{"id":1548,"date":"2018-02-05T17:17:19","date_gmt":"2018-02-05T17:17:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/criminal-justice-legal-studies\/?page_id=1548"},"modified":"2026-03-10T13:50:18","modified_gmt":"2026-03-10T18:50:18","slug":"legal-studies","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/criminal-justice-legal-studies\/legal-studies\/","title":{"rendered":"Legal Studies"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"fusion-fullwidth fullwidth-box fusion-builder-row-1 nonhundred-percent-fullwidth non-hundred-percent-height-scrolling\" style=\"background-color: rgba(255,255,255,0);background-position: center center;background-repeat: no-repeat;padding-top:0px;padding-right:30px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:30px;margin-bottom: 0px;margin-top: 0px;border-width: 0px 0px 0px 0px;border-color:#eae9e9;border-style:solid;\" ><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-row\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-0 fusion_builder_column_3_5 3_5 fusion-three-fifth fusion-column-first\" style=\"width:60%;width:calc(60% - ( ( 4% ) * 0.6 ) );margin-right: 4%;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:20px;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-column-wrapper-legacy\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;padding: 10px 10px 10px 10px;\"><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-1\" style=\"transform:translate3d(0,0,0);\"><h2 style=\"margin-top: 0px;\">Promote civic engagement. Advocate for justice. Uphold the Constitution.<\/h2>\n<p data-pm-slice=\"1 1 &#091;&#093;\">ABA Approved Program.<\/p>\n<p>The Bachelor of Science (Law) and all Paralegal and Legal Studies programs of 大象传媒 are approved by the American Bar Association (ABA). We have the only ABA-approved program at a public institution in 大象传媒. Our Paralegal Program is also a charter member of the American Association for Paralegal Education.<\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-sep-clear\"><\/div><div class=\"fusion-separator fusion-full-width-sep\" style=\"margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;margin-top:10px;width:100%;\"><div class=\"fusion-separator-border sep-double\" style=\"border-color:rgba(0,0,0,0.5);border-top-width:0px;border-bottom-width:0px;\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-sep-clear\"><\/div><div class=\"fusion-tabs fusion-tabs-1 classic horizontal-tabs icon-position-left\"><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-tabs.fusion-tabs-1 .nav-tabs li a.tab-link{border-top-color:#ffc700;background-color:#ffc700;}.fusion-tabs.fusion-tabs-1 .nav-tabs{background-color:#ebeaea;}.fusion-tabs.fusion-tabs-1 .nav-tabs li.active a.tab-link,.fusion-tabs.fusion-tabs-1 .nav-tabs li.active a.tab-link:hover,.fusion-tabs.fusion-tabs-1 .nav-tabs li.active a.tab-link:focus{border-right-color:#ebeaea;}.fusion-tabs.fusion-tabs-1 .nav-tabs li.active a.tab-link,.fusion-tabs.fusion-tabs-1 .nav-tabs li.active a.tab-link:hover,.fusion-tabs.fusion-tabs-1 .nav-tabs li.active a.tab-link:focus{background-color:#ebeaea;}.fusion-tabs.fusion-tabs-1 .nav-tabs li a:hover{background-color:#ebeaea;border-top-color:#ebeaea;}.fusion-tabs.fusion-tabs-1 .tab-pane{background-color:#ebeaea;}.fusion-tabs.fusion-tabs-1 .nav,.fusion-tabs.fusion-tabs-1 .nav-tabs,.fusion-tabs.fusion-tabs-1 .tab-content .tab-pane{border-color:#ffffff;}<\/style><div class=\"nav\"><ul class=\"nav-tabs nav-justified\" role=\"tablist\"><li class=\"active\"><a class=\"tab-link\" data-toggle=\"tab\" role=\"tab\" aria-controls=\"tab-13327064b871a67d994\" aria-selected=\"true\" id=\"fusion-tab-bachelorofscience\" href=\"#tab-13327064b871a67d994\"><h4 class=\"fusion-tab-heading\">Bachelor of Science<\/h4><\/a><\/li><li><a class=\"tab-link\" data-toggle=\"tab\" role=\"tab\" aria-controls=\"tab-6921b5e0e6d5704c5c5\" aria-selected=\"false\" tabindex=\"-1\" id=\"fusion-tab-associateofscience\" href=\"#tab-6921b5e0e6d5704c5c5\"><h4 class=\"fusion-tab-heading\">Associate of Science<\/h4><\/a><\/li><li><a class=\"tab-link\" data-toggle=\"tab\" role=\"tab\" aria-controls=\"tab-898b52400d03b779d03\" aria-selected=\"false\" tabindex=\"-1\" id=\"fusion-tab-certificate\" href=\"#tab-898b52400d03b779d03\"><h4 class=\"fusion-tab-heading\">Certificate<\/h4><\/a><\/li><li><a class=\"tab-link\" data-toggle=\"tab\" role=\"tab\" aria-controls=\"tab-4231c6794d1fab8010d\" aria-selected=\"false\" tabindex=\"-1\" id=\"fusion-tab-minor\" href=\"#tab-4231c6794d1fab8010d\"><h4 class=\"fusion-tab-heading\">Minor<\/h4><\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div><div class=\"tab-content\"><div class=\"nav fusion-mobile-tab-nav\"><ul class=\"nav-tabs nav-justified\"><li class=\"active\"><a class=\"tab-link\" data-toggle=\"tab\" role=\"tab\" aria-controls=\"tab-13327064b871a67d994\" aria-selected=\"true\" id=\"mobile-fusion-tab-bachelorofscience\" href=\"#tab-13327064b871a67d994\"><h4 class=\"fusion-tab-heading\">Bachelor of Science<\/h4><\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div><div class=\"tab-pane fade fusion-clearfix in active\" role=\"tabpanel\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-labelledby=\"fusion-tab-bachelorofscience\" id=\"tab-13327064b871a67d994\">\n<p>The Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Legal Studies prepares students to work as a paralegal, a legal professional or to go onto\u00a0law school. The program offers students the opportunity to explore the various roles, functions, and responsibilities of the numerous positions in the American legal system. You\u2019ll come away an understanding of the history, principles, and purpose of legal institutions and their operation.