Legal Studies (BA)

Overview

The bachelor of arts in legal studies is approved by the American Bar Association (ABA) and is the only ABA program in the St. Louis area. The degree is designed to meet the ever-changing needs of the paralegal profession and prepares students to enter the legal profession. We offer a solid, broad-based education including legal specialty courses. Students will learn both the theoretical and practical aspects of the law as they gain paralegal knowledge and an understanding of the ethical framework in which legal professionals function.

BA degree-seeking students with a declared major in legal studies may seek, concurrently with the degree, a certificate in paralegal studies. All of the coursework is applied toward both the degree and the certificate. To gain the certificate, students must pay a second graduation fee.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the program, students will be able to:

  • Demonstrate the fundamentals of legal reasoning and analysis.
  • Comprehend the Code of Professional Responsibility to be able to address ethical dilemmas faced by lawyers and legal assistants.
  • Master the skills and knowledge necessary for understanding legal issues working from both theoretical and practical applications.
  • Explain the essential goals of legal researching, legal and logical reasoning and begin to develop legal writing skills.
  • Be able to apply the theory of legal research and writing to practical problems encountered in a legal environment.
  • Distinguish the significant role that legal assistants/paralegals have in the legal world and the practical skills necessary to function in it.

Requirements

Webster University welcomes applications for admission from students from all countries. General information about degree seeking study at Webster University’s international campuses may be found on the website by clicking on the Worldwide Campuses tab and scrolling to the International Campuses.

Application Requirements

  • A completed online application for graduate admissions. Non-U.S. citizens, U.S. citizens applying from outside the U.S. and any student applying to a campus outside the United States should complete the international application online
  • Official transcripts from the educational institution from which the student earned their first bachelors-level degree. For U.S. institutions, this means accreditation from a regional accrediting body. Non-U.S. institutions must be recognized by the Ministry of Education as a university-level provider of higher education and accredited by any appropriate agencies within the home country and any countries in which it operates and/or issues degrees. This transcript and/or diploma must show the degree received and the date conferred. Applicants previously enrolled in graduate-level coursework must submit official transcripts of that work. All official transcripts and documents in a language other than English must be accompanied by a certified English translation.
  • Proof of English language proficiency. See English Language Proficiency section below for approved methods.
  • A curriculum vitae (résumé) that documents prior employment and experience or an essay on a topic of the student’s choice, such as a special interest, significant experience or notable achievement. Minimum 300 word count in length.

International students recruited to the U.S. will be required to pay a Tuition Deposit equivalent to a one-semester tuition charge, and only applies to tuition fees. This Tuition Deposit is non-refundable upon enrollment and forfeited if the student decides to transfer out of the University. Any forfeited Tuition Deposit will be applied to tuition fees if the student rejoins the University within twelve (12) months from the date of their last class attendance.

Note: Graduate applicants who apply and are provisionally accepted either by submitting unofficial transcripts or before completing their undergraduate degree must submit a final transcript indicating the degree received and the date conferred. If transcripts do not indicate degree or conferral date a copy of diploma is required. This official transcript must be on file within eight weeks from the beginning of the student’s starting term for full acceptance to the University.

There are two paths for submitting official transcripts for international students:

  1. Request the university sends Webster University an official transcript directly in a sealed envelope.
  2. If the student has attended a school or country that does not issue transcripts to other schools, and instead issues only one original certificate or mark sheet directly to the student, then the student can bring in their original, final transcript and diploma to a Webster staff member, for the staff member to verify and take certified true copies. These copies will become the official transcripts and the originals will be returned to the student.

Additional Application Requirements

  • Additional official documentation may be required depending upon an applicant’s program of interest or previous educational background. See program page for details.
  • International applicants who will require a student visa must submit a photocopy of the biographical page from their passport.
  • Applying for a visa: Students requiring a visa to study in the country in which their campus is located will be required to provide additional documentation for the visa process. Visa documentation requirements can vary at international campus locations depending upon the applicant’s citizenship status and/or country of origin at the time of acceptance to the University. Applicants should check with the campus they plan to attend for specifics. Students are responsible for applying and obtaining their visa. The University will provide support and guidance during the process and will notify applicants if additional documentation is required to complete the application file. Upon receipt, the University can vouch for student status and any associated charges.
  • International students recruited to the U.S. will be required to pay a Tuition Deposit equivalent to a one-semester tuition charge, and only applies to tuition fees. This Tuition Deposit is non-refundable upon enrollment and forfeited if the student decides to transfer out of the University. Any forfeited Tuition Deposit will be applied to tuition fees if the student rejoins the University within twelve (12) months from the date of their last class attendance.

Important: Applicants from abroad should complete and submit all necessary documents at least four to six months before the desired entry term to allow sufficient time for accepted applicants to apply for a student visa. In addition, applicants should retain photocopies of all documents submitted to the University as these may need to be presented at the consulate/embassy when applying for the student visa.


English Language Proficiency

The following methods have been approved for proving English Proficiency for international student applicants:

  1. The English proficiency test requirement is waived for TOEFL exempted countries: Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Botswana, Canada (except Quebec), Fiji, Gambia, Ghana, Grenada, Guyana, Ireland, Jamaica, Kenya, Liberia, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Micronesia, New Zealand, Nigeria, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and Grenadines, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Africa, St. Helena, Tanzania, Trinidad and Tobago, Uganda, United Kingdom, Zambia, and Zimbabwe,
  2. Completion of at least one year academic of college-level coursework for undergraduate students at a regionally accredited U.S. institution of higher learning within the last three years.  It must be academic coursework that is completed; ESL coursework does not qualify.
  3. Completion of at least one semester of graduate-level courses with grades of B or higher at a regionally accredited U.S. institution of higher learning within the last three years.  Coursework must be academic; ESL coursework does not qualify.
  4. If a student has completed three or more years of study in an English-medium high school or university-level academic program in a country other than ones listed above, he/she may request a waiver.
  5. Successful completion of the ELS Language Center’s English for Academic Purposes or ELS Language Center Level 112 (must have valid ELS 112 Certificate of Completion).
  6. Successful completion of the University of Central Florida’s Center for Multilingual Multicultural Studies (CMMS) Intensive English Program (must have valid completion certificate).
  7. Successfully meeting the requirements for one of the following tests within the last two years.
    • TOEFL: jBT: 80
    • TOEFL: pBT: 550
    • IELTS: Academic: 6.0
    • Duolingo: 120
    • Pearson: 53
    • Cambridge Academic English: 169
    • Password: 6.0
    • GTEC: 1201
    • jTEP: 3.7
    • SAT’s English-based Reading and Writing Score: 450
    • ACT composite score: 23

Video

Tuition:

$47,175.00

Application Fee:
$250
$0
Location
USA > Chicago > illinois > Kansas > Missouri > St. Louis > New York
Duration

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