Ferris State University
What makes the legal studies program an excellent choice?
The Ferris Legal Studies program has a curriculum that stresses a broad-based knowledge of the law, with a focus on legal research and writing skills. Students attracted to jobs such as paralegals, legal assistants, court personnel or occupations that require a strong legal background will find this program essential. Graduates of Ferris State have successfully used this degree as a background for a number of jobs as well as groundwork for law school.
Students are required to complete courses in areas such as legal research, criminal and civil procedure, probate, estate planning and real estate law. Courses addressing the business areas of accounting, business law, and computers will also be taken. Courses in general education including mathematics, English and public speaking are also required.
Ferris possesses a vast amount of legal items, and research courses are provided in the library. Assets available include Lexis-Nexis and the WESTLAW computerized legal research database.
Start a Great Career
Paralegals help lawyers provide legal services. Despite the fact that they are not lawyers, they have the awareness and proficiency to do work of a legal nature under the supervision of attorneys. After only two years of formal education beyond high school, few career fields offer such diversity and rewards. On completion of the program, the student will then be able to obtain a baccalaureate degree after only two further years of study.
The Ferris State University Legal Studies program has had the American Bar Association's approval for more than thirty years. The curriculum maintains or surpasses the standards set by the ABA.
Admission Requirements:
Evidence of successful completion of the GED or a high school diploma is required of all applicants. To enter the Legal Studies Associate degree (A.A.S.) Program in Business, it is necessary that applicants have a minimum high school grade point average of 2.5(on a 4.00 scale); and have either an ACT math score of 17 or higher or an ACT reading score of 17 or higher.
An associate in applied science degree is awarded upon completion of Ferris's Legal Studies program. To graduate, you must have at least a 2.0 GPA in your major's core classes and overall.
