Curriculum
Legal Studies program online classes & curriculum details
Designed to provide students with a more advanced understanding of law, the Herzing online legal studies program incorporates core business courses to provide a strong background in administration and management.
Graduates are prepared for careers in legal administration, legal assisting, business and management training. The bachelor’s degree path is also a great starting point for those seeking to apply to law school to become a lawyer.
All classes are delivered online with a capstone or internship (if available in your state).
Program | Monthsi | Credits |
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Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies | 36 | 125 |
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i. Average number of months for students to complete program
Required Management Core Courses
All courses, 33.00 semester credit hours, are required.
AC 107 - Accounting I 3.00
This introductory course in accounting provides the practical application of the principles of financial accounting for service and merchandising businesses. Topics include an introduction to the conceptual framework of accounting using GAAP rules established by FASB, analysis and recording of transactions in the general journal and posting to the general ledger, completion of the accounting cycle by preparing end-of-period adjusting and closing journal entries, financial statements and the post-closing trial balance, an introduction to internal controls, and the calculation of inventory and cost of goods sold using the FIFO, LIFO, and weighted average methods.
This course introduces corporate financial management and analysis. Topics include evaluating financial performance, measuring cash flow, capital budgeting, and the cost of capital.
BU 106 - Introduction to Business 3.00
This course introduces the environment of American business with an overview of various topics that serve as a foundation for further study of business. Topics include the environments in which businesses operate, the organizational structures of businesses, management functions in an enterprise, and the challenges of managing marketing, operations, information technology, finance, and human resources.
BU 204 - The Digital Firm and Business Communications 3.00
This course presents an overview of technology-based issues within a business environment. Topics include the concept of digital firms and ERP systems in the areas of marketing, operations, human resources, manufacturing, finance, social networking, and supply-chain management. Additional areas to be discussed are privacy issues, government regulations, and technology on a global scale.
BU 220 - Principles of Marketing 3.00
This course provides an overview of the principles and applications of marketing in organizations. Topics include the marketing process and strategic planning, the global marketing environment, developing marketing opportunities and strategies, developing the marketing mix through product development, pricing strategies, distribution channels, promotion techniques, managing marketing through customer relationships, social responsibility, and marketing ethics.
BU 302 - Leadership and Organizational Behavior 3.00
The focus of this course is to introduce students to the basic principles of human behavior that effective managers use when managing individuals and groups in organizations. The overall goal of this course is to develop an understanding of the key issues managers need to master in order to manage the interface between people and organizations. Topics include theories relating to individual differences in abilities and attitudes, attribution, motivation, group dynamics, power and politics, leadership, conflict resolution, organizational culture, and organizational structure and design.
or BU 600 Leadership and Organizational Behavior 3.00 semester credit hours.
BU 305 - Administrative Law 3.00
This course examines the form, organization, and function of administrative agencies in the context of a democratic constitutional system. The course looks at agency rulemaking, enforcement, and adjudication and also examines the legislative, executive, and judicial control of those functions.
BU 407 - Quantitative Decision-Making 3.00
This course presents an overview of problem modeling and decision making. The class will introduce students to several quantitative models applicable to problems in a variety of functional areas of business. Students will be able to apply quantitative analysis to real-world management problems.
or BU 421 Operations Management 3.00 semester credit hours or BU 550 Research Methods and Decision Making 3.00 semester credit hours
EC 111 - Principles of Microeconomics 3.00
This course provides an overview of economics and the economy from a microeconomics perspective. Topics include economic analysis, factors in the market system, market structure and pricing strategies, the availability of resource markets, supply and demand, and the impact of public policy on markets.
EC 121 - Principles of Macroeconomics 3.00
This course provides an overview of economics and the economy from a macroeconomics perspective. Topics include an introduction to economic concepts, the fundamentals of macroeconomics, macroeconomic theory and policy, the role of money, banking, and monetary policy, and the relationship of macroeconomics to the global economy.