<\/p>\n<p>All students complete an applied learning requirement. In most cases students choose an internship and a senior capstone course. Students who have earned a Bachelor\u2019s degree in this or any discipline may also choose to apply for admission to law school, which is a very competitive process based primarily on grades and scores on the Law School Admission Test (LSAT).<\/p>\n<p>Upon completion of the\u00a0program,\u00a0graduates will be able to:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>Demonstrate effective legal knowledge and practical skills necessary to perform substantive legal work under the direction of an attorney.<\/li>\n<li>Demonstrate appropriate paralegal skill development and professionalism through practical experiences.<\/li>\n<li>Demonstrate an understanding of their ethical responsibilities in the legal profession.<\/li>\n<li>Articulate the paralegal\u2019s role in the delivery of legal services to the public.<\/li>\n<li>Write clearly and think analytically.<\/li>\n<li>Read, analyze, and synthesize complex information in an organized and logical manner.<\/li>\n<li>Utilize technology necessary to meet employer needs.<\/li>\n<li>Manage multiple projects and tasks.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div><div class=\"nav fusion-mobile-tab-nav\"><ul class=\"nav-tabs nav-justified\"><li><a class=\"tab-link\" data-toggle=\"tab\" role=\"tab\" aria-controls=\"tab-6921b5e0e6d5704c5c5\" aria-selected=\"false\" tabindex=\"-1\" id=\"mobile-fusion-tab-associateofscience\" href=\"#tab-6921b5e0e6d5704c5c5\"><h4 class=\"fusion-tab-heading\">Associate of Science<\/h4><\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div><div class=\"tab-pane fade fusion-clearfix\" role=\"tabpanel\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-labelledby=\"fusion-tab-associateofscience\" id=\"tab-6921b5e0e6d5704c5c5\">\n<div class=\"column two-third\">\n<div class=\"the_content\">\n<div class=\"inner-padding\">\n<p>The A.S. offers courses that are designed to prepare students to work as a paralegal, or to go on to law school. The skills the student will learn include legal research, interviewing, investigation, legal drafting, preparation of evidence and witnesses for trial, and assisting in the trial of a lawsuit.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><div class=\"nav fusion-mobile-tab-nav\"><ul class=\"nav-tabs nav-justified\"><li><a class=\"tab-link\" data-toggle=\"tab\" role=\"tab\" aria-controls=\"tab-898b52400d03b779d03\" aria-selected=\"false\" tabindex=\"-1\" id=\"mobile-fusion-tab-certificate\" href=\"#tab-898b52400d03b779d03\"><h4 class=\"fusion-tab-heading\">Certificate<\/h4><\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div><div class=\"tab-pane fade fusion-clearfix\" role=\"tabpanel\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-labelledby=\"fusion-tab-certificate\" id=\"tab-898b52400d03b779d03\">\n<div class=\"column one-second\">\n<div class=\"the_content\">\n<div class=\"inner-padding\">\n<div>\n<p>The Certificate in Legal Assistant (paralegal) offers courses that are designed to prepare students to work as a paralegal or to go on to law school. The skills the student will learn include legal research, interviewing, investigation, legal drafting, preparation of evidence and witnesses for trial, and assisting in the trial of a lawsuit. Students who qualify may earn a Legal Assistant Certificate while also earning an A.S. or B.S.<\/p>\n<p>Graduates from either degree option will fulfill the following\u00a0program objectives:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Satisfactorily complete all courses, exit exams and other requirements of the program;<\/li>\n<li>Perform legal research and analysis by using legal research material;<\/li>\n<li>Draft and prepare legal documents;<\/li>\n<li>Identify and explain the various functions performed by a legal assistant;<\/li>\n<li>Explain the role of the legal assistant working in a law office;<\/li>\n<li>Identify ethical issues, rules and standards that a legal assistant must follow; and<\/li>\n<li>Perform the functions of a legal assistant under the supervision of a practicing attorney<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><div class=\"nav fusion-mobile-tab-nav\"><ul class=\"nav-tabs nav-justified\"><li><a class=\"tab-link\" data-toggle=\"tab\" role=\"tab\" aria-controls=\"tab-4231c6794d1fab8010d\" aria-selected=\"false\" tabindex=\"-1\" id=\"mobile-fusion-tab-minor\" href=\"#tab-4231c6794d1fab8010d\"><h4 class=\"fusion-tab-heading\">Minor<\/h4><\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div><div class=\"tab-pane fade fusion-clearfix\" role=\"tabpanel\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-labelledby=\"fusion-tab-minor\" id=\"tab-4231c6794d1fab8010d\">\n<div class=\"column two-third\">\n<div class=\"the_content\">\n<div class=\"inner-padding\">\n<p>Students who are pursuing a Bachelor&#8217;s degree in another discipline should consider a minor in Legal Studies. A minor in Legal Studies prepares students who are interested in attending law school and allows for more job opportunities.