COURSE CURRICULUM

The Bachelor of Arts degree in Paralegal Studies at Kent State University is structured to provide students with a thorough foundation in both the liberal arts and the legal field, equipping them with the critical thinking, analytical, and communication skills necessary for a career as a professional paralegal. The major requires completion of core courses that introduce students to the paralegal profession, including ethical standards, legal research and writing, civil procedure, and applied legal research and litigation, which is a writing-intensive course. Students gain hands-on experience through a substantial internship, allowing them to apply legal principles in real-world settings and develop practical skills in document preparation, case analysis, and client interaction. Beyond the core courses, students select from a wide range of legal specialty electives, covering areas such as family law, estate and probate administration, environmental law, health law, labor and employment law, energy and natural resources law, tort law, bankruptcy, real estate, contract law, corporate law, intellectual property, and patent and trademark prosecution. These electives provide flexibility for students to focus on areas of law that match their interests and career goals. In addition to major requirements, students must complete general education courses, including composition, humanities and fine arts, social sciences, mathematics and critical reasoning, basic sciences, and foreign language, ensuring a well-rounded educational background. The curriculum also allows for general electives to reach a minimum of 120 credit hours, including 39 upper-division hours. Graduates are prepared to take the Certified Paralegal exam through the National Association of Legal Assistants and enter the workforce with the knowledge, skills, and professional standards required to support attorneys in law firms, corporate legal departments, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations. By blending academic rigor with practical experience, the program cultivates competent, ethical, and adaptable legal professionals who are ready to contribute effectively to the legal field.