Bachelor of Science in Rechtswissenschaften

South University is currently offering a new format in addition to on-campus classes, called South VR [South Virtual Remote] which is a live instruction, interactive virtual classroom experience. This temporary learning format that was created to help our students continue their education remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic.

This partially online Legal Studies program can give you a strong foundation in general education, analytical and critical thinking skills, theoretical legal concepts, and practical legal applications. Through our in-depth legal coursework, you can learn how to manage challenging assignments under the supervision of a licensed attorney involving. While you can take the majority of your courses online, all students in the partially online Legal Studies degree program must complete at least 4 legal specialty courses (totaling at least 16 quarter hours of credit) in a traditional classroom format.

Outcomes

After completing our partially online Legal Studies degree program, graduates can be ready to:

• Apply knowledge of procedural and substantive law to complete advanced or specialized legal assignments in a law office or other organization involved with legal processes under the supervision of an attorney.
• Demonstrate proficiency in the complex skills required for a modern, technology-based law office.
• Follow and understand the professional and ethical standards expected of a paralegal across a broad spectrum of legal practice.
• Display enhanced communication skills, including public speaking, letter and memorandum writing, and complex legal drafting under attorney supervision.
• Conduct advanced legal research, utilizing acute critical thinking, reasoning, and analytical approaches to legal problem-solving.

Career Outlook

At South University, our partially online Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies can provide you with the relevant skills and experience to excel in an entry-level paralegal position within a:

• Law firm
• Bank
• Insurance company
• Governmental agency
• Corporation

Course Requirements

Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies: 180 Credits

Area I General Education Requirements: 64 Credits

Professional Development

• ITS1000 Computer and Internet Literacy, 4 Credit Hours
• UVC1000 Strategies for Success, 4 Credit Hours

Basic Communications

• ENG1100 Composition I, 4 Credit Hours
• ENG1200 Composition II, 4 Credit Hours
• ENG1300 Composition III, 4 Credit Hours
• SPC1026 Public Speaking, 4 Credit Hours

Mathematics and Statistics (choose three)

• MAT1001 College Algebra I, 4 Credit Hours
• MAT1005 College Algebra II, 4 Credit Hours
• MAT1500 College Mathematics, 4 Credit Hours
• MAT2058 Statistics, 4 Credit Hours

Natural Sciences (choose two)

• BIO1020 Biology I, 4 Credit Hours
• BIO1021 Biology II, 4 Credit Hours
• CHM1010 General Chemistry, 4 Credit Hours

Arts and Humanities (choose two)

• ENG2002 World Literature I: From the Ancient World to the Middle Ages, 4 Credit Hours
• ENG2003 World Literature II: From Enlightenment to Modernity, 4 Credit Hours
• ENG2011 Introduction to American Literature: 1865 to present, 4 Credit Hours
• HIS1101 U.S. History I: Colonial to 1865, 4 Credit Hours
• HIS1102 U.S. History II: 1865 to Present, 4 Credit Hours
• HUM1001 History of Art through the Middle Ages, 4 Credit Hours
• HUM1002 History of Art from the Middle Ages to Modern Times, 4 Credit Hours
• HUM2101 World Civilization I: Prehistory to 1500 C.E., 4 Credit Hours
• HUM2102 World Civilization II: 1500 to Present, 4 Credit Hours
• PHI2301 Introduction to Philosophy, 4 Credit Hours
• REL1001 World Religions, 4 Credit Hours

Social and Behavioral Sciences (choose three)

• ECO2071 Principles of Microeconomics, 4 Credit Hours
• ECO2072 Principles of Macroeconomics, 4 Credit Hours
• POL2076 American Government, 4 Credit Hours
• PSY1001 General Psychology, 4 Credit Hours
• SOC1001 Introduction to Sociology, 4 Credit Hours
• SOC2010 Social Problems, 4 Credit Hours

Area II Foundation Requirements: 40 Credits

• BUS1038 Business Law I, 4 Credit Hours
• BUS2038 Business Law II, 4 Credit Hours

Elective Pool (eight courses or 32 credit hours)

Transfer students may transfer any course to help fulfill the elective pool requirements, provided the course meets the standards of the Credit for Transcripted and Non-transcripted Work policy found in the Academic Affairs section of this catalog.

Non-transfer students, with their advisor's consultation and approval, may choose courses from any department recommended and listed course or more broadly from any course offered by South University. Work from other fields must include any required prerequisite courses in the elective field.

A course can be used to meet only one requirement in Area I, Area II, or Area III, but not simultaneously in two areas. Students should work with their academic advisor or counselor to be sure they are making appropriate course choices.