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-2\" style=\"transform:translate3d(0,0,0);\"><p>Our graduates hold positions in law firms, legal departments of banks, insurance companies, land title insurance companies, corporations, legal aid offices, public defender offices, the office of the prosecuting attorney, municipal legal departments and more.<\/p>\n<p>According to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/ooh\/legal\/home.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Handbook<\/strong><\/a>, the median annual wage for paralegals and legal assistants was <b>$51,740 <\/b>in May 2019<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span> Employment of paralegals and legal assistants is projected to <b>grow 10% from 2019 to 2029,<\/b> much faster than the average. Formally trained paralegals with strong computer and database management skills should have the best job prospects. Employment in legal occupations is projected to <b>grow 5 percent from 2019 to 2029<\/b>, faster than the average for all occupations, and will result in about <b>67,600 new jobs<\/b>. As law firms try to increase the efficiency of legal services and reduce their costs, there is expected to be strong demand to hire many more paralegals and legal assistants. Additionally, the demand for lawyers is expected to continue as individuals, businesses, and governments require legal services in many areas.<\/p>\n<p>The median annual wage for legal occupations was <b>$81,820 in May 2019<\/b>, which was higher than the median annual wage for all occupations of <b>$39,810<\/b>.<\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-builder-row-inner fusion-row\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column_inner fusion-builder-nested-column-0 fusion_builder_column_inner_1_2 1_2 fusion-one-half fusion-column-first\" style=\"width:50%;width:calc(50% - ( ( 4% ) * 0.5 ) );margin-right: 4%;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:20px;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-column-wrapper-legacy\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px;\"><style type=\"text\/css\">#accordion-1548-1 .fusion-panel:hover, #accordion-1548-1 .fusion-panel.hover{ background-color: #f9f9f9 } #accordion-1548-1 .fusion-panel { border-color:#cccccc; border-width:1px; background-color:#ffffff; }.fusion-accordian  #accordion-1548-1 .panel-title a .fa-fusion-box{ color: #ffffff;}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-1548-1 .panel-title a .fa-fusion-box:before{ font-size: 13px; width: 13px;}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-1548-1 .panel-title a{font-size:18px;}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-1548-1 .fa-fusion-box { background-color: #333333;border-color: #333333;}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-1548-1 .panel-title a:hover, #accordion-1548-1 .fusion-toggle-boxed-mode:hover .panel-title a { color: #3a3a3a;}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-1548-1 .panel-title .active .fa-fusion-box,.fusion-accordian  #accordion-1548-1 .panel-title a:hover .fa-fusion-box { background-color: #3a3a3a!important;border-color: #3a3a3a!important;}<\/style><div class=\"accordian fusion-accordian\"><div class=\"panel-group\" id=\"accordion-1548-1\" role=\"tablist\"><div class=\"fusion-panel panel-default fusion-toggle-no-divider fusion-toggle-boxed-mode\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-heading\"><h4 class=\"panel-title toggle\"><a aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-selected=\"false\" aria-controls=\"200a08b7bd07cc1fa\" role=\"tab\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#accordion-1548-1\" data-target=\"#200a08b7bd07cc1fa\" href=\"#200a08b7bd07cc1fa\"><span class=\"fusion-toggle-icon-wrapper\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><i class=\"fa-fusion-box\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/span><span class=\"fusion-toggle-heading\">How long does it take to complete the Legal Studies (paralegal) degree?<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div><div id=\"200a08b7bd07cc1fa\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse \"><div class=\"panel-body toggle-content fusion-clearfix\">\n<div>The time it takes to complete the paralegal degree depends upon which paralegal degree you decide to complete. There are four paralegal degree options: a minor in Legal Studies, a Certificate\u00a0in Legal Assistant, an Associate Degree in Legal Studies, and a Bachelor&#8217;s Degree in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Legal Studies.