EN 111 - Information Literacy 3.00
This course introduces students to the process of conducting research, integrating research into written work, and understanding information literacy as a sociocultural phenomenon. The research process involves assessing the rhetorical situation, engaging in preliminary research, developing research questions, taking stock of current knowledge, identifying gaps in current knowledge, using appropriate search tools and strategies, critically reading and evaluating information, and refining search strategies as necessary. Integrating sources into written work involves understanding why, when, and how to use and document sources. Microsoft Word will be used to format documents according to APA standards. Understanding information literacy as a sociocultural phenomenon involves identifying barriers to entering scholarly conversations and examining the way various cultures view information as a commodity, means of education, means to influence, and a means of negotiating and understanding the world.
Required Introductory Legal Studies Courses
All courses, 30.00 semester credit hours, are required.
PL 100 - Introduction to Legal Assisting 3.00
This course provides an overview of the paralegal profession and an introduction to the law and legal procedures. Topics include paralegal duties and responsibilities, ethical issues in legal assisting, sources of American law and legal concepts, the court system and government regulations, corporate law, civil litigation and trial procedures, criminal and administrative law and procedures, conducting interviews and investigations, and legal research and analysis.
PL 106 - Legal Research 3.00
This course is a practical introduction to the law library and its resources and the fundamentals of traditional and electronic legal research. Emphasis is placed on the paralegal's practical role and skill in assisting the attorney in legal research. Topics include the various research tools, including codes, reporters, digests, Shepard's, legal encyclopedias, treaties, law reviews, practice manuals, Westlaw, and CD ROM and Internet research.
PL 115 - Contract Law 3.00
This course is designed to examine contract basics by explaining what a contract is and the various contract types. Key elements to most contracts are covered along with an explanation of how U.S. law governs contractual activity, including enforcement and dispute resolution options and the three requirements of a contract (offer, consideration, and acceptance). The course also examines who can enter into a contract, how to approach negotiation, designing of a written contract, unfair and improper contracts, contract termination, breach, voiding and rescission claims, and details on special contract situations, including real estate, financing, and social contracts, and Internet use.
The purpose of this course is to provide the student with the basic legal terms of torts and personal injury law, help the student identify the various types of torts and the defenses a defendant may raise to each, and to provide a practical, hands-on learning experience in related terminology and in drafting the documents necessary to practice in this area of the law.
This course is intended to provide the student with a thorough working knowledge of family law. Along with in-depth topical knowledge, the course addresses the important skills required of a paralegal in family law including interviewing and legal drafting.
PL 140 - Ethics and Paralegal Professionalism 3.00
This course presents an in-depth study of the Codes of Professional Responsibility from the American Bar Association as well as the Code of Judicial Conduct and existing guidelines and case law involving paralegals.
PL 180 - Law Office Procedures 3.00
This course presents a study of the operation of a private law firm from the perspective of a legal assistant/paralegal. Topics include personnel and their responsibilities, managerial concepts, the various systems and procedures in the law office including timekeeping and billing systems, word processing, file organization and management, accounting/bookkeeping systems, trust accounts, docket control, tickler systems, conflicts checks, client development and case management, and current legal office software.
PL 215 - Civil Litigation 3.00
This course provides an intensive examination of the role of the paralegal in civil litigation. Topics include litigation and the paralegal's role, the courts and their jurisdiction, ethical considerations, investigation and evidence procedures, the initial pleadings and response to the initial pleading, motion practice, discovery procedures and requests, settlements and alternative dispute resolution, trial techniques, and post-trial practices.
PL 250 - Legal Writing 3.00
This course allows the student to apply practical legal research skills to the drafting and preparation of typical documents that the paralegal will be expected to prepare by their supervising attorney. Topics include research memoranda, client correspondence, demand letters, appellate briefs, incorporation documents, partnership agreements, wills, leaves, promissory notes, and medical record summaries.
PL 298 - NALA Certification Review 3.00
This course is designed to review the legal studies courses taken in the various programs and prepare the student to take the National Association of Legal Assistants' (NALA) Certified Paralegal Examination. This examination is a two-day comprehensive examination administered at various locations across the United States.
