Iowa State University is a great place to prepare for law school and careers in the legal field. We are a great research university with outstanding student experiences and rigorous academics. The BS degree in Legal Studies is designed for students seeking a degree that emphasizes practical skills as well as analytical and conceptual thinking, legal research and writing, a study of the development of various legal theories, a solid understanding of the substantive areas of law, and the role of law in society. It also allows students to take courses in various departments of the university. The BS degree is a good option for students who plan to work in fields affected by laws and regulations, or who are considering law school or other fields of graduate study. Please note that paralegals and other non-lawyers cannot provide legal services directly to the public unless permitted by law. The paralegal profession is one of the fastest growing careers in the country, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.The legal studies program prepares students for careers as paralegals in public and private law firms, corporate law departments, and government agencies. Students learn how lawyers think and how to communicate effectively with lawyers and laymen. Paralegals are not permitted to provide legal services directly to the public unless permitted by law. Students in Legal Studies, a major offered by the Department of Policy and Government, have great opportunities for learning and growth, both as individuals and in the broader paralegal field. The Department of Policy and Government offers a variety of resources for legal studies majors, including internship opportunities, small class sizes, as well as full-time faculty or experienced practitioners who teach all levels of coursework. The Illinois State Legal Studies Program has been in existence since 1975 and has graduated more than 350 students.

The program is a distinguished member of the American Association for Paralegal Education. The Illinois State Legal Studies Program is an ABA approved paralegal education program. Illinois State has full institutional accreditation from the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. The ISU offers Abitur, Master, Fach and PhD degrees. The university is accredited by the Commission on Higher Education, 800-621-7740. Academic programs in higher education are accredited by more than 25 different agencies. In addition, the university is institutionally a member of at least ten major national associations. Paralegals, also known as legal assistants, are an integral part of the legal team. Paralegals investigate facts, conduct legal research, interview clients, organize and analyze documents and file information, draft legal documents and correspondence, and generally assist with all stages of litigation.

The Paralegal Studies program aims to train and equip students with the knowledge and skills that will enable them to perform these tasks competently and effectively in a variety of legal environments. Paralegals can work in many areas of law – civil litigation, bankruptcy, business, criminal law, administration, environment, real estate, housekeeping, health care, employment, estate planning and more. Courses in the Paralegal Studies program offer instruction in specific areas of law and practice to develop the required skills. Students are eligible for the program with any Iowa State University major within the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, which administers the 3+3 program. Currently, there are no licensing or certification requirements for paralegals. The National Association of Legal Assistants Inc. operates a voluntary certification program for paralegals. Successful completion of the Illinois State Legal Studies Program will meet the educational portion of the NALA Certification Exam admission requirements. The law degree program is designed to provide specialized knowledge and skills to prepare students for employment as paralegals.