Practical Experience

Put a strong academic foundation to practice

In addition to the online coursework, the Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies program concludes with your choice of a capstone project or internship.

Capstone Project (PL 491)

This is an integrative course that allows students to identify a real-world legal problem and provide a recommended solution based upon legal research, case law and legislative history. Each student selects a topic or project, with instructor approval, and completes a paper which documents the process, including the use of industry-standard research methods. The final written work product may be in the form of a scholarly article of publishable quality, a seminar-type paper, a model bill and the supporting memorandum, a draft complaint or petition and supporting memorandum, the formal documents and supporting memorandum for a transactional project, or a brief (on the merits or as an amicus), to name just a few examples.

Legal Studies Internship (PL 494)

This is an elective course students take in their final semester. The internship course is designed for students interested in pursuing a career in legal studies and its related fields. The outcome of the internship is an informed student fully apprised of the opportunities his/her degree program offers for professional growth. During the internship phase of training, the student will experience various aspects of working in the actual field in which the student has been educated. The internship is designed to provide the student with the opportunity to experience and participate in duties typical of a contemporary workplace setting. Student learning will center on observing experienced personnel as well as participating in actual hands-on procedures under close supervision of trained professionals.

Curriculum details