Legal Studies
Bachelor of Science
Start your path to justice with a bachelor's degree in legal studies.
Make a difference in the lives of the members of your community, help those who have been wronged, or provide a last line of defense for someone who might never have had someone on his side before. Wilmington University's Legal Studies degree is perfect for students aspiring to become lawyers or wishing to dive right into the legal field as a paralegal or legal assistant.
Already have a bachelor's degree? Looking to enhance the skills of your staff? WU offers a post-bachelor's certificate in Legal Studies.
The Bachelor of Science degree in Legal Studies offers a balanced education with an emphasis on law. It provides sound preparation for a variety of legal careers, and builds a solid foundation for careers in other areas, such as government, human resources, and banking.
ABA approval
Both the bachelor's degree and the post-bachelor's certificate program have been approved by the American Bar Association. This approval testifies to the University's never-ending commitment to providing the best possible education for our students.
Purpose
The Bachelor of Science degree in Legal Studies offers a balanced education with an emphasis in the law. It provides sound preparation for students aspiring to further study in law or for those wishing to enter the legal field as a paralegal or legal assistant working under the supervision of an attorney. Additionally, students will gain a solid foundation for careers in other areas, including government, human resources, and banking.
Program of Study
The program emphasizes the knowledge, skills, and values needed to become competent and ethical professionals working in the legal services industry. The General Education requirements required of all Wilmington University students, provide a well-rounded academic foundation that emphasizes analytical thinking, reading comprehension, and communication skills. In addition, students receive direct instruction in legal research and writing, legal concepts and terminology, and the practical skills needed to successfully enter the job market. Furthermore, an emphasis is placed on providing students the opportunity to develop strong interpersonal skills, self-discipline, and ethical principles.
Program Competencies
In addition to demonstrating college level proficiency in the Wilmington University undergraduate competencies outlined in this catalog, Legal Studies graduates will also be able to:
- Access, use, and evaluate information effectively and appropriately, and use technology to effectively locate and communicate information.
- Apply legal and ethical principles to guide professional behaviors and decision-making.
- Demonstrate proficiency in using computers and telecommunication technology.
- Exercise critical thinking strategies, including reasoning, problem solving, analysis, and evaluation in the legal context.
- Demonstrate effective written communication of legal issues, concepts, and authority.
Lambda Epsilon Chi Honor Society
Lambda Epsilon Chi (LEX) is a national honor society for paralegal students and one of the highest scholastic honors that can be achieved in the Wilmington University College of Social and Behavioral Sciences. Invitation to membership in Lambda Epsilon Chi is based on application, grade point average (GPA), and formal recommendation of the Legal Studies Advisory Board. It is the College's way of recognizing the outstanding scholastic achievements of students completing a Bachelor of Science or Post-Bachelor's Certificate in Legal Studies.
Minimum Grade Policy
The Legal Studies program has set a minimum passing grade of "C" for LES 200 
, LES 220 , LES 314, LES 316, and LES 320 (designated with an asterisk). Students receiving a grade lower than "C" in any of these courses must retake that course.
This information applies to students who enter this degree program during the 2012-2013 Academic Year. If you entered this degree program before the Fall 2012 semester, please refer to the academic catalog for the year you began your degree program.
