Legal Studies (BA)

The Bachelor of Arts in Legal Studies is approved by the American Bar Association (ABA) and is the only ABA-approved program in the St. Louis area. This degree is tailored to meet the evolving needs of the paralegal profession and prepares students for careers in the legal field.

Students receive a comprehensive education that includes both theoretical and practical aspects of the law. The program covers a broad range of legal specialty courses and emphasizes the ethical framework that governs legal professionals.

Additionally, BA students majoring in Legal Studies have the option to concurrently earn a Certificate in Paralegal Studies. All coursework counts towards both the degree and the certificate, though a second graduation fee applies for the certificate.

For the Bachelor of Arts in Legal Studies:

• 51 required credit hours
• At least 9 semester hours of required Legal Specialty courses through synchronous instruction
• Applicable University Global Citizenship Program hours
• Electives

Transfer Policy:

• A minimum of 18 of the 51 required credit hours must be taken at Webster University .
• Advanced standing for legal specialty courses may be granted if the credits are from:
  • An ABA-approved program or substantially compliant with ABA standards .
  • A regionally accredited institution meeting Webster University’s standards .
• If credits are from a non-ABA approved institution, the program director will:
  1. Review the institution’s accreditation status .
  2. Assess if the credits are from a program comparable to Webster’s Legal Studies or Paralegal Studies Programs .
  3. Verify that the course material and practical assignments are equivalent .
  4. Ensure the course has the same number of semester hours as Webster’s equivalent course .
• Course substitution forms will be generated if accepted, detailing the source and the corresponding legal specialty course .
• Credits awarded through examination or portfolio are not accepted .