May 06, 2025  
2021-2022 University Bulletin 
    
Catalog Navigation
  Bulletin Home
  Admission and Financial Aid
  Academic Program Information
  Academic Regulations

  Rosary College of Arts and Sciences
  Brennan School of Business
  Borra College of Health Sciences
  College of Applied Social Sciences

  Course Descriptions
  Notifications

  Faculty
  Leadership
  Emeritus Faculty
  Adjunct Faculty
  My Bulletin
HELP
2021-2022 University Bulletin [ARCHIVED BULLETIN]

Legal Studies - B.P.S.

The bachelor of professional studies degree (BPS)  with a major in legal studies is an interdisciplinary program exploring the American legal system from a wide range of perspectives, including economics, philosophy, theology and history. Consistent with Dominican University’s long-standing commitment to social justice, students are required to complete a course in legal ethics along with at least one ethics unit in each class.

Graduates of the program will be qualified to work as paralegals, law enforcement officers, public officials, and nonprofit leaders. Those looking to work as paralegals will have the opportunity to take courses in specific areas like civil litigation or real estate law and gain preparation for paralegal certification examinations. As a rigorous social science program, the BPS will also prepare students for law or graduate school.

  • Each academic year consists of six 8-week sessions
  • Classes are offered in an eight-week format
  • Transfer credit of up to 68 semester credit hours from community colleges or up to 90 semester credit hours from a combination of community colleges and 4-year colleges or universities may be granted.
  • Where students earn credit from an accredited institution in an applied science discipline (often through Associate of Applied Science or certificate programs) not represented at Dominican University, a maximum of 18 credits may transfer in. Such courses normally only satisfy general elective requirements. Where those applied science credits logically support a BPS program (e.g., an AAS in Paralegal Studies into the BPS in Legal Studies), normal transfer credit limits apply, and those credits may be used to satisfy major or other requirements.

Major Requirements

In addition to satisfying the proficiency and general education requirements for the bachelor of professional studies, students must complete 42 credit hours in the major field or related areas, as indicated.

Required Courses:

Accelerated Degree Options:

Bachelor of Professional Studies/Master of Arts in Mediation and Conflict Resolution

High-achieving undergraduates can apply for the bachelor of professional studies/master of arts in mediation and conflict resolution (MCR) accelerated degree option. Students admitted to this option can enroll in MMCR courses before completing the baccalaureate degree and have up to 9 MMCR credit hours apply to both their undergraduate and graduate degrees. Additional information is available through the CASS advising office.

Bachelor of Professional Studies/Master of Social Work

High-achieving undergraduates can apply for the bachelor of professional studies/master of social work (MSW) accelerated degree. Students admitted to this option can enroll in MSW courses before completing the BPS and have up to 30 MSW credit hours apply to both their undergraduate and graduate degrees. Additional information is available through the CASS advising office.

Bachelor of Professional Studies/Master of Library and Information Science

High-achieving undergraduates can apply for the bachelor of professional studies and, in their senior year, take up to two library and information science courses with approval of the director of the School of Information Studies. The 6 LIS credit hours apply to both their undergraduate and graduate degrees. Additional information is available through the CASS advising office.

Bachelor of Professional Studies/Master of Business Administration

High-achieving undergraduates can apply for the bachelor of professional studies and, in their senior year, take up to two MBA courses with approval of the director of the Brennan School of Business. The 6 BSB credit hours apply to both their undergraduate and graduate degrees. Additional information is available through the CASS advising office.

 

Additional Requirements:

Each student must file an application for graduation with the Office of the Registrar by the deadline posted for the semester in which the student anticipates completing degree requirements.