001
- MCLS 20091
- MCLS 21417
- MCLS 21420
- MCLS 22217
- MCLS 28403
- MCLS 28404
Roadmap:
- Semester One:
- UC 10001 FLASHES 101 (1 credit hour)
- Foreign Language (4 credit hours)
- Kent Core Requirement (3 credit hours)
- Kent Core Requirement (3 credit hours)
- Total Credit Hours: 14
- Semester Two:
- PLST 28004 CIVIL PROCEDURE (3 credit hours)
- Foreign Language (4 credit hours)
- Kent Core Requirement (3 credit hours)
- Kent Core Requirement (3 credit hours)
- Kent Core Requirement (3 credit hours)
- Total Credit Hours: 16
- Semester Three:
- PLST 28001 LEGAL RESEARCH AND WRITING (3 credit hours)
- Legal Specialty Electives (6 credit hours)
- Foreign Language (3 credit hours)
- Kent Core Requirement (3 credit hours)
- Total Credit Hours: 15
- Semester Four:
- PLST 38006 APPLIED LEGAL RESEARCH AND LITIGATION (WIC) (3 credit hours)
- Legal Specialty Electives (6 credit hours)
- Foreign Language (3 credit hours)
- Kent Core Requirement (3 credit hours)
- Total Credit Hours: 15
- Semester Five:
- Legal Specialty Electives (6 credit hours)
- Kent Core Requirement (3 credit hours)
- Kent Core Requirement (3 credit hours)
- Kent Core Requirement (3 credit hours)
- Total Credit Hours: 15
- Semester Six:
- Legal Specialty Electives (6 credit hours)
- Kent Core Requirement (3 credit hours)
- Kent Core Requirement (3 credit hours)
- General Elective (3 credit hours)
- Total Credit Hours: 15
- Semester Seven:
- PLST 36792 INTERNSHIP IN PARALEGAL (ELR) (3 credit hours)
- General Electives (12 credit hours)
- Total Credit Hours: 15
- Semester Eight:
- PLST 36792 INTERNSHIP IN PARALEGAL (ELR) (3 credit hours)
- General Electives (12 credit hours)
- Total Credit Hours: 15
- Minimum Total Credit Hours: 120
University Requirements:
- Flashes 101 (UC 10001) (1 credit hour) - Not required for students with 30+ transfer credits (excluding College Credit Plus) or age 21+ at time of admission.
- Diversity Domestic/Global (DIVD/DIVG) (2 courses) - Students must successfully complete one domestic and one global course, of which one must be from the Kent Core.
- Experiential Learning Requirement (ELR) (varies) - Students must successfully complete one course or approved experience.
- Kent Core (36-37 credit hours)
- Writing-Intensive Course (WIC) (1 course) - Students must earn a minimum C grade in the course.
- Upper-Division Requirement (39 credit hours) - Students must successfully complete 39 upper-division (numbered 30000 to 49999) credit hours to graduate.
- Total Credit Hour Requirement (120 credit hours)
Kent Core Requirements:
- Kent Core Composition (KCMP) (6 credit hours)
- Kent Core Mathematics and Critical Reasoning (KMCR) (3 credit hours)
- Kent Core Humanities and Fine Arts (KHUM/KFA) (9 credit hours - minimum one course each)
- Kent Core Social Sciences (KSS) (6 credit hours - must be from two disciplines)
- Kent Core Basic Sciences (KBS/KLAB) (6-7 credit hours - must include one laboratory)
- Kent Core Additional (KADL) (6 credit hours)
- Total Credit Hours: 36-37
Careers:
- Examples of Possible Careers and Salaries:
- Paralegals and legal assistants (10.5% much faster than the average, 337,800 number of jobs, $52,920 potential earnings)
- Title examiners, abstractors, and searchers (-2.6% decline, 63,600 number of jobs, $48,820 potential earnings)
- Legal support workers, all other (-1.2% decline, 50,400 number of jobs, $59,540 potential earnings)
Other:
- The B.A. degree in Paralegal Studies is approved by the American Bar Association (ABA).
- The program combines a liberal arts background with law-related specialty courses to provide students with communication, critical reasoning and analytical skills; knowledge of the legal system; and practical hands-on experience.
- This program is designed to prepare students to sit for applicable licensure or certification in Ohio.
Kent State University
Overview:
Kent State University is a leading public university in Ohio, known for its diverse academic programs and vibrant campus life. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degrees, as well as certificates, across various disciplines.
Services Offered:
Student Life and Campus Experience:
Kent State University provides a rich and engaging campus experience for its students. The university offers a variety of resources and opportunities for students to get involved, including:
Arts & Culture:
Students can explore various artistic expressions through events, performances, and exhibitions.Clubs & Organizations:
A wide range of student clubs and organizations cater to diverse interests, fostering a sense of community and leadership development.Dining:
The university provides various dining options, including on-campus restaurants, cafes, and convenience stores.Housing:
Kent State offers a variety of housing options for students, including residence halls, apartments, and off-campus living arrangements.Student Involvement:
The university encourages student involvement through various programs and initiatives, promoting leadership, service, and personal growth.Recreation and Wellness Services:
Students can enjoy a variety of recreational activities, including fitness centers, intramural sports, club sports, and outdoor adventures.Campus Resources:
The university provides a comprehensive range of support services for students, including health services, mental health services, academic advising, and career counseling.Key Reasons to Study There:
Academic Programs:
Kent State University offers a wide range of academic programs, including:
Colleges:
The university is organized into several colleges, each specializing in specific areas of study.Majors & Degrees:
Students can choose from a variety of majors and degrees, including undergraduate and graduate programs.Online Degrees & Certificates:
The university offers a selection of online degree and certificate programs for flexible learning options.ROTC Programs:
Kent State offers ROTC programs for students interested in military service.University Catalog:
The university catalog provides detailed information about academic programs, courses, and policies.Other:
Entry Requirements:
- First-Year Students on the Kent Campus: Admission is selective and based on cumulative GPA, strength of high school college preparatory curriculum, and grade trends. Students not admissible to the Kent Campus may be referred to one of the seven regional campuses.
- First-Year Students on the Regional Campuses: Admission is open to anyone with a high school diploma or equivalent.
- International Students: All international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions) by earning a minimum 525 TOEFL score (71 on the Internet-based version), minimum 75 MELAB score, minimum 6.0 IELTS score or minimum 48 PTE Academic score, or by completing the ELS level 112 Intensive Program.
- Transfer Students: Students who have attended any other educational institution after graduating from high school must apply as undergraduate transfer students.
- Former Students: Former Kent State students or graduates who have not attended another college or university since Kent State may complete the reenrollment or reinstatement form on the University Registrar’s website.
Language Proficiency Requirements:
- International Students: All international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions) by earning a minimum 525 TOEFL score (71 on the Internet-based version), minimum 75 MELAB score, minimum 6.0 IELTS score or minimum 48 PTE Academic score, or by completing the ELS level 112 Intensive Program.