Required Advanced Legal Studies Courses
All courses, 9.00 semester credit hours, are required.
PL 300 - Legal Office Administration 3.00
This course is a study of the administration of a private law firm from the perspective of a paralegal office manager. Topics include supervision of paralegal personnel, management of timekeeping and billing systems, document control, client development, and case management.
PL 425 - Business Organizations 3.00
This course provides an overview of the nine most common ways of doing business in this country. Emphasis is placed on the corporate form, beginning with the formation of a corporation as well as the financial structure, corporate management, dividends, and termination of corporate existence.
or BU 550 Research Methods and Decision Making 3.00 semester credit hours or BU 600 Leadership and Organizational Behavior 3.00 semester credit hours
PL 450 - Advanced Legal Research 3.00
This course is designed to build on the basic skills of the student in legal research and other information by using the computer. By searching Internet resources and legal databases, the student performs exercises in researching topics in business, bankruptcy, taxes, trademarks, employment law, environmental law, and other topics.
Elective Courses
A minimum of 12.00 semester credit hours is required. At least 6.00 semester credit hours must be paralegal (PL) courses.
BU 206 - Business Law I 3.00
This course provides a study of the American legal system and its effect on business and business organizations. Topics include an overview of the ethical issues that businesses encounter, the foundation of the American legal system, business ethics, torts, intellectual property, criminal law, cyber crimes, contracts, and sales and leases.
BU 403 - Constitutional Law 3.00
This course is designed to give the student a basic knowledge of constitutional law, as well as the structure of the federal government (executive, legislative, and judicial), with emphasis on the judicial branch and the workings of the Supreme Court of the United States.
BU 530 - Business Leadership Foundations 3.00
This course is designed to assess entry level business content knowledge and skills and validate both prior learning and experiential learning in the areas of business ethics, business leadership, global dimensions of leadership, human resource management, information technology management, strategic management and business integration, and the legal environment of business, accounting, finance, marketing, economics, analysis, operations and organizational behavior.
BU 550 - Research Methods and Decision Making 3.00
This course focuses on skills in research and decision making for the academic and business environment. Topics include the development of research and writing skills, development of decision-making skills, and reflection and review of research activities. Students research and write academic and business papers, specify decisions, characterize alternatives, apply judgment, manage peer pressure, and implement ethical decisions.
BU 600 - Leadership and Organizational Behavior 3.00
High-performing organizations are driven by leaders who enable people to be effective both individually and as part of work teams. Integrating current and emerging leadership strategies, this course helps students develop leadership knowledge and skills, identify critical business challenges in an era of global competition, and act to turn those challenges into opportunities. This course presents strategies for evaluating personal leadership strengths and weaknesses as well as building leadership capacity in employees to increase individual and team performance and lead positive changes in culture and organizational performance.
HR 100 - Introduction to Human Resource Management 3.00
Students in this course explore contemporary concepts and techniques essential to managing corporate human resources. Topics include resource planning, staffing, and rewards as well as developing and maintaining positions and people.
HR 220 - Human Resource Information Systems 3.00
This course provides a foundation for the data entry, data tracking, and data information needs of human resources, payroll, management, and accounting functions within a business. Topics covered include managing employee records, technology portals, employee orientation, and compensation management.
HR 230 - Employment Law and Labor Relations 3.00
Students in this course explore collective bargaining and labor relations, with an emphasis on real-world situations. There is also a strong emphasis on the historical and legal basis for labor relations and collective bargaining in the United States. Topics include labor relations, the collective bargaining process, and labor contracts.
HR 340 - Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Essentials 3.00
This course provides an overview of ADR principles. Topics include how to use principled and ethical negotiation to mediate disputes as well as how to develop practical skills and techniques needed to resolve disputes effectively and with confidence. Students will be given tools for managing conflict constructively in the workplace and at home.
IS 120 - Word Processing 4.00
This course presents the practical application of the concepts and features of a leading word processor. Topics include formatting text and documents, creating and formatting tables, working with graphics, integrating information with other programs, managing styles and templates, working with columns, merging documents, file management techniques, creating forms, and creating web documents.
