Legal Studies - Associate in Applied Science

A wide range of skills and opportunities.

The legal field presents more opportunities than ever. To meet growing needs, today’s firms and organizations are seeking qualified graduates with broad knowledge of the law and legal practices.

At Berkeley College, the Bachelor’s and Associate’s Legal Studies degree programs provide the analytical, technical, and research skills to enter a career in many different areas of legal support services. The program also offers a Pre-Law Advisory Center, which provides special resources and support for students considering law school and other advanced studies in law.

Graduates will be prepared to perform law-related work under the supervision of a lawyer, such as:

• Identifying and analyzing legal issues
• Investigating and evaluating facts
• Preparing pleadings, contracts, forms, legal memoranda, and other documents
• Interviewing clients and witnesses
• Case management
• Conducting legal research
• And many other law-related duties

Here’s what sets the Berkeley Legal Studies program apart:

• You’ll learn from professors with experience in corporate, litigation, government, and other areas of law
• You’ll perform research using current law-related applications and electronic legal research databases
• You’ll benefit from frequent guest speakers and special industry-related events
• You may have the opportunity to participate in an internship or job-related assignment for a valuable learning experience
• You’ll have exceptional networking opportunities through faculty and alumni connections

At Berkeley College, our career-focused curricula are designed with job preparation in mind. Most of our majors offer specific Career Paths for students. By working with professional advisory boards, these Career Paths recommend elective courses that complement the program curricula and help develop the exact career skills that employers look for when hiring graduates or promoting employees.

Sample Course Sequence

First Semester

• LAW1100 Introduction to Law 3
• CIS1115 Computer Applications 3
• SOC1123 First Year Experience 3
• ENG1105 Writing and Research 3
• HUM2225 Introduction to Ethics 3

Second Semester

• LAW1110 Contract Law 3
• LAW2200 Professional Responsibilities and Legal Ethics 3
• LAW2215 Torts 3
• ENG2205 Writing through Literature 3
• Free Elective 3

Third Semester

• MAT2215 Statistics I 3
• LAW2210 Legal Research and Writing 3
• LAW2230 Civil Litigation 3
• LAW2000 Career Development 3
• Free Elective 3

Fourth Semester

• LAW2225 Real Property Law 3
• SOC2231 Human Relations 3
• Mathematics/Science Elective 3
• Legal Studies Electives 6

Legal Studies Electives

• LAW1105 Introduction to Compliance 3
• LAW2105 Principles of Legal Nurse Consulting 3
• LAW2235 Immigration Law 3
• LAW2240 Family Law 3
• LAW2250 Wills, Trusts, and Estates 3
• LAW2260 Law Firm Communications and Technology 3
• LAW2270 Special Topics in Legal Studies 3
• LAW2293 Internship 3
• ACC1111 Financial Accounting I 3
• BUS2231 Business Law I 3
• JUS2201 Criminal Procedure 3
• JUS2205 Criminal Law 3

Eligibility for some internships required to obtain a Berkeley College degree and employment opportunities in fields related to this program may require candidates to meet specific health requirements or pass criminal background checks prescribed by law. Applicants for whom such requirements may be matters of concern are strongly advised to contact an Admissions Associate prior to enrolling in this program. Note that law enforcement jobs typically require the candidate to be physically and mentally fit and have a valid driver’s license, a clean driving record, no felony criminal record, no domestic violence charges (felony or misdemeanor), no loan/credit card defaults, and the ability to be licensed (via your agency or department) to carry a firearm. A selection process involving a qualifying examination and/or supplementary training may also be required. Job requirements for non-sworn personnel in criminal justice and related agencies vary. Not all degree and certificate programs and courses are offered at all campuses. You may be required to take some courses at another campus or online. Berkeley College reserves the right to add, discontinue, or modify its programs and policies at any time.

60 semester credits required for graduation