Associate of Science in Legal Studies

Train to become a paralegal through our legal studies program

Associate of Science - Legal Studies (64 credits)

Pursue your path to studying law or train to be a paralegal through the only associate of science in legal studies in western Michigan. Approved by the American Bar Association (ABA) since 1994, Davenport University’s legal studies program is led by expert faculty with a range of experiences, from practicing attorneys who share current legal trends to those who have retired from law with decades of experience. Their varied backgrounds bring depth and diversity to the legal studies program and also provide you with internship and networking opportunities.

Davenport understands students' schedules are hectic. To provide further flexibility within the legal studies program, we are transitioning to a fully online experience by offering 100% of courses in livestream format through our Global Campus. This allows you to stream and participate in classes from anywhere life takes you! And once you’ve completed your associate degree, you can easily continue studying law in Davenport’s bachelor of science in legal studies program — another ABA-approved paralegal program.

What are paralegals?

Under attorney supervision, paralegals prepare legal documents, interview clients and witnesses, summarize witness statements and much more. You can train to become a paralegal through Davenport’s ABA-approved paralegal program. Through internships and coursework, you’ll practice conducting investigations, do legal and factual research, draft documents and help prepare for and present at trials. By becoming a paralegal you’ll play an integral part of any legal team.

Explore classes for Davenport's associate degree in legal studies

Through Davenport’s ABA-approved paralegal program, you'll take courses like business and legal ethics, litigation procedure, law office and case management technology and substantive practice areas of law. These courses combine legal theory with practical application in the real world. For example, you can gain experience while serving others by participating in the Davenport Estate Planning Services (DEPS) program, which provides free estate planning documents to underserved populations.

See Full Course List

Foundations of Excellence		21 Credits
ACES100 or OPEN	Achieving Career and Education Success or (if exempt) Open Elective ACES100 - This course presents the skills needed for university success and initiates students to career planning and development. Students evaluate their abilities and interests in order to develop career goals and align these goals with an appropriate course of study. Through a career investigation project, students are introduced to research techniques. Students also improve on academic skills necessary to successfully complete university work, such as critical thinking, study techniques, and test taking strategies. In addition, students are introduced to important dynamics of interpersonal communication and conflict resolution. The course also orients students to the University, to the Davenport University Excellence System, and to other elements of the Davenport curriculum. (This course is required for all new business and technology students, except those transferring with 30 or more semester credits.) Open Elective - Any course at the 100 level or above that is not already required in program.	3
COMM120	Presentation Techniques This course introduces and applies the theories and principles of effective communication. Students learn to organize and present clear, logical messages to specific audiences. They develop confidence in public speaking and increase their ability to inform and persuade listeners. They also implement critical thinking and listening skills. Finally, students exhibit the skills and tools necessary to construct, organize, and deliver effective speeches. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees.	3
ECON200 or ECON201	Microeconomics or Macroeconomics ECON200 Microeconomics This course introduces students to economics. Students learn the basics of supply and demand; the market economy; elasticity; the foundation of consumer demand; the theory of the business firm and costs of production; the market structures of perfect competition, monopoly, oligopoly, and monopolistic competition; theories of labor unions and wages; antitrust policy; and the microeconomic view of international business. Prerequisite(s): ENGL109 and MATH120 or MATH125 ECON201 Macroeconomics This course introduces students to economics, the schools of economic thought, and international economics. Students learn the methodology, concepts, and terminology of macroeconomics, including principles, theories, and tools. They also study banking, money, the Federal Reserve System, and monetary theory. In addition, macroeconomic problems such as inflation, unemployment, economic growth, and globalization are discussed. Prerequisite(s): ENGL109 and MATH120 or MATH125	3
ENGL109	Composition This course introduces students to expository and persuasive writing. Employing critical thinking and the writing process, students will compose academic essays utilizing a variety of modes. They will also analyze and respond to a variety of academic and professional readings. Students will evaluate information and audience to improve form and content. Students are also introduced to the research process, including finding, evaluating, and documenting sources, to complete a short research project using the American Psychological Association Style. Note: ENGL109L is a 0 credit hour lab utilized in the Accelerated Learning Program (ALP). Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Prerequisite(s): Appropriate test scores or successful completion of ENGL021. Student must also complete a diagnostic writing sample.	3
ENGL110	Advanced Composition This course further develops the skills in expository and persuasive writing that were introduced in ENGL109, English Composition. Students develop critical thinking through the creation of essays and documents that use argumentation and persuasion. As a team, students collaborate to present a required assignment to the class. Students learn to research, evaluate, and incorporate information from both primary and secondary sources, to document secondary sources using APA format, and to analyze information and audiences to improve form and content. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Prerequisite(s): ENGL109	3
SOSC201	Diversity in Society This course introduces students to the complex issues surrounding diversity in U.S. society and to the need for understanding difference in an increasingly globalized world. Students will explore the social-historical context of multiple experiences on individual, cultural and institutional levels. They will analyze the complex interactions regarding diversity in organizations. Students will also evaluate their own thoughts, attitudes, and behaviors in order to understand their roles in a diverse society. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees.	3
MATH120	College Mathematics Students in this course will explore and apply college-level mathematical concepts so as to enhance their critical and creative thinking skills. This course aims to increase students' appreciation of the utility and application of mathematics. Topics will include i) problem solving, ii) set theory and real numbers, iii) linear, quadratic, exponential, and logarithmic functions, and iv) probability. Other topics of interest will be selected from graph theory, prime numbers, logic, number representation, and voting theory. Fees: Additional course fees apply. Prerequisite(s): Appropriate test scores, placement criteria, or successful completion of MATH 030	3

