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Online Degree Overview

Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies

Female student in classroom raising hand
Dr. April Vance, Interim Department Chair, Legal Studies

 South University’s online Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies program can give you a strong foundation in general education, analytical and critical thinking skills, theoretical legal concepts, and practical legal applications. If you’ve been wondering what to do with a legal studies degree, the Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies can provide you with the relevant skills and experience to excel in an entry-level paralegal position* within a law firm, bank, insurance company, governmental agency, or corporation. Through the in-depth legal coursework, you can learn how to manage challenging assignments under the supervision of a licensed attorney.

*South University does not promise or guarantee licensure, employment, or salary amounts.

Admission Requirements

General Undergraduate Admission Requirements

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

To be admitted to any of the undergraduate programs at South University, the prospective student must provide proof of high school graduation as recognized by the state of residence on the date the degree was earned, or the equivalent in which a diploma was earned, with a minimum CGPA of 1.5 on a 4.0 scale within 5 weeks of the start date (refer to Conditional Acceptance). Students providing a GED must meet the minimum required test score deemed as passing in each section as required at the time of testing.

The prospective student must also complete the university administered placement tests within the first quarter of attendance. South University accepts the International Baccalaureate Program diploma as meeting the requirement for high school graduation. Credentials earned outside the United States must be evaluated by a NACES or AICE-member credential evaluation service. Please speak with an admissions representative for more information.

Students with less than the minimum CGPA of 1.49 on a 4.0 scale may meet admissions requirements by submitting a minimum combined SAT (Evidence-Based Reading and Writing, and Math) score of 700 or 900 on the SAT requiring an essay portion, a combined ACT score of 18, or meet the criteria established for acceptance as a transfer student.

Students with a CGPA between 1.49 to 1.0 on a 4.0 scale may be admitted provisionally for two quarters. Failure to achieve a 1.5 CGPA in the first two quarters of attendance will result in dismissal. Students may appeal the dismissal by following the Procedures for Appealing Academic/Financial Aid Dismissal Policy.

Students with less than a 1.0 on a 4.0 scale do not meet the admissions requirements for South University.

Acceptable verification of high school graduation or the equivalent would include a high school transcript (official or unofficial), or GED scores and state-authorized examination scores (ex. HiSET, TASC). In states that maintain a database that serves as an official registry of high school and GED graduates, an excerpt from the official database documenting the student's graduation or GED completion may be used.

Campuses in South Carolina must be provided with official high school transcripts or GED scores.

Please see the policy on GPA Calculation for Admission for additional information

Conditional Acceptance

Students may be conditionally accepted by submitting unofficial copies of documentation required for the admission requirements. Conditional acceptance is allowed for 5 weeks beyond the start of the student’s first session. Failure to provide acceptable, official documentation, as stated in the admissions requirements, within 5 weeks from the start date will result in the following:

  • Removal from class
  • Cancelation of enrollment
  • No final course grades
  • No transcript

Students who do not provide acceptable documents for full, unconditional acceptance within the 5 week period will not be responsible for tuition and related fees. South University may grant exceptions to the 5 week period for unusual situations or circumstances. All exceptions must be submitted to the Office of the University Registrar for approval.

Admission of Transfer Students

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

To be eligible for admission, transfer students must complete the application procedures and satisfy the following criteria:

  1. Submit a completed application for admission.
  2. Have earned 24 or more credit hours, or the equivalent (e.g. 16 semester hours), with a cumulative GPA of 1.5 from an acceptable accredited collegiate institution.
  3. Submit official transcripts (including verifiable faxed transcripts) from all colleges and universities attended.
  4. Submit self-certification of high school graduation or GED completion.

For transfer of credit practices refer to the applicable section under the Academic Affairs section of this catalog.

To be admitted as a Transfer student into South University the prospective student must have earned 24 or more quarter credit hours or the equivalent (e.g. 16 semester hours), with a cumulative GPA of 1.5 from an acceptable accredited collegiate institution. Official transcripts from the collegiate institution(s) must be received within 5 weeks of the start date (refer to Conditional Acceptance), and who are not required to take ENG0099 and/or MAT0099, will be exempt from taking the UVC1000 Strategies for Success. Students will select another 4 credit course in consultation with their Academic Advisor or Academic Counselor to fulfill the degree requirements.

Students with 24 or more quarter credits with a CGPA of between 1.49 to 1.0 may be admitted provisionally for two quarters. Failure to achieve a 1.5 GPA in the first two quarters of attendance will result in dismissal. Students may appeal the dismissal by following the Procedures for Appealing Academic/Financial Aid Dismissal Policy.

Students who are citizens of countries other than the United States should refer to the section entitled International Student Admissions Policy.

Students who are transferring from or to a school within the University of North Carolina or the North Carolina Community College System should be aware of the Comprehensive Articulation Agreement approved by both governing Boards on March 1, 1996 and revised in September of 2008. This agreement may be found in its entirety at the following website.

For additional admissions information please see the admissions section here.

