The Legal Studies and Professional Ethics degree program provides an initial foundation in legal studies and professional ethics that includes general education, legal specialty and survey courses designed to prepare students for entry-level careers. Students gain valuable skills and knowledge while exploring real world examples of legal, ethical, and practical applications.

This degree program is approved by the American Bar Association (ABA).

PROGRAM OUTCOMES

• Understand the roles and responsibilities of legal professionals in a variety of legal employment settings;

• Identify and implement standards of legal ethics and professionalism;

• Demonstrate practical skills in a range of substantive legal areas;

• Engage in effective written and verbal professional communication;

• Develop appropriate methods for embarking on a legal career.

As part of this degree program, each student must complete 18 credits of designated legal specialty courses which include 9 credits (three courses) of core legal specialty courses which must be attained through synchronous instruction, with live remote instruction offered for all applicable courses. The remaining courses are offered online, on campus, daytime and/or evening.

Legal specialty courses are designed to provide students with instruction in practical skills for entry-level positions.

The following legal specialty courses do not generally qualify for transfer into the degree program: LEG 129, LEG 130, LEG 132, LEG 133, LEG 143, LEG 255, and LEG 258. Students may transfer other non-legal specialty courses within the degree requirements, pending review and approval.

In the United States, paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public or engage in the practice of law, except as permitted by law. Courses in the program do not include training for jurisdiction-specific legal instruction and do not qualify as the instruction of law nor do they prepare students to practice law or to represent clients. In New Jersey, only an attorney who is admitted to the state bar may practice law.

This program is designed for students seeking a flexible and affordable path to earn an ABA-approved degree.

All students must complete 18 credits of required legal specialty courses LEG 129, 130, 132, 133, 255, and 258 -- none of which may be transferred from other institutions or (except for 255 and 258) completed through MercerOnline.

Electives should be selected in consultation with the program coordinator in order to assure maximum transfer of credits. Students require a minimum of 18 hours of ABA recognized general education electives.

LGL.STUD.AAS - Legal Studies and Professional Ethics

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Degree minimum credits