Students in Legal Studies, a major offered by the Department of Politics and Government, have great opportunities for learning and growth, both as individuals and within the paralegal field as a whole. The Department of Politics and Government provides a variety of resources for Legal Studies majors including internship opportunities, small class sizes, as well as full-time faculty or experienced practitioners teaching all levels of coursework.
The Legal Studies curriculum is designed to provide specialized knowledge and skills to prepare students for employment as a paralegal. The learning objectives for the legal studies program are the following: apply critical thinking; strengthen professional communications skills; enhance legal research and writing skills; integrate computer skills in a legal setting; develop interviewing and investigation skills; and acquire an understanding of the paralegal profession and ethical obligations. Paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public, except as permitted by law. Students preparing for law school should consult with the pre-law advisor to determine which courses are appropriate for them.
The paralegal profession is one of the nation’s fastest growing careers, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.The Legal Studies program prepares students for a career as a paralegal in public and private law offices, corporate law departments, and government agencies. Students learn how lawyers think and how to communicate effectively with both lawyers and laymen. Paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public except as permitted by law.
Most entry-level positions for legal studies majors are offered by private law firms, government agencies, or corporate law departments.
Name | Office | Phone | |
---|---|---|---|
Megan Ruffin | 223 Bone Student Center | mhruffi@ilstu.edu | (309) 438-2200 |
Name | Office | Phone | |
---|---|---|---|
Thomas McClure | Schroeder Hall 403E | temcclu@ilstu.edu | (309) 438-8797 |
Applying by our priority deadline is encouraged for best consideration for your academic program and for scholarships. Start your application today!
Applying by our priority deadline is encouraged for best consideration for your academic program and for scholarships. Start your application today!
3.25
3.35 - 3.79
None
To find the course equivalencies at an Illinois community college, please review our Course Articulation Guides.
The Legal Studies Program will accept up to 12 semester hours of legal specialty courses a student completed at an ABA-approved paralegal education program. No credit will be given through examination or portfolio. The Director of Legal Studies or the Legal Studies Advisor will review a student’s proposed transfer courses to verify that they meet the course objectives and practical skills to be developed for the course for which credit is sought, meet the needs of the legal community that the program serves, and are comparable to the coursework offered in the program.
Name | Office | Phone | |
---|---|---|---|
Jason Cieslik | Schroeder Hall 427 | jmcies1@ilstu.edu | (309) 438-2797 |
3.25
3.35 - 3.79
Applications are always available.
Current students can use the Apply to Your Program tool on My.IllinoisState.edu.
Admission to this academic program is limited and is based on space availability and the competitiveness of the applicant pool. Factors that may be considered include, but are not limited to: courses completed, cumulative GPA, hours completed, personal interview or written statement, and samples of work completed.
Name | Office | Phone | |
---|---|---|---|
Jason Cieslik | Schroeder Hall 427 | jmcies1@ilstu.edu | (309) 438-2797 |