Area III Major Requirements: 76 Credits

Core

• LGS1001 The Legal Field: Law and Ethics, 4 Credit Hours
• LGS1004 Torts and Remedies, 4 Credit Hours
• LGS1005 Legal Research and Writing I, 4 Credit Hours*
• LGS1006 Legal Research and Writing II, 4 Credit Hours
• LGS2001 Civil Litigation, 4 Credit Hours
• LGS2002 Family Law, 4 Credit Hours
• LGS2003 Estate Planning and Probate, 4 Credit Hours
• LGS2004 Criminal Law, 4 Credit Hours
• LGS2007 Computers in the Legal Office, 4 Credit Hours
• LGS2099 Paralegal Externship, 4 Credit Hours
• LGS4005 Advanced Legal Research and Writing, 4 Credit Hours
• LGS4008 Litigation Support Management, 4 Credit Hours
• LGS4030 Employment Law, 4 Credit Hours
• LGS4075 Legal Topics Seminar, 4 Credit Hours

Electives (choose two)

• LGS2005 Real Estate Law, 4 Credit Hours
• LGS2008 Worker's Compensation Law, 4 Credit Hours
• LGS2010 Bankruptcy Law, 4 Credit Hours
• LGS2030 Administrative Law, 4 Credit Hours

Electives (choose three)

• LGS3009 International Law, 4 Credit Hours
• LGS3040 Constitutional Law, 4 Credit Hours
• LGS3050 Immigration Law, 4 Credit Hours
• LGS3060 Contract Law for Paralegals, 4 Credit Hours
• LGS3065 Criminal Procedure, 4 Credit Hours
• LGS4010 Evidence, 4 Credit Hours
• LGS4020 Advanced Real Estate Law, 4 Credit Hours
• LGS4045 Advanced Technology for Paralegals, 4 Credit Hours
• LGS4050 Environmental Law, 4 Credit Hours
• LGS4051 Cyberlaw, 4 Credit Hours
• LGS4055 Intellectual Property, 4 Credit Hours
• LGS4060 Legal Externship II, 4 Credit Hours

Note(s): All students enrolling in the partially online program offered through the Savannah campus must document that at least four legal specialty courses comprising at least 16 credit hours of credit were completed in a traditional classroom format.

*The program requires that LGS1005 Legal Research and Writing I be completed in a traditional classroom format. The student can complete any other three (3) legal specialty courses In a traditional classroom format with the approval of the Program Director in consultation with the Registrar. The courses completed on the ground in a traditional classroom format must be comparable to the legal specialty courses offered at South University.

Students at South University, Savannah's partially online Legal Studies Program should contact their academic counselor for information on completing these requirements.

South University, Online Program offerings may not be available to residents of all states. Please contact an admissions representative for further information.

Online Classroom

Haven’t experienced online learning before or wondering what it’s like to earn your degree online at South University? While the mode of learning is different from the traditional classroom experience with added convenience and flexibility, we hold the same high standards of academic excellence in the online classroom.

South University’s online programs combine a curriculum designed for student outcomes and a classroom designed for flexibility and engagement. Our online classroom learning platform, Brightspace, provides you with a host of features to enhance your learning experience, including:

• Advanced media content
• Personalized navigation
• Simplified online learning atmosphere
• Access to digital books
• Emailing and instant messaging options

We provide more than just an online classroom, bringing a range of campus experiences and services online. In addition, the online classroom is accessible on the go via mobile devices and with tools like the Pulse App. Pulse helps you stay connected and on track with your course by providing a number of features such as course calendars, readings and assignments, feedback and grades, and announcements.

How to apply

We make the application process as smooth as possible so you can start earning your degree right away. Our admissions representatives will guide you through our three-step process.

To get started, call 888-444-3404, to speak with an Admissions Representative or fill out our request information form. An admissions representative will review our degree programs with you, give you an overview of the admissions process, and help you complete the application process. You can take a guided tour of our campus or a virtual tour online. Apply Now A Finance Counselor will work with you to discuss options and qualifications and to develop a payment plan that works for you. Programs with alternative application procedures.

2020-21 Starting Dates

Online

• June 2nd, 2020
• July 14th, 2020
• August 18th, 2020
• September 22nd, 2020
• October 27th, 2020
• December 1st, 2020
• January 12th, 2021
• February 16th, 2021
• March 23rd, 2021
• April 27th, 2021
• June 1st, 2021

South University provides a warm, supportive learning environment that will encourage you to engage with a community of faculty, staff and students eager to play a role in helping you achieve your educational goals, on-campus and online. We take pride in the South experience of small classes that offer a hands-on experience that will be important to help shape your skills and excellence in your chosen field, but also help shape your character through community involvement, volunteerism, and pursuit of lifelong learning.

South University is an academic institution dedicated to providing educational opportunities for the intellectual, social, and professional development of a diverse student population. To achieve this purpose, the institution offers focused and balanced programs at the associate’s, baccalaureate, master's and doctoral levels. A broad-based core curriculum is offered, promoting critical thinking, effective verbal and written communication, and skills for life-long learning. Additionally, the University focuses on developing the requisites to appreciate knowledge as well as a pursuit of lifelong learning.