BaChelor of Art • Minor
Legal Studies
A Legal Studies degree prepares students for careers in the legal field through a strong foundation in law, research, and communication. Students develop practical skills to support attorneys, navigate legal systems, and contribute in a variety of legal settings.
Dig Deeper Into the program
Explore coursework, hands-on experiences, and legal training that prepare you for paralegal careers or advanced study in law and related fields.
Degrees Offered
- Bachelors & Minor
Start Terms
- Fall or Spring
Program Format
- On-campus
- Select classes available online to provide added flexibility for students
Credit Hours & Timeline
- Total credits required: 120
- Typical completion time: 4 years
- Credits for minor: 18
Build a strong foundation in law, policy and critical thinking. The Legal Studies curriculum prepares you for law school or careers in legal, corporate and public service settings.
- Preparation for law school or legal-related careers
- Coursework in legal research, writing and analysis
- Study of law, policy and the legal system
- Development of critical thinking and communication skills
- Exploration of ethics, justice and legal issues
Applicants for admission are evaluated based on the following criteria to gain full admission.
- High school record of cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. An applicant for a degree program must have graduated or will have graduated with 16 high school units from an accredited high school. The college preparatory program is strongly recommended to high school students. Ordinarily this program includes four years of English and two years of social studies, science, and mathematics.
- College/university record of cumulative GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale, if applicable.
Applicants who do not meet the following criteria and show potential for success may be reviewed for an alternate admissions pathway.
Students who have successfully completed the General Education Development Test (GED) and have not accumulated at least 12 collegiate level semester hours credit at a regionally accredited institution with a 2.5 GPA or better will follow the Alternate Admissions Pathway.
Applications open July 1 for the upcoming academic year. CSM follows a rolling admission process, reviewing applications as they are received. We encourage students to apply early for priority consideration for scholarships, housing, and financial aid.
The Mercy Core is CSM’s general education curriculum and the foundation of every degree. Rooted in the Critical Concerns of the Sisters of Mercy, it integrates ethics, reflection, and action to prepare women to lead with purpose and advance justice in their communities.
Tuition & Aid
Investing in your education is a big decision, and you do not have to navigate it alone. Every admitted full-time undergraduate student is guaranteed a merit scholarship, and CSM offers additional aid and personalized guidance to make your degree attainable. Our team will walk you through your options so you can move forward with clarity and confidence.
Your Roadmap to Admission
From application to enrollment, we guide you through each step with clarity and personal support so you can focus on what matters most and take the next step toward your future.
Why Choose CSM?
Career-Ready Skill Development
Learn practical legal skills taught by practicing attorneys, preparing you for work in law firms, courts, and corporate settings.
Hands-On Learning Approach
Apply legal concepts through research, writing, and case-based coursework taught by practicing legal professionals.
Learn from Practicing Attorneys
Gain insight from instructors actively working in the legal field, bringing real-world perspective into every class.
Mission-Driven, Women-Centered Environment
Build confidence and leadership skills in a supportive, all-women’s environment grounded in CSM’s Mercy values
Legal Services Career Outlook
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 7% job growth through 2032, faster than average. The median annual salary is about $60,000, with opportunities to advance into specialized legal, compliance, and regulatory roles.
A legal studies degree opens opportunities in law firms, corporations, government, and compliance roles, with pathways to law school and advancement.
Legal Studies By The Numbers
Only one
4-year Paralegal Program
CSM is the only 4-year paralegal program approved by the American Bar Association in Nebraska and Iowa.
100%
Job Placement Rate
Historically, 100% of our paralegal certificate graduates were employed in the field within six months of graduating.
1:1 Support
Personalized Advising
Work with faculty to plan coursework and build a clear path into your area of legal interest.
Other Legal Studies Program
Accreditation
The Assurance of Accreditation
The assurance of regional accreditation means that our degrees have been evaluated for their outcomes — including how well they prepare you to meet the needs of your employers, yourself and our global society. College of Saint Mary is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.
College of Saint Mary’s Bachelor of Arts Degree in Legal Studies program is approved by the American Bar Association, Standing Committee on Paralegals, 312-998-5618.
Request More Information
Wherever you’re starting from, we’ll help you build a future with confidence.