Legal Studies

Degree Awarded:  Bachelor of Science

The Legal Studies major combines a strong liberal arts foundation with a course of study that allows for insight into and practical experience with various facets of the law. Students learn the processes and principles of legal research, investigative techniques, and business, civil, criminal and constitutional law, and learn practical skills of legal assisting, research and writing. Additionally, they may take coursework across a spectrum of disciplines in the social sciences—psychology, sociology, political science—that complement the learning in the field.
While Ohio prohibits the practice of law by non-attorneys, this major prepares students for a variety of positions in the legal and business professions, or to pursue a degree in law.

• LG 410 Ethics (1 SH)
• LG 420 Senior Seminar (3 SH)
• LG 450 Internship (4 SH)

(Program approved by the American Bar Association)

Requirements for this Major:

46 semester credits including:

• LG 110 Introduction to Legal Assisting (2 SH)
• LG 210 Principles of Legal Research and Writing (4 SH)
• LG 220 Criminal Law and Procedure (4 SH)
• LG 222 Civil Litigation and Procedure (4 SH)
• LG 315 Business Law I (4 SH)
• LG 324 Constitutional Law (4 SH)
• LG 410 Ethics (1 SH)
• LG 420 Applied Senior Seminar (3 SH)
• LG 450 Legal Assistant Internship (1-5 SH)

and 16 semester credits from the following:

• LG 230 Investigative Techniques (4 SH)
• LG 303 Taxes & Culture Clinic I (2 or 4 SH)
• LG 311 Landmark Cases in Mental Health and the Law (4 SH)
• LG 312 Legal Issues in Sports (4 SH)
• LG 316 Business Law II (4 SH)
• LG 327 Death Penalty in America (4 SH)
• LG 332 International Business Law (2 SH)
• LG 345 Psychology and Law (4 SH)
• LG 170-79/270-79/370-79 Special Topics in Legal Studies (2-4 SH)
• PO 331 Judicial Process (4 SH)

Note: There may be specific credit hour requirements for Internships. Students should review requirements with their academic advisor.

Students are encouraged to take additional coursework in related fields such as foreign languages, business administration, international business, accounting, communications, etc.

Early Admission Agreement Between Lake Erie College and Duquesne University Law School

Lake Erie College (LEC) and Duquesne University Law School (DULS) have established a 3+3 Program in which a student completes three full years of study at LEC, followed by three years at DULS, culminating in a baccalaureate degree from LEC after the fourth full year of study and the J.D. degree from DULS after the sixth full year of post-secondary study. DULS will accept for regular admission all candidates from LEC who meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Cumulative GPA of 3.50 or above for three years (96 cr.);
- Completion of one undergraduate major program of study and all general education requirements;
- Minimum LSAT score in the 60th percentile, taken by the end of the fall term of junior year;
- Recommendation by a jointly administered Selection Committee;
- Completion of DULS Office of Admissions protocols and application. Please direct any questions concerning the Law School Early Admission Agreement to the Associate V.P. of Academic Affairs in the Office of Academic Affairs.