\u00a0 The Bachelor&#8217;s degree requires 120 hours of credits. The Associate&#8217;s degree is completed in 62 credit hours. The certificate requires a minimum of 30 credit hours. Classes are typically three (3) credit hours each and can be completed according to schedule permitted and preference of each student.<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-panel panel-default fusion-toggle-no-divider fusion-toggle-boxed-mode\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-heading\"><h4 class=\"panel-title toggle\"><a aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-selected=\"false\" aria-controls=\"339b0a50ba2c059c2\" role=\"tab\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#accordion-1548-1\" data-target=\"#339b0a50ba2c059c2\" href=\"#339b0a50ba2c059c2\"><span class=\"fusion-toggle-icon-wrapper\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><i class=\"fa-fusion-box\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/span><span class=\"fusion-toggle-heading\">How much does it cost to complete the Legal Studies (paralegal) program?<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div><div id=\"339b0a50ba2c059c2\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse \"><div class=\"panel-body toggle-content fusion-clearfix\">\n<div>The cost of completing the paralegal program is determined by which degree you decide to complete. Please refer to the 大象传媒 Western admissions website to determine the cost per credit hour:\u00a0\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/admissions\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/admissions\/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1572986796302000&amp;usg=AFQjCNEhoHl8_Ct1KkvnDjAbDJbbCMqKIA\">https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/admissions\/<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-clearfix\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column_inner fusion-builder-nested-column-1 fusion_builder_column_inner_1_2 1_2 fusion-one-half fusion-column-last\" style=\"width:50%;width:calc(50% - ( ( 4% ) * 0.5 ) );margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:20px;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-column-wrapper-legacy\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px;\"><style type=\"text\/css\">#accordion-1548-2 .fusion-panel:hover, #accordion-1548-2 .fusion-panel.hover{ background-color: #f9f9f9 } #accordion-1548-2 .fusion-panel { border-color:#cccccc; border-width:1px; background-color:#ffffff; }.fusion-accordian  #accordion-1548-2 .panel-title a .fa-fusion-box{ color: #ffffff;}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-1548-2 .panel-title a .fa-fusion-box:before{ font-size: 13px; width: 13px;}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-1548-2 .panel-title a{font-size:18px;}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-1548-2 .fa-fusion-box { background-color: #333333;border-color: #333333;}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-1548-2 .panel-title a:hover, #accordion-1548-2 .fusion-toggle-boxed-mode:hover .panel-title a { color: #3a3a3a;}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-1548-2 .panel-title .active .fa-fusion-box,.fusion-accordian  #accordion-1548-2 .panel-title a:hover .fa-fusion-box { background-color: #3a3a3a!important;border-color: #3a3a3a!important;}<\/style><div class=\"accordian fusion-accordian\"><div class=\"panel-group\" id=\"accordion-1548-2\" role=\"tablist\"><div class=\"fusion-panel panel-default fusion-toggle-no-divider fusion-toggle-boxed-mode\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-heading\"><h4 class=\"panel-title toggle\"><a aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-selected=\"false\" aria-controls=\"a251452135e41319a\" role=\"tab\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#accordion-1548-2\" data-target=\"#a251452135e41319a\" href=\"#a251452135e41319a\"><span class=\"fusion-toggle-icon-wrapper\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><i class=\"fa-fusion-box\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/span><span class=\"fusion-toggle-heading\">Can the Legal Studies (paralegal) degree be completed online?<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div><div id=\"a251452135e41319a\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse \"><div class=\"panel-body toggle-content fusion-clearfix\">\n<p>No, the paralegal degree may not be completed online only.\u00a0 \u00a0As a paralegal program approved by the American Bar Association (ABA), all paralegal students are required to complete a\u00a0<b>minimum of nine (9) credit hours<\/b>\u00a0in a synchronous or traditional classroom environment.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-panel panel-default fusion-toggle-no-divider fusion-toggle-boxed-mode\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-heading\"><h4 class=\"panel-title toggle\"><a aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-selected=\"false\" aria-controls=\"8aa0969e2f0bdf018\" role=\"tab\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#accordion-1548-2\" data-target=\"#8aa0969e2f0bdf018\" href=\"#8aa0969e2f0bdf018\"><span class=\"fusion-toggle-icon-wrapper\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><i class=\"fa-fusion-box\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/span><span class=\"fusion-toggle-heading\">Is the Legal Studies (paralegal program) approved by the American Bar Association?