Foundations of Business		18 Credits
ACCT200	Accounting Basics for Managers This course is designed strictly for the non-business major. It is a comprehensive survey course of financial and managerial accounting concepts that discusses the financial aspects of starting and growing a business. Specifically, the course explores the role of accounting in business, examining the balance sheet, profit/loss statements, and cash flow reports. Students will also learn how to analyze financial statements and financial trends. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees.	3
BITS211	Microcomp Appl Spreadsheet Students create and manipulate spreadsheets with MS Excel to solve business applications. It is expected that students have a familiarity with spreadsheet software, as the course quickly progresses to advanced features, including data validation, linked workbooks, pivot tables, lookup functions, solver, and scenario manager. By the end of the semester, students will have the prerequisite skills to take applicable certification testing. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Recommended Prerequisite(s): MATH120 or MATH125	3
BITS214	Microcomputer Applications This course expands on prior word processing knowledge. Students study advanced commands and features of industry-standard word processing software for production of various business documents. Some areas of study include macros, mail merge, sharing data, compiling specialized tables, collaborative tools, and forms. Upon successful completion of this course, students will have the prerequisite skills to take applicable certification testing. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Recommended Prerequisite(s): CISP100	3
BUSN210	Professional Ethics This course explores applied ethics, focusing on social and professional situations especially in the fields of business, law, and technology. Students learn ethical theory as they examine the complexities of ethical dilemmas. Students also compare and contrast ethical and moral systems. In addition, students apply creative and critical thinking to ethical dilemmas involving professional and social responsibility. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees.	3
HRMG213	Human Resource Management This course is an overview of the responsibilities of a human resource management department in a business setting. The elements of job analysis, recruitment, selection, training and assessment, are described. Additionally, compensation and benefits administration, labor relations and the legislative and legal decisions affecting human resource policy are explored. Various workplace situations are examined through the use of problem solving exercises and discussion. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Prerequisite(s): HLTH211 or MGMT211	3
MGMT211	Management Foundations This course provides a foundation in basic management principles with special application and focus on the supervisory level of management. The four universal functions of management (planning, organizing, leading, and controlling) are explored. Students learn the theories and study their impact on the history of management practices. Proper case analysis process is also examined and applied through the discussion of various supervisory/managerial case situations. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Co-requisite(s): ENGL109	3

Major		21 Credits
LEGL101	Introduction to Legal Studies	3
LEGL213	Torts Students are introduced to areas of legal liability commonly encountered by individuals and business as well as to the methods of liability avoidance. Topics covered include intentional torts, negligence, strict liability, product liability, malpractice, premises liability, dramshop, consumer protection, and other areas of tort liability. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Prerequisite(s): LEGL101	3
LEGL215	Litigation This course is designed to familiarize students with the basic requirements of the Michigan Rules of Court and the litigation process. The purpose is to enable them to assist the attorney in preparation of legal papers and documents in a timely and comprehensive manner. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Prerequisite(s): LEGL101	3
LEGL216	Legal Research Students are introduced to the published sources of law and research strategies utilized to efficiently analyze legal issues and determine the current state of the law. Students learn to use print resources, as well as computer assisted research tools to access primary and secondary sources of law. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Co-requisite(s): ENGL110 Prerequisite(s): LEGL101	3
LEGL218	Legal Writing	3
LEGL220	Technology in the Law Office This course provides an opportunity for students to use computer technology and its application within law firms and other entities engaged in the practice of law. It covers the use of technology in, e-discovery, office management, case management, litigation presentation and billing. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Co-requisite(s): LEGL101 for students seeking the Post-Baccalaureate only Prerequisite(s): BITS211 (required for associate’s and bachelor’s degree seeking students) and LEGL101.	3
LEGL301	Business Organizations Students are introduced to legal problems encountered in business formation, operation, and acquisition, including the law concerning sole proprietorships, general and limited partnerships, corporations, and limited liability companies. They are also introduced to related business law concepts. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Prerequisite(s): LEGL101	3

Which class should I take? When should I take it?

