Legal/Paralegal Studies Curriculum

South University’s Legal Studies (BS) and Paralegal Studies (AS) programs are designed to provide opportunities for students to prepare for a rapidly changing and challenging profession as a paralegal. The American Bar Association (ABA) defines a paralegal as “a person, qualified by education, training, or work experience who is employed or retained by a lawyer, law office, corporation, governmental agency or other entity and who performs specifically delegated substantive legal work for which a lawyer is responsible.” Paralegals and legal assistants may not give legal advice, set fees, represent clients in court, or provide legal services to the public except as permitted by law. All students in South University Paralegal and Legal Studies programs receive instruction in legal ethics and how to avoid the unauthorized practice of law.  Paralegals and legal assistants may not give legal advice, set fees, or represent clients in court, and all students in South University legal studies programs receive instruction in legal ethics and how to avoid the unauthorized practice of law.

Coursework emphasizes development of keen analytical and critical thinking skills while fostering sensitivity to cultural and political diversity. Students use modern law office technology and software in courses taught in classrooms, computer labs, or in courses offered online through the Savannah campus. South University encourages students to commit to lifelong learning that is beneficial in obtaining employment following graduation and that may help them in advancing in their careers as paralegal professionals.

Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies

Offered at Online Programs

Note: Not all Online Program offerings are available to residents of all U.S. states. Please contact an admissions representative for further information.

The Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies degree program is designed to provide students with a broad academic background in general education, fundamental theoretical legal concepts, and practical applications. This program is designed for the student who has an interest in seeking an entry-level position upon graduation or who is ready to take the next step in his or her career in the legal field. The graduate will 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 a licensed attorney.

The coursework is designed to emphasize development of keen analytical and critical thinking skills, while fostering sensitivity to cultural and political diversity. Graduates can pursue entry-level positions as paralegals in law firms, banks, insurance companies, governmental agencies and corporations.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

Graduates will be able to:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of procedural law and substantive law by successfully completing advanced or specialized legal assignments performed in a law office or any organization involved with legal processes under the supervision of an attorney.
2. Demonstrate a proficiency in the skills required for the complexities of a modern technology-based law office.
3. Demonstrate an understanding of professional and ethical standards expected of a paralegal in a broader spectrum of legal practice.
4. Demonstrate enhanced communication skills, including public speaking, letter and memorandum writing, as well as complex legal drafting under the supervision of an attorney.
5. Demonstrate advanced legal research, acute critical thinking, reasoning, and analytical approaches to legal problem solving.