<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div><div id=\"8aa0969e2f0bdf018\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse \"><div class=\"panel-body toggle-content fusion-clearfix\">\n<div>Yes, the Legal Studies (paralegal) program has been approved by the American Bar Association since 1986.<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-clearfix\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-clearfix\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-1 fusion_builder_column_2_5 2_5 fusion-two-fifth fusion-column-last\" style=\"width:40%;width:calc(40% - ( ( 4% ) * 0.4 ) );margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:20px;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-column-wrapper-legacy\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;padding: 4px 10px 10px 10px;\"><div class=\"imageframe-align-center\"><span class=\" fusion-imageframe imageframe-none imageframe-1 hover-type-none\"><img width=\"480\" height=\"340\" alt=\"Legal assistant doing research\" title=\"Legal assistant doing research\" src=\"https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/criminal-justice-legal-studies\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/167\/2018\/02\/legal-secretary-doing-research.jpg\" class=\"img-responsive wp-image-1583\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/criminal-justice-legal-studies\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/167\/2018\/02\/legal-secretary-doing-research-200x142.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/criminal-justice-legal-studies\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/167\/2018\/02\/legal-secretary-doing-research-400x283.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/criminal-justice-legal-studies\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/167\/2018\/02\/legal-secretary-doing-research.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 480px\" \/><\/span><\/div><div class=\"fusion-sep-clear\"><\/div><div class=\"fusion-separator fusion-full-width-sep\" style=\"margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;margin-top:10px;margin-bottom:10px;width:100%;\"><\/div><div class=\"fusion-sep-clear\"><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">#accordion-1548-3 .fusion-panel:hover, #accordion-1548-3 .fusion-panel.hover{ background-color: #f9f9f9 } #accordion-1548-3 .fusion-panel { border-color:#cccccc; border-width:1px; background-color:rgba(255,199,0,0.3); }.fusion-accordian  #accordion-1548-3 .panel-title a .fa-fusion-box{ color: #ffffff;}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-1548-3 .panel-title a .fa-fusion-box:before{ font-size: 13px; width: 13px;}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-1548-3 .panel-title a{font-size:18px;}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-1548-3 .fa-fusion-box { background-color: #333333;border-color: #333333;}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-1548-3 .panel-title a:hover, #accordion-1548-3 .fusion-toggle-boxed-mode:hover .panel-title a { color: #3a3a3a;}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-1548-3 .panel-title .active .fa-fusion-box,.fusion-accordian  #accordion-1548-3 .panel-title a:hover .fa-fusion-box { background-color: #3a3a3a!important;border-color: #3a3a3a!important;}<\/style><div class=\"accordian fusion-accordian\"><div class=\"panel-group\" id=\"accordion-1548-3\" role=\"tablist\"><div class=\"fusion-panel panel-default fusion-toggle-no-divider fusion-toggle-boxed-mode\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-heading\"><h4 class=\"panel-title toggle\"><a aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-selected=\"false\" aria-controls=\"a30d4428affc5ec64\" role=\"tab\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#accordion-1548-3\" data-target=\"#a30d4428affc5ec64\" href=\"#a30d4428affc5ec64\"><span class=\"fusion-toggle-icon-wrapper\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><i class=\"fa-fusion-box\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/span><span class=\"fusion-toggle-heading\">A.S. Legal Assistant Requirements<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div><div id=\"a30d4428affc5ec64\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse \"><div class=\"panel-body toggle-content fusion-clearfix\">\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/catalog.missouriwestern.edu\/undergraduate\/business-professional-studies\/criminal-justice-legal-studies\/legal-assistant-as\/#requirementstext\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Click here to view the course requirements in the MWSU Course Catalog.