The Legal Studies Major

Degree Awarded
Bachelor of Science

The Legal Studies major provides students with the skills and knowledge required to carry out various legal assistant/administrator responsibilities such as legal research, writing and investigations. A Legal Studies Advisory Committee, composed of local practicing attorneys and paralegals from the public and private sectors, provides guidance and oversight of the program. The committee also includes members of the local judiciary and the general public who help set the program’s goals. Ohio prohibits the practice of law by non-attorneys.

Our Legal Studies Program:

• Develops students’ analytical abilities and communication skills
• Provides a general understanding of the principles of ethical and professional responsibilities of their profession
• Provides a broad liberal arts background for the development of educated, cultured, and civic-minded individuals
• Approved by the American Bar Association

Opportunities in Legal Studies

Past graduates of the Legal Studies program have chosen to become legal assistants for private law firms, government, banks, insurance companies and real estate agencies. Many graduates have also chosen to further their education at area law schools and have moved on to become successful attorneys. Students may also choose courses that help prepare them to take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT).

Special Facilities

The Stanton Law Library Collection of Books is dedicated to the use of students in the program. Lexis® is available and provides access to information found in thousands of hardbound legal books and periodicals.

International Experience
Lake Erie College encourages all students to participate in international experiences. Students may wish to spend a semester at one of our “sister” institutions earning credits towards their degree while learning about other peoples and cultures.

Another international opportunity for students is Study Tours. Study Tours are two-week trips abroad that students may take during their Junior or Senior year. Most of the cost of the trip is included within the normal tuition.

Academic Requirements

A Bachelors Degree requires at least 128 credit hours. All students graduating from Lake Erie College will complete twenty semester hours of basic requirements including courses in Math, English, Computers, Public Speaking, and Foreign Language. These courses are normally completed during the Freshman year.

Students will also complete twenty-four hours of core liberal arts courses. These courses include the subject areas of critical thinking, aesthetic forms, scientific inquiry, cultures and values, sophisticated texts, and social sciences. Each major has course specific requirements, and any remaining credits will be considered as electives.

Requirements for the Legal Studies Major

The Legal Studies Major requires at least 52 hours of course work in the areas of research and writing, criminal law and procedure, business law, constitutional law, ethics, investigative techniques and other course areas.

Additionally, every potential student has an Admissions Counselor at LEC that can answer questions about Lake Erie College and its academic programs. Admissions can be reached at 1-800-916-0904. Please call to visit our campus and meet with the Legal Studies Advisor.

At Lake Erie College, meeting your individual educational objectives is our highest goal. You, the student scholar, you will be at the center of this journey called higher education. You will have the opportunity to be a valued participant in each one of your classes. With a class size averaging fewer than 15 students, every member of our distinguished faculty will know you by name. Once you join our community, you will benefit from our 150 years of experience in building business leaders, entrepreneurs, artists, educators, political leaders, and scholars.