B.S. in Paralegal Studies

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Paralegal Studies at Mississippi College is designed to provide comprehensive training for individuals seeking to become integral members of the legal team, working under the supervision of attorneys. This program focuses on developing the essential skills and knowledge required to excel in various legal environments, including private law firms, government agencies, and corporate legal departments. It emphasizes legal research, writing, litigation support, and law office management, preparing graduates to efficiently and effectively assist attorneys in serving clients. Notably, Mississippi College's paralegal studies program is approved by the American Bar Association (ABA), signifying that it meets high standards for curriculum, faculty, and ethical training, which is a crucial factor for employment and professional recognition in the paralegal field.

Curriculum: The B.S. in Paralegal Studies curriculum at Mississippi College is comprehensive and structured to provide both foundational legal knowledge and practical paralegal skills. It includes a university core along with specific paralegal studies courses. Key legal courses typically cover Introduction to Law, Civil Litigation I and II, Wills & Estates, Real Property Law, Family Law, Legal Research & Bibliography, Legal Writing, and Law Office Management. Students are also required to complete 9 hours of additional 300-400 level paralegal (PLE) courses, which can include one Administration of Justice (AJU) course, allowing for some specialization. The curriculum is designed to teach students how to conduct legal research using modern tools (including access to Westlaw), perform legal analyses, draft legal documents, and understand the intricacies of civil procedure and various substantive legal areas. A distinctive feature is the required Paralegal Internship (PLE 410), providing invaluable hands-on experience.

Research Focus: The B.S. in Paralegal Studies program at Mississippi College has a strong practical research focus, aimed at developing students' abilities to conduct thorough and effective legal research and analysis. The curriculum explicitly includes dedicated courses like "Legal Research & Bibliography" and "Legal Writing," where students learn to identify legal issues, apply basic legal analysis, and utilize both traditional print and computerized legal research databases (such as Westlaw). The program emphasizes the practical application of research skills to draft legal memoranda, briefs, and other documents essential for assisting attorneys. Students are trained to critically analyze court opinions, statutes, and administrative law, making them proficient in finding and synthesizing legal authorities. The capstone project, which often involves creating a complete litigation file, further reinforces these research and analytical skills.

Industry Engagement: Mississippi College's B.S. in Paralegal Studies program demonstrates robust industry engagement, crucial for career preparation in the legal field. A central component is the mandatory Paralegal Internship (PLE 410), which allows students to gain direct, supervised experience in real law firms, government agencies, or corporate legal departments. This practical experience is vital for applying classroom knowledge to real-world scenarios and for building professional networks. The program also benefits from its ABA approval, which often involves input from an advisory board composed of legal professionals, ensuring the curriculum remains relevant to industry needs. Graduates of the program are actively recruited by local law firms and major employers such as the Mississippi Highway Patrol and the Supreme Court of Georgia, highlighting the program's strong reputation and successful placement of its students. Students also have opportunities to participate in legal professional organizations like the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA), further fostering industry connections.

Global Perspective: While the B.S. in Paralegal Studies at Mississippi College primarily focuses on the U.S. legal system, the program implicitly contributes to a global perspective through its emphasis on transferable skills and ethical considerations. The foundational legal research, writing, and analytical skills are universally applicable in various legal systems. As the legal landscape becomes increasingly interconnected, an understanding of fundamental legal principles and ethical conduct prepares paralegals to potentially work on cases with international dimensions or for multinational corporations. The university's overall commitment to fostering a diverse student body also contributes to a broader perspective, exposing students to various viewpoints that can inform their understanding of justice beyond national borders. While there aren't explicit "global law" courses within the paralegal curriculum, the core competencies gained are adaptable to a globally evolving legal profession.