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-panel panel-default fusion-toggle-no-divider fusion-toggle-boxed-mode\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-heading\"><h4 class=\"panel-title toggle\"><a aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-selected=\"false\" aria-controls=\"6beb85c596065bd11\" role=\"tab\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#accordion-1548-3\" data-target=\"#6beb85c596065bd11\" href=\"#6beb85c596065bd11\"><span class=\"fusion-toggle-icon-wrapper\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><i class=\"fa-fusion-box\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/span><span class=\"fusion-toggle-heading\">B.S. Criminal Justice - Legal Studies Concentration<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div><div id=\"6beb85c596065bd11\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse \"><div class=\"panel-body toggle-content fusion-clearfix\">\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/catalog.missouriwestern.edu\/undergraduate\/business-professional-studies\/criminal-justice-legal-studies\/criminal-justice-bs\/#requirementstext\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Click here to view the course requirements in the MWSU Course Catalog.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-panel panel-default fusion-toggle-no-divider fusion-toggle-boxed-mode\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-heading\"><h4 class=\"panel-title toggle\"><a aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-selected=\"false\" aria-controls=\"5203ad8c00f28b743\" role=\"tab\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#accordion-1548-3\" data-target=\"#5203ad8c00f28b743\" href=\"#5203ad8c00f28b743\"><span class=\"fusion-toggle-icon-wrapper\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><i class=\"fa-fusion-box\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/span><span class=\"fusion-toggle-heading\">Legal Assistant Certificate Requirements<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div><div id=\"5203ad8c00f28b743\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse \"><div class=\"panel-body toggle-content fusion-clearfix\">\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/catalog.missouriwestern.edu\/undergraduate\/business-professional-studies\/criminal-justice-legal-studies\/legal-assistant-certificate\/#requirementstext\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Click here to view the course requirements in the MWSU Course Catalog.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-panel panel-default fusion-toggle-no-divider fusion-toggle-boxed-mode\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-heading\"><h4 class=\"panel-title toggle\"><a aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-selected=\"false\" aria-controls=\"e212a804e755323ce\" role=\"tab\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#accordion-1548-3\" data-target=\"#e212a804e755323ce\" href=\"#e212a804e755323ce\"><span class=\"fusion-toggle-icon-wrapper\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><i class=\"fa-fusion-box\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/span><span class=\"fusion-toggle-heading\">Legal Studies Minor Requirements<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div><div id=\"e212a804e755323ce\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse \"><div class=\"panel-body toggle-content fusion-clearfix\">\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/catalog.missouriwestern.edu\/undergraduate\/business-professional-studies\/criminal-justice-legal-studies\/legal-studies-minor\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Click here to view the course requirements in the MWSU Course Catalog.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-panel panel-default fusion-toggle-no-divider fusion-toggle-boxed-mode\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-heading\"><h4 class=\"panel-title toggle\"><a aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-selected=\"false\" aria-controls=\"2e636fc1322b181b0\" role=\"tab\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#accordion-1548-3\" data-target=\"#2e636fc1322b181b0\" href=\"#2e636fc1322b181b0\"><span class=\"fusion-toggle-icon-wrapper\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><i class=\"fa-fusion-box\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/span><span class=\"fusion-toggle-heading\">Sample Degree Plans<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div><div id=\"2e636fc1322b181b0\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse \"><div class=\"panel-body toggle-content fusion-clearfix\">\n<p>Mapping your degree plan is important. Consult with your academic advisor to create a plan and monitor it regularly.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/criminal-justice-legal-studies\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/167\/2026\/03\/AS-CJ-General-update-03.09.2026.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">A.S. Legal Assistant<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/criminal-justice-legal-studies\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/167\/2026\/03\/4-Year-BS-CJ-Sample-Plan-for-website.