The Bachelor of Professional Studies degree (BPS) with a major in legal studies is an interdisciplinary program exploring the legal system in the United States 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.
