Why Choose Legal Studies at ECU?
The Legal Studies Program at ECU is highly applied, focusing on practical skills that are directly relevant in a legal work environment. Students gain hands-on experience in legal business applications and explore specialized areas of law through focused projects and lectures. The program also emphasizes the important connection between law and politics, making it a popular and effective pathway to law school.
Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies
East Central University’s Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies program provides a strong foundation for law school or entry-level employment in legal and law-related fields. Students gain the academic skills necessary to work as paralegals in law firms, private enterprises, or government agencies. Paralegals perform substantive legal work under attorney supervision and may not provide legal services directly to the public, except as permitted by law.
This program emphasizes analytical thinking and communication skills, offering a well-rounded liberal arts education with exposure to a broad spectrum of legal theory, procedure, and practice. Graduates are prepared for careers in legal departments of corporations, banks, and government agencies—including the U.S., Oklahoma, and Chickasaw Nation institutions—or for further study in law or graduate school.
Program Overview
- Degree: Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies
- Total Credit Hours Required: 124
- General Education: 45 hours
- Legal Studies Major: 54 hours (including 27 hours of legal specialty courses)
- General Electives: 25 hours
- Students are encouraged to work closely with the Program Director to plan their course schedules.
Program Goals
- Offer a Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies.
- Prepare students for:
- Law school or other graduate programs
- Paralegal careers in law firms, business, industry, and government
Student Learning Outcomes
- Complete coursework in legal studies, political science, and related fields.
- Receive instruction from both experienced legal professionals and academic scholars.
- Develop strong legal writing skills through research papers, case briefs, memoranda, and other legal documents.
- Complete two Legal Research and Writing courses.
- Participate in a three-credit-hour internship in a legal setting.
Upon Graduation, Students Will Be Able To:
- Demonstrate a solid understanding of core legal concepts.
- Integrate legal theory and practice using critical thinking skills.
- Communicate effectively in legal contexts, both orally and in writing.
- Exhibit professional competencies and skills required in the legal field or for graduate study.
- Understand the evolving roles of attorneys and paralegals in both private and public legal services.
- Apply ethical frameworks to real-world legal dilemmas.