The University of West Florida

The University of West Florida

Find a job as a paralegal professional

For a person who seeks to work in the legal field, not as an attorney but as a paralegal, then the University of West Florida offers you the Legal studies program. Available to students seeking the B.A. in Legal Studies are two specializations in the Legal Studies program. Previous legal or paralegal course work is not a requirement for entry into the program. The Professional Specialization program suits students who desire a career in the legal field, not as an attorney but as a traditional or nontraditional paralegal. The Pre-Law Specialization curriculum is designed with those students in mind, who have a desire to attend law school, but who also want to be able to work as a paralegal/legal assistant. Talk to the division for more details about the post-baccalaureate certificate.

Program Requierments

While the minimum general University requirements are required, students seeking the B.A. degree in Legal Studies must meet the following requirements. Core courses require a grade of "C". Since PLA 3xx1 (The Legal System and Ethics) course is pre-/co-requisite for PLA 3103; it is recommended this course be taken as the first course in the major. Before taking PLA 4xx2 (Civil Procedure), PLA 4263 must be completed. Course substitutions for specifically listed courses are only allowed if approved in advance, and in writing, by a Legal Studies Coordinator. Notwithstanding any prior course work in legal research and writing, the successful completion of PLA 4155 is required for all Legal Studies majors. All PLA courses suppose competency and experience with word processing, spreadsheets, databases, e-mail and Internet. It is recommended to anyone without a background in these areas to take CGS 2570 prior to any PLA courses.