Bachelor of Science
The objectives of the BS degree with a major in Legal Studies are:
- to provide students with a comprehensive knowledge of legal systems in state and federal environments
- to meet the needs of adult learners by developing the legal research and writing skills that are essential to success in a legal environment
- to provide adult learners with the critical thinking and communication skills necessary to comprehend and function as a legal assistant within the civil and criminal practice areas of a modern law firm
- to provide a means for adult learners to identify and evaluate experiential learning to assess the impact of prior learning in the workplace or related activities relative to the skills and knowledge that are required to function as a legal assistant/paralegal
- to provide a basis for advanced training and education beyond the baccalaureate level
- to deliver the program in a format that allows for flexibility in program planning and scheduling
Students with no experience in the legal community should begin study with PLA 301 Law and the Legal System. Degree-seeking students and certificate program students are awarded a Certificate of Participation upon application after completing a 24-credit core legal studies requirement. Sixty Credit Hour Certificates of Completion are also awarded upon application to degree-seeking and undergraduate certificate program students (see page for a more detailed description). Legal studies certificate students may convert to degree-seeking status any time during the course of their studies. Graduates of the Legal Studies degree and 60 credit hour or post-baccalaureate certificate programs are eligible to sit for the Certified Legal Assistant (CLA) examination that is administered by the National Association of Legal Assistants, Inc. ("NALA"). Undergraduate Certificate programs are open to all Barry University students who choose to complete the applicable Legal Studies ("PLA") courses and elective requirements; a student merely needs to submit an executed certificate application form after review by the student's academic advisor.
Students who are seeking a Bachelor of Science degree with a Legal Studies major or a Bachelor of Liberal Studies degree with a Legal Studies specialization must take the Certified Legal Assistant (CLA) examination, administered by the National Association of Legal Assistants, Inc., (NALA), prior to submitting an application for graduation. Proof of sitting for the CLA examination must be attached to the Application for graduation. The CLA examination is offered at least three times each calendar year in Florida. Information on the CLA examination, eligibility and testing dates and sites can be obtained from NALA at http://www.nala.org or by writing to NALA, 1516 South Boston, Avenue, Suite 200, Tulsa, Oklahoma 74119.
DISTRIBUTION REQUIREMENTS...........................45 credits
REQUIRED PORTFOLIO................................up to 30 credits
ELECTIVES................................................................... Variable
REQUIRED COURSES..............................................15 credits
Students should plan their programs with advisor assistance so that courses can be completed in the sequence which follows.
| PLA 301 |
Law and the Legal System |
| PLA 310 |
Legal Research |
| PLA 315 |
Legal Writing |
| PLA 320 |
Civil Litigation |
| PLA 430 |
Criminal Law Practice |
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS.............................15 credits
These can be taken in any sequence or combination.
| PLA 300 |
Special Topics |
| PLA 330 |
Alternative Dispute Resolution |
| PLA 335 |
Employment Law |
| PLA 339 |
Health Law |
| PLA 343 |
Business Organizations |
| PLA 350 |
Real Estate Law |
| PLA 405 |
Administrative Law and Process |
| PLA 440 |
Contracts |
| PLA 452 |
Environmental Law |
| PLA 460 |
Probate Proceedings |
| PLA 470 |
Immigration Law |
| PLA 480 |
Bankruptcy |
| PLA 483 |
Family Law |
Note: Up to 6 credits of related courses may also be accepted in transfer and/or through discipline-specific portfolio credits, (special topics: Legal Studies) with academic coordinator’s approval to satisfy additional requirements.
|