IS 160 - Spreadsheets 4.00
This course presents the practical application of the concepts and features of a leading spreadsheet package. Topics include using and managing worksheets and workbooks, applying formatting and style features, working with data, formulas, and functions, managing charts and graphics, working with outlines, views, and reports, automating tasks with the macro feature, using auditing tools, collaborative tools, and hyperlinks, and integrating with other programs.
PL 139 - Wills, Trusts and Estates 3.00
This course covers the study and practice of wills, trusts, and estates, stressing the need for understanding the concepts, uses, and forms involved in this ever-changing area of the law.
This course provides instruction in bankruptcy law and the documents required to meet that law. Topics include bankruptcy law and the Bankruptcy Code, filing the case, liquidation bankruptcy, reorganization procedures and adjustment of debts of various individuals, the role of trustees and creditors, and notices and proofs of claim. The student will be introduced to the basic steps and documents involved in conducting the processes and the computer software commonly used by bankruptcy attorneys. Emphasis is placed on the role of the paralegal under the supervision of a licensed attorney.
PL 225 - Criminal Law 3.00
Criminal Law is an introduction to the fundamental elements of crime investigation and prosecution. In this course, students will examine, in detail, crimes against people, property, and public order and morality. This course also examines affirmative defenses such as the insanity defense and the alibi defense. Finally, this course will look at the constitutional guidelines for searching and seizing evidence of a crime. Each element studied will be looked at from a legal perspective as compared to a law enforcement perspective.
PL 235 - Property Law and Intellectual Property Law 3.00
This course provides the basics of property law, real and personal, as well as tangible and intangible. The topic of real estate is presented and includes sales, financing, zoning, and the legal acts that govern. Mortgages, liens, surveying, and servitudes are included in this study. The second half of the course covers intellectual property including trademarks, copyrights, patents, and trade secrets. Topics also include the application, possession, protection, violation, and transfer of rights in intellectual property.
Required Project Management
3.00 semester credit hours are required.
BU 345 - Project Management 3.00
This course provides instruction in the principles and concepts of project management. Topics include project management concepts, needs identification techniques, proposed solutions preparation, the project life cycle, the project manager's responsibilities and skills, the composition of an effective project team, types of project organizations, project communication and documentation, project planning, scheduling, and control, resource planning, and cost planning and performance evaluation.
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Required Capstone or Internship
3.00 semester credit hours are required.
PL 491 - Capstone Project 3.00
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.
PL 494 - Legal Studies Internship 3.00
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.
Required Courses in General Education
Students enrolled in this bachelor's degree must complete a minimum of 33.00 semester credit hours in general education distributed among the following disciplines. Refer to the General Education section of the catalog for specific information about courses within each discipline.
9.00 Semester Credit Hours in Communications
9.00 Semester Credit Hours in Humanities (must include 3 semester credit hours of cultural diversity)
6.00 Semester Credit Hours in Mathematics
3.00 Semester Credit Hours in Science
6.00 Semester Credit Hours in Social and Behavioral Sciences
Personal and Professional Development Courses
2.00 semester credit hours are required.
PD 121 - Professional Development I 1.00
This course is designed to introduce students to methodologies that will prepare them for academic and professional success. Topics include but are not limited to Canvas support, student support services, e-books, university policies, resumes, self-reflection, time management, goal setting, and strategies for anxiety reduction.
PD 202 - Professional Development II 1.00
This course provides an opportunity for students to critically examine their skills and develop a plan to further their career and own financial literacy. Topics include research, job searching, developing career documents, refining interview and communication skills, and creating a personal budget.
An alternative: Associate of Science in Legal Assisting/Paralegal
Looking to get started faster as a paralegal/legal assistant? The Associate of Science in Legal Assisting/Paralegal degree program in New Orleans prepares students with the skills and knowledge needed for a career as a legal assistant/paralegal working under the supervision of a licensed attorney. Learn more about our online legal studies associate degree program.