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">B.S. Criminal Justice\/Legal Studies Concentration<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/catalog.missouriwestern.edu\/undergraduate\/business-professional-studies\/criminal-justice-legal-studies\/legal-assistant-certificate\/#requirementstext\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Legal Assistant Certificate<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/catalog.missouriwestern.edu\/undergraduate\/business-professional-studies\/criminal-justice-legal-studies\/legal-studies-minor\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Legal Studies Minor<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-panel panel-default fusion-toggle-no-divider fusion-toggle-boxed-mode\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-heading\"><h4 class=\"panel-title toggle\"><a aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-selected=\"false\" aria-controls=\"6e67cd5290ba39344\" role=\"tab\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#accordion-1548-3\" data-target=\"#6e67cd5290ba39344\" href=\"#6e67cd5290ba39344\"><span class=\"fusion-toggle-icon-wrapper\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><i class=\"fa-fusion-box\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/span><span class=\"fusion-toggle-heading\">Gainful Employment Disclosures - 2019<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div><div id=\"6e67cd5290ba39344\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse \"><div class=\"panel-body toggle-content fusion-clearfix\"><strong>Program Name: Legal Assistant Certificate<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>This program is designed to be completed in 1 Year\u00a0<\/strong>(33 Credit Hours)<strong>.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>This program will cost\u00a0<\/strong>$9,903.16 if completed within normal time for in-state students and $17,537.05 for out-of-state students. There may be additional costs for living expenses.\u00a0<em>These costs were accurate at the time of posting, but may have changed.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n<p><strong>Of the students who completed this program within normal time<\/strong>, the typical graduate leaves with\u00a0<strong>NA<\/strong>\u00a0of debt.\u00a0\u00a0<em>Fewer than 10 students completed this program within normal time. Average debt has been withheld to preserve the confidentiality of these students.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><strong>The following States do not have licensure requirements for this profession:\u00a0<\/strong>大象传媒, Kansas, Iowa<\/p>\n<p>For more information about graduation rates, loan repayment rates, and post-enrollment earnings about this institution and other postsecondary institutions please click here:\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/collegescorecard.ed.gov\/\"><strong>https:\/\/collegescorecard.ed.gov\/<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Last Updated June 20, 2019<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-sep-clear\"><\/div><div class=\"fusion-separator fusion-full-width-sep\" style=\"margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;margin-bottom:15px;width:100%;\"><div class=\"fusion-separator-border sep-double\" style=\"border-color:rgba(0,0,0,0.5);border-top-width:0px;border-bottom-width:0px;\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-sep-clear\"><\/div><div class=\"fusion-widget-area fusion-widget-area-1 fusion-content-widget-area\"><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-widget-area-1 {padding:0px 0px 0px 0px;}.fusion-widget-area-1 .widget h4 {color:#333333;}.fusion-widget-area-1 .widget .heading h4 {color:#333333;}.fusion-widget-area-1 .widget h4 {font-size:13px;}.fusion-widget-area-1 .widget .heading h4 {font-size:13px;}<\/style><div id=\"ct_jquery_3level_accordion_menu_widget-6\" class=\"widget \"><div class=\"menu-legal-studies-container\"><ul id=\"ct_jquery_3level_accordion_menu_widget-6-menu\" class=\"ctAccordion skin-SimpleLines\"><li id=\"menu-item-1612\" class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-1612\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/criminal-justice-legal-studies\/legal-studies\/lsat\/\">Law School Admission Test (LSAT)<\/a><\/li>\n<li id=\"menu-item-1575\" class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-1575\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/criminal-justice-legal-studies\/legal-studies\/advisory-board\/\">Legal Studies Advisory Board<\/a><\/li>\n<li id=\"menu-item-3244\" class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-3244\"><a href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/forms\/d\/e\/1FAIpQLSd99oKRorwGIEmp4Pq2UGZf8_4WOw1gWv6unQN5Dn7EO8ZQ4A\/viewform?vc=0&#038;c=0&#038;w=1&#038;flr=0\">Legal Studies Advisory Board Survey<\/a><\/li>\n<li id=\"menu-item-1576\" class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-1576\"><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/missouriwestern.presence.io\/organization\/legal-studies-association\">Legal