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 🚫.