Paralegal Studies Program

The objectives of the Paralegal Studies Program are as follows:

1.   To train students as paralegals to assist attorneys in law offices, legal services corporations, banks, corporations, and various government agencies by providing instruction and experience in general education, business, and law.

2.   To provide students with a basic understanding of legal concepts and terms of subjects which are vital to practicing paralegals. To provide students with legal writing and research skills to enable graduates to perform as efficient members of a legal team.

3.   To support the general principles of ethical legal practices and professional responsibilities and to support the prohibitions against the unauthorized practice of law by lay persons.

4.   To provide knowledge of the principles of ethical and professional responsibilities as these relate to lawyers, legal assistants, and clients and to the legal profession.

5.   To provide a broad background in general education for the development of a well-rounded individual.

6.   To constantly improve and adjust the program to meet the needs of the community by seeking input from judges, local attorneys, legal assistants, and students.

7.   To maintain equality of opportunity in the education program without discrimination on the grounds of race, color, religion, natural origin, or gender.

Paralegal Studies Major (B.A. or B.S. Degree)

The following is only one source of information regarding a student’s program of study for a B.A. or a B.S. in Paralegal Studies. Note: Some courses taken for the major may also fulfill requirements for the University core curriculum.  Students should always meet with a faculty advisor for information on course scheduling, rotation, and selection and for planning an effective and efficient program of study. Students must take PLG 440 in their final semester at MUW.

University Core (See Academic Program Requirements in this Bulletin)

Major Courses:

PLG 101 Introduction to Paralegal Studies (3)

PLG 200 Legal Bibliography and Research I (3)

PLG 202 Legal Bibliography and Research II (3)

PLG 241 Legal Environment of Business (3)

PLG 303 Torts (3)

PLG 330 Legal Writing (3)

PLG340 Law Office Technology and Management (3)

PLG 428 Real Estate Law (3)

PLG 429 Civil Litigation (3)

PLG 440 Practical Legal Lab (3)

Three Paralegal Studies elective courses (9)

Total Paralegal Studies hours:  39

Other Required Courses:

BU 157 Information Systems Using Microcomputers (3)

PHL 205 Logic (3)

B.A. Degree Requirements:

Foreign Language (one area – minimum of 6 hours at the 200 level or above)

B.S. Degree Requirements:

MA 113 or above excluding MA 123 (3)

Natural Science with lab (8)

Science or mathematics (6)

Total Hours Required for a B.A. or B.S. in Paralegal Studies: 124 Semester Hours

Paralegal Studies Minor

Minor requirements:

PLG 101 Introduction to Paralegal Studies (3)

PLG 200 Legal Bibliography and Research I (3)

PLG 202 Legal Bibliography and Research II (3)

PLG 241 Legal Environment of Business (3)

Select three additional courses from the following (9):

PLG 327 Estates, Wills, and Trusts (3)

PLG 330 Legal Writing (3)

PLG 340 Law Office Technology and Management (3)

PLG 428 Real Estate Law (3)

PLG 429 Civil Litigation (3)

PLG 432 Family Law (3)

PLG 434 Bankruptcy Law (3)