Studies Association<\/a><\/li>\n<li id=\"menu-item-2727\" class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-2727\"><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/forms\/d\/e\/1FAIpQLSdGf3WIltNPbOxfkSXX2-Ssaq9gXxX1oUfNenL_nKoD9oyf1g\/viewform\">Legal Studies Alumni Survey<\/a><\/li>\n<li id=\"menu-item-2715\" class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-has-children menu-item-2715\"><a href=\"#\">Paralegal Associations<\/a>\n<ul class=\"sub-menu\">\n\t<li id=\"menu-item-3157\" class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-3157\"><a href=\"https:\/\/iaals.du.edu\/projects\/allied-legal-professionals\">Allied Legal Professionals<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li id=\"menu-item-2721\" class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-2721\"><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.theipma.org\/\">International Practice Management Association<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li id=\"menu-item-2718\" class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-2718\"><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.kcparalegals.org\/\">Kansas City Paralegal Association<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li id=\"menu-item-2717\" class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-2717\"><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/missouriparalegalassoc.org\/\">大象传媒 Paralegal Association<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li id=\"menu-item-2716\" class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-2716\"><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nala.org\/\">National Association of Legal Assistants<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li id=\"menu-item-2719\" class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-2719\"><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.paralegals.org\/\">National Federal of Paralegal Associations<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li id=\"menu-item-2720\" class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-2720\"><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/stlpa.org\/\">St. Louis Paralegal Association<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"menu-item-2735\" class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-has-children menu-item-2735\"><a href=\"#\">American Bar Association (ABA)<\/a>\n<ul class=\"sub-menu\">\n\t<li id=\"menu-item-2738\" class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-2738\"><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/criminal-justice-legal-studies\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/167\/2024\/11\/2023-approval-guidelines.pdf\">ABA Guidelines for Approval of Paralegal Education Programs<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li id=\"menu-item-2736\" class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-2736\"><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.americanbar.org\/groups\/paralegals\">ABA Standing Committee on Paralegals<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-additional-widget-content\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-3\" style=\"transform:translate3d(0,0,0);\"><p><strong><em>Unauthorized Practice Of Law <\/em><\/strong><br \/>\n<em><strong>The Legal Assistant Program is a charter member of the American Association for Paralegal Education. Paralegals cannot practice law. Only attorneys, who are licensed in the state by the Supreme Court, can practice law.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-clearfix\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":[],"categories":[],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/criminal-justice-legal-studies\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1548"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/criminal-justice-legal-studies\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/criminal-justice-legal-studies\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/criminal-justice-legal-studies\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/criminal-justice-legal-studies\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1548"}],"version-history":[{"count":70,"href":"https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/criminal-justice-legal-studies\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1548\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3307,"href":"https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/criminal-justice-legal-studies\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1548\/revisions\/3307"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/criminal-justice-legal-studies\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1548"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/criminal-justice-legal-studies\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1548"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/criminal-justice-legal-studies\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1548"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}