Course Requirements

Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies: 180 Credits
Area I General Education Requirements: 64 Credits
Professional Development
Basic Communications
ENG1100 Composition I 4.0 Credit Hours
ENG1200 Composition II 4.0 Credit Hours

Choose one additional course from the list below:

Mathematics and Statistics (choose three)
MAT1001 College Algebra I 4.0 Credit Hours
MAT1005 College Algebra II 4.0 Credit Hours
MAT1500 College Mathematics 4.0 Credit Hours
MAT2058 Statistics 4.0 Credit Hours
Natural Sciences (choose two)
BIO1020 Biology I 4.0 Credit Hours
BIO1021 Biology II 4.0 Credit Hours
CHM1010 General Chemistry 4.0 Credit Hours
Arts and Humanities
Social and Behavioral Sciences (choose three)

Choose any two additional General Education electives not already applied:

Area II Foundation Requirements: 40 Credits
BUS1038 Business Law I 4.0 Credit Hours
BUS2038 Business Law II 4.0 Credit Hours
Elective Pool (eight courses or 32 credit hours)
Area III Major Requirements: 76 Credits
Electives (choose three)
LGS2005 Real Estate Law 4.0 Credit Hours
LGS2010 Bankruptcy Law 4.0 Credit Hours
LGS2030 Administrative Law 4.0 Credit Hours
LGS2100 Paralegal Internship 4.0 Credit Hours
Electives (choose three)
LGS3009 International Law 4.0 Credit Hours
LGS3040 Constitutional Law 4.0 Credit Hours
LGS3050 Immigration Law 4.0 Credit Hours
LGS3065 Criminal Procedure 4.0 Credit Hours
LGS4010 Evidence 4.0 Credit Hours
LGS4050 Environmental Law 4.0 Credit Hours
LGS4051 Cyberlaw 4.0 Credit Hours
LGS4060 Legal Externship II 4.0 Credit Hours

Outcomes

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.

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.

Career Outlook

These are some of the career options* you can explore when you have earned your degree:

  • Legal Assistant
  • Legal Office Assistant
  • Title Examiners
  • Legal Support Worker

*South University does not promise or guarantee licensure, employment, or salary amounts.

Online Classroom

Haven’t experienced online learning before or wondering what it’s like to earn your degree online at South University? While the mode of learning is different from the traditional classroom experience with added convenience and flexibility, we hold the same high standards of academic excellence in the online classroom. 

South University’s online programs combine a curriculum designed for student outcomes and a classroom designed for flexibility and engagement. Our online classroom learning platform, Brightspace, provides you with a host of features to enhance your learning experience, including:

  • Advanced media content
  • Personalized navigation
  • Simplified online learning atmosphere
  • Access to digital books
  • Emailing and instant messaging options

We provide more than just an online classroom, bringing a range of campus experiences and services online. In addition, the online classroom is accessible on the go via mobile devices and with tools like the Pulse App. Pulse helps you stay connected and on track with your course by providing a number of features such as course calendars, readings and assignments, feedback and grades, and announcements.

Read more about online requirements here. 

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Campuses offer flexible learning formats* including: on-campus, virtual instructions, and online courses.

*Clinical, practicum, and externship requirements exist in certain programs and require field experiences. Learning formats may not be flexible.

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Success STories

Outstanding Education for Remarkable Careers

We're committed to helping our graduates make an impact in their professional and personal lives. We applaud our alumni and the difference they make. Check out what some of our Criminal Justice & Legal Studies graduates have to say.

Tyra Mitchell 2006
Tyra Mitchell Grad Alumni
Class of '06
Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies-South University, Columbia

“All of the instructors that I had were very understanding and actually cared about the students.”

blue cap and gown graduate icon
Tiffany Wood Grad Alumni
Class of '09
Associate of Science in Legal Studies-South University, Columbia

“My classes at South University challenged me to find the answers I was looking for and inspired me to keep seeking the truth in any situation presented to me. Being at South University has definitely brought me closer to my family and a step closer to my dreams!”

Tami Stuart 2011
Tami Stuart Grad Alumni
Class of '11
Associate of Science in Paralegal Studies-South University, Montgomery

“I knew I would need to pursue a career I could be passionate about, and something I would be happy doing for a long time. My father was an attorney and he taught me respect for the justice system. I remembered spending many happy hours in his office, when he would point to his statue of Lady Justice and explain the importance of justice being blind and the scales being fair. The fact that the Paralegal Studies program at South University is approved by the American Bar Association was a big part of my decision.”

Steve Knafelc 2013
Steve Knafelc Grad Alumni
Class of '13
Master of Science in Criminal Justice-South University, Columbia

“All of my classes were conducted online, and with my work schedule at the sheriff's office this was the best move for me to make.”

blue cap and gown graduate icon
Peter Gross Grad Alumni
Class of '10
Associate of Science in Paralegal Studies-South University, West Palm Beach

“My classes at South University were inspiring, not just informative; a thorough curriculum absolutely gave me the background I needed to be hired immediately at my law office.”