See our Recommended Program Sequences:

Accredited

Benefit from a program with specialized IACBE accreditation

96%

of Davenport grads are employed within six months of graduating

Why train to become a paralegal at Davenport?

By studying law at Davenport through our ABA-approved paralegal program, you’ll learn from legal studies faculty with years of experience in the field as well as from currently practicing attorneys and others who work in the legal field. They have the connections that can lead to internships and legal jobs for you.

Experience the Davenport difference:

Volunteer opportunities

Get involved in the student group Legal Assistants at DU and receive access to valuable information and volunteer opportunities.

Personal guidance

Receive personalized attention with experts in the legal field — your professors — thanks to our 18:1 student-teacher ratio.

Continue studying law

Build your skills in thinking logically and analytically so you’re prepared to pursue your bachelor’s in legal studies at Davenport.

Get right to work

Train to be a paralegal in a law office, government agency or other setting in just 2 years with our ABA-approved paralegal program.

Prime locations

Earn your degree in legal studies at our W.A. Lettinga and Lansing locations — and through our Global Campus starting in 2021.

IACBE accredited

Trust you’re receiving a quality degree with our International Accreditation Council for Business Education accreditation.

Get started on becoming a paralegal

Explore the admissions requirements and then take the next step toward earning your associate of science degree in legal studies.

Talk to an admissions advisor

Davenport’s admissions team is here to answer your questions. Please call us at 800.686.1600 or email us at info@davenport.edu.

Apply now or request more information

Start on your path to studying law and landing legal jobs. Request more information or begin your application now.

Davenport programs related to the associate in legal studies

Bachelor's in Legal Studies

Legal Studies Post-Baccalaureate Certificate

Bachelor's in Accounting Fraud Investigation

Bachelor's in Human Resource Management

Bachelor's in Business

Additional resources

About Davenport University

Davenport is a private, not-for-profit university with more than 150 years of experience preparing students for successful careers.

Hands leaning on a paper on a desk, holding a pen

Gain invaluable legal experience while serving others

Through the Davenport Estate Planning Service program (DEPS), legal studies students have provided about $100,000 worth of free legal estate planning services over the last five years.

Degree Learning Outcomes

Apply accounting principles to inform decision-making in a business setting.
Illustrate the principles of professional business ethics utilized in business decision-making.
Use computer application technologies in the creation of business documents.

Program Learning Outcomes

Explain the relevancy of the Code of Professional Responsibility and how it relates to the paralegal profession.
Apply technology to produce legal documents in the area of business and personal legal services.
Create legal documents similar in content and quality to those routinely produced in business and personal legal setting.

Global Campus Requirements

Although the associates in legal studies program can be completed online, please note that at least nine credits in synchronous (real-time virtual) legal specialty courses is required. If you have any questions about this, please reach out to your advisor or our admissions team at info@davenport.edu.

Residency Requirements

The University Policy for residency is as follows:

Students must take a minimum of the following at Davenport University in order to fulfill residency:

Post-Baccalaureate Certificate
All credits required for the post-baccalaureate certificate

Bachelor’s/Master’s Degree
A minimum of 30 semester credits from 100–400-level courses, to include at least fifty percent of the courses in the major, plus all
(combined BBA/MAcc) 500–700-level courses required

Bachelor’s Degree
A minimum of 30 semester credits, to include at least fifty percent of the courses in the major

Associate Degree
A minimum of 15 semester credits, to include at least fifty percent of the courses in the major

Diploma
A minimum of fifty percent of the credits required for the diploma, of which at least two courses must be in the major

Transfer Credit Policy

Those applying as transfer students who wish to have credits from another college evaluated and applied to their Davenport degree must have an official transcript sent to the Registrar’s Office.
Transfer applicants with a bachelor’s degree from another institution may earn a second bachelor’s degree from Davenport University, provided the curriculum at Davenport University is substantially different from the curriculum involved in the first degree.
Regardless of the number of credits accepted from other institutions, all transfer students must meet Davenport’s minimum residency requirements (see dropdown box above).
To be transferrable, Paralegal or Legal Studies coursework must be from an American Bar Association accredited Paralegal or Legal Studies program and be listed in the Directory of ABA Approved Paralegal Education Programs. Paralegal or Legal Studies coursework from a non-accredited program will be transferred in as general business elective credit. General education and non-Paralegal and non-Legal Studies coursework is transferable regardless of the accreditation status of the program.

Some programs require a student to complete a portion of their degree plan off-campus.
View a full list of those programs and courses

Source:

DU Graduate Survey, 2023
DU Student Data, Fall 2023