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Degrees and Certificates
Legal Studies
College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences
Help Lawyers
Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with a Concentration in Legal Studies
Paralegals, working under the supervision of any attorney, have opportunities to improve their clients’ quality of life and, in turn, improve communities.
The Legal Studies concentration of the Criminal Justice bachelor’s program prepares students for careers in the fields of paralegal/legal assistant and judicial administration. Students interested in pursuing law school may wish to consider this track, although no specific major is required by most law schools.
In addition to earning a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, Legal Studies Concentration degree approved by the American Bar Association, you’ll earn a certificate of program completion.
In addition to law firms, paralegals work in business organizations, banks, insurance companies and health organizations. The government is also a big employer of paralegals. Some of their duties include:
You should consider the Criminal Justice Concentration if you would like to prepare for a career in the fields of law enforcement, the courts and/or corrections.
Disclaimers: The Outreach Program paralegal certificate courses offered at Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, are not ABA-approved. Paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public, except as permitted by law. Alabama law prohibits the practice of law by non-lawyers, including legal assistants/paralegals. A program graduate is not a certified paralegal. Paralegal certification is administered by professional paralegal organizations. Program requires a minimum of nine (9) semester hours of synchronous instruction in courses designated as legal specialty courses.
Get Your Degree
The Know How
What you will know with a Legal Studies degree from AUM
We Encourage You To Think
The courses in this program help you become a critical thinker, with skills such as collecting and evaluating information, drawing conclusions and evaluating those conclusions.
We Prepare You To Collaborate
Under the supervision of an attorney, paralegals are trusted to work independently or in a team of legal professionals. They often have contact with the client, the client’s family, and others.
We Give You A Positive Framework For Serving
Know how to serve the public interest by delivering not only the truth, but the context behind it.
We Prepare You For The Job Market
Through internship opportunities, you’ll get a taste of the real world of paralegals and legal assistants. You’ll also be able to create a professional network that will be crucial to career success.
Points of Pride
Soaring Warhawks
Customize Your Concentration
We Have the Answers
Rewarding Occupations and Job Growth
Check out our Career Discovery Board on this page to begin exploring your options. Contact us by phone or email so we can get you the answers you need.
The Legal Studies faculty have numerous contacts and relationships with law firms and others who hire paralegals. You’ll benefit from this network when seeking internships and jobs.
The Legal Studies concentration is ideal for paralegal/legal assistant or judicial administration. The Criminal Justice focus prepares you to work in law enforcement, the courts and/or corrections.
With a Criminal Justice degree with a concentration in Legal Studies,, you will be ready to undertake a variety of career choices. AUM’s Career Development Center helps you jumpstart your job search and use your network to expand your career options.
Degree Options
Is a Degree in Legal Studies right for me?
With this bachelor’s degree as your educational foundation, you have many career possibilities.
| Career/Job Title | Entry-level Education | Job Growth 2020-2030 | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mediator | Bachelor’s Degree(Plus Additional Training and Certification) | 10% (As fast as average) | $66,130 |
| Paralegal and Legal Assistant | Bachelor’s Degree | 12% (Faster than average) | $52,920 |
| Lawyer | Law Degree | 9% (As fast as average) | $126,930 |
Note: Salaries vary depending on several factors including your level of experience, education, training, demographics, and industry. Here is a sampling of the future job growth and salaries according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Learn More
In-Class
Quick Facts
College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences
At AUM’s College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, you will have powerful learning experiences, working side by side with professors who have real-world experience.
Our academic departments include Communication and Theatre, Criminal Justice, Economics, English and Philosophy, Fine Arts, History and World Cultures, Political Science and Public Administration, Sociology, Anthropology and Social Work, and Army ROTC. To help you pay for college, you might qualify for one of our scholarships.
Official Name of the Legal Studies Degree
Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with a Concentration in Legal Studies
Modality
This degree requires students to meet on campus. Students in these courses enroll in a program to connect in a campus setting and to collaborate using a variety of technological and educational tools. Professors play an inspirational role in building relationships among teams and individuals in this setting. The criteria for many programs can only be met with In-Class coursework. Be sure to check with your advisor to understand the best route to take.
Legal Studies
Courses Include
To complete this degree concentration, you will need to complete courses in the university core, Criminal Justice, and electives. Contact us for a current listing of courses required to complete this program.
The course listings below are only a few of the classes this concentration offers. For a full review of this program in detail, please see our official online catalog AND consult with an academic advisor.
| Course # | Course Name | Course Description |
|---|---|---|
| JUST 2620 | Criminal Law | Learn about common law, statutory crime, and more. |
| JUST 3670 | Family Law | Learn the law impacting family relationships such as marriage, divorce, adoption, child support, and more. |
| JUST 3680 | Tort Law | Learn the law of private wrongs: negligence theory, duty, breach of duty, and more. |
| JUST 3730 | Real Estate Law | Learn aspects of real estate law concerning present and future estates in realty, concurrent ownership, titles, and more. |
| JUST 4690 | Wills, Trusts, and Estates | Learn the process of estate planning and probate, with emphasis on the practical aspects of will drafting and more. |
