Undergraduate Course Catalog

Legal Studies

Ball State offers a legal studies major for bachelor’s degree students. The legal studies major is a paralegal education program approved by the American Bar Association. Paralegals, as members of the legal services team, work under the supervision of a lawyer. A paralegal may not provide legal services directly to the public, except as permitted by law. The program provides a strong foundation in law-related courses for students who plan to work in the courts, the legislature, or in legal departments of government and business. Students must complete an internship in a professional legal setting. The course of study is also highly recommended for students who wish to attend law school, providing them with skills and resources that will enhance their chances for success. In addition to other university requirements, transfer students must complete at least four of their legal specialty classes of three credits each at Ball State as approved by the program director. 

For more information, call the Department of Political Science at 765-285-8780. 

MAJOR IN LEGAL STUDIES, 69 hours

This major prepares students for careers as legal assistants or paralegals. It also provides a strong foundation in law-related courses for students who plan to work in the courts, the legislature or in legal departments of government and business. 

PREFIX 

NO 

SHORT TITLE 

CR HRS
Interdisciplinary major requirements 
Common core, 36 hours

BL
POLS

367
130
141
229
241
242
243
344
342
or
431
369
or
479
445
457

Principles of Estate Planning
American National Government
Introduction to Paralegalism
Info Tech for Paralegals
Family Law
Legal Research and Writing
Litigation
Adv Legal Research and Writing
Problems in Public Policy (3)

Legislation (3)
Pd Prof Exp in Amer Gov & Law (3)

Pract Exp/Amer Gov & Law (3)
Adv Litigation: Trial Sim
Alternative Dispute Resolution

3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3


3


3
3
3



36 hrs
Complete one option
Option 1: Public Law, 33 hours

ACC
BL
RE
RMI 

201
260
230
270

Principles of Accounting 1
Principles of Business Law
Real Estate Principles
Principles of Risk Mgt & Ins 

3
3
3
3
15 hours from

CJC

ECON
JOUR
POLS










RE

350
351
332
275
237
238
340
347
408
435
443
444
455
474
490
332

Criminal Evidence (3)
Criminal Law (3)
Labor Relations and Law (3)
Media Law and Ethics (3)
State and Local Politics (3)
Urb Gov in United States (3)
Intro to Law & Enforce (3)
Environmental Law and Policy (3)
Topics in Legal Studies (3)
Intergovernmental Relations (3)
American Constitutional Law (3)
Constitutional Liberties (3)
Administrative Law (3)
Women and Politics (3)
International Law (3)
Legal Aspects of Real Estate (3)

15
6 hours from

ACC
BL

CJC




COMM




FIN
MGT
MKG
POLS

RE

RMI
SOC

202
362
363
101
102
230
250
341
220
320
325
340
385
110
200
200
140
433
331
332
473
425
431

Principles of Accounting 2 (3)
Law of Business Associations (3)
Uniform Commercial Code (3)
Intro to Criminal Justice (3)
Introduction to Criminology (3)
Introduction to Policing (3)
Introduction to Courts (3)
Community Corrections (3)
Argumentation and Debate (3)
Persuasion (3)
Interviewing (3)
Leadership Communication (3)
Rhetoric and Public Advocacy (3)
Personal Finance (3)
Management Principles (3)
Fundamentals of Marketing (3)
Intro to the Legal System (3)
The American Judicial System (3)
RE Construction Law & Fin (3)
Legal Aspects of Real Estate (3)
Insurance Law (3)
Sociology of Law (3)
Aging and the Life Course (3)

6



69 hrs
Option 2: Business, 33 hours
Students interested in pursuing this option must complete the following courses before registering for
300- and 400-level business courses.  		  

ACC

BL
ECON


ISOM

201
202
260
201
202
221
135

Principles of Accounting 1
Principles of Accounting 2
Principles of Business Law
Elementary Microeconomics
Elementary Macroeconomics
Business Statistics
Business Information Systems

3
3
3
3
3
3
3
12 hours from

BL
CJC






COMM



ECON

FIN
HSC
POLS










RE


RMI

SOC

362
101
102
230
250
341
350
351
220
320
325
340
302
332
110
469
140
340
347
408
433
435
443
444
455
474
490
230
331
332
270
473
425
431

Law of Business Associations (3)
Intro to Criminal Justice (3)
Introduction to Criminology (3)
Introduction to Policing (3)
Introduction to Courts (3)
Community Corrections (3)
Criminal Evidence (3)
Criminal Law (3)
Argumentation and Debate (3)
Persuasion (3)
Interviewing (3)
Leadership Communication (3)
Intermediate Macroeconomics (3)
Labor Relations and Law (3)
Personal Finance (3)
Health and Aging (3)
Intro to the Legal System (3)
Intro to Law & Enforce (3)
Environmental Law and Policy (3)
Topics in Legal Studies (3)
The American Judicial System (3)
Intergovernmental Relations (3)
American Constitutional Law (3)
Constitutional Liberties (3)
Administrative Law (3)
Women and Politics (3)
International Law (3)
Real Estate Principles (3)
RE Construction Law & Fin (3)
Legal Aspects of Real Estate (3)
Principles of Risk Mgt & Ins (3)
Insurance Law (3)
Sociology of Law (3)
Aging and the Life Course (3)

12



69 hrs
The prerequisite for ISOM 135, ECON 221, and POLS 229 is demonstrated proficiency in computer skills. Proficiency may be demonstrated by examination or credit in ISOM 125, CS 104 or the equivalent. ECON 221 requires C or better grade in MATH 111 or a passing grade in MATH 132, 161, 162, 165, or 166 as the prerequisite.