COURSE CURRICULUM

The Paralegal Studies BA program at The University of Southern Mississippi is an American Bar Association-approved degree designed to prepare students for professional careers in legal environments through a combination of legal education, practical training, communication skills, and liberal arts study. The 120-hour curriculum focuses on teaching students how to support attorneys and legal organizations by developing expertise in legal research, drafting, litigation support, office management, investigation, legal technology, and case preparation. Students complete core paralegal courses such as Introduction to Paralegalism, Civil Litigation, Legal Research, Legal Drafting, Property Law, Equity Practice, Commercial Skills for Paralegals, Law Office Computing and Management, and Advanced Paralegalism. The program also includes specialized law-related electives such as Criminal Law, Constitutional Law, Family Law, Administrative Law, International Law, Mock Trial, and Judicial Process, allowing students to explore different legal fields based on career interests. Strong emphasis is placed on writing, communication, analytical thinking, and organization, which are essential skills in the legal profession. Students must also complete a foreign language requirement and a required minor in another discipline, helping broaden their academic and professional background. The curriculum combines legal theory with practical skill development, preparing graduates to work efficiently in law firms, courts, corporations, nonprofit organizations, banks, insurance companies, and government agencies. Although paralegals cannot independently practice law, they play a major role in assisting attorneys with legal documentation, case management, factual investigation, legal analysis, and client communication. Graduates may pursue careers as paralegals, legal assistants, compliance coordinators, legal researchers, contract specialists, court administrators, or office managers in legal settings. The degree can also serve as excellent preparation for law school because students gain a strong foundation in legal systems, legal writing, constitutional principles, and judicial procedures. This program is especially suitable for students interested in law, government, research, investigation, communication, and professional office-based careers with stable long-term employment opportunities.