No Credits: 60
Contact: J. Fehr, Interim Chair, Business and Technology Division; D. Morris, Program Coordinator
Learn about the interconnection and impact between law and business, government, and public administration using a multidisciplinary approach. The study of law is not an isolated field; instead, it involves many related areas such as business, political science, philosophy, economics, and social sciences. The require core courses and the General Education courses serve as a foundatin for the Legal Studies program. Students select one of three program elective groups to focus their studies.
Law and American Civilization group focuses on the nature of law and its role in American society. Students will study the impact of laws using sociology, history, political science, communication, and philosophy. This elective group prepares students to pursue a Bachelor’s degree for further study of American culture, politics, and policy-making.
Public Administration and Policy group focuses on American government, public administration, politics, and policy. Students will study political science, history, and philosophy. This elective group prepares students to pursue a Bachelor’s degree for further study of the interconnection of law, business, politics, and public administration.
Legal Assistant group focuses on legal research, legal analysis, legal writing, and case management. This elective group prepares students to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in paralegal studies. Students may also choose to enter the work force (private law firms, legal departments in the private sector, government.)
All three elective groups emphasize analytical reasoning, critical thinking, and writing. During the one-credit program capstone course, students select a project that relates to their selected elective group.
The maximum number of credits allowed in transfer from other institutions to this program is 45.
Career Opportunities:
Federal, state, and local government agencies; federal, state, and local administrative agencies; non-profit; associations; private business; human resources, public relations, mediation, lobbying/legislative affairs department, urban/regional planning, health administration, private law offices, courts, banks, real estate.
Transfer Options:
Students should consult with an advisor or the Program Coordinator early in their studies.
This program of study is part of an articulated partnership with the University of Maryland University College (UMUC). Students successfully meeting the requirements of this associate’s program can transfer the necessary credits to UMUC and complete their Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies.
Student Learning Outcomes:
Core Program Learning Objectives
Students will…
- Explain the roles, functions, and operations of the American judicial and legislative systems
- Apply knowledge of legal systems, multidisciplinary concepts, and methodologies to identify legal issues
- Recognize the impact that laws and regulations have on society, industries, and individuals using a multidisciplinary approach
- Develop and evaluate several contrasting points of view to the same legal issue
- Demonstrate analytical reasoning, critical thinking, and effective legal writing techniques
Elective Group A: Law & American Civilization
Students will…
6A. Recognize the nature of law and its role in American Society
7A. Apply knowledge of different environments, cultural settings, ethics, and values to evaluate laws and regulations
Elective Group B: Public Administration & Policy
Students will…
6B. Analyze policy and management implications from laws, regulations, and politics
7B. Examine legal and political issues critically and analytically
Elective Group C: Legal Assistant
Students will…
6C. Conduct research using appropriate resources to identify and analyze relevant legal authority applicable to specific factual situations
7C. Properly write legal documents and complete legal forms that are commonly used in private practice and government service
8C. Recognize the steps in the civil litigation process commonly performed by legal assistants
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