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Program facts 
Get a comprehensive overview of the legal field with this certificate program. This post-degree program is designed for individuals currently employed or employable in the legal field, or those with legal experience who could benefit from this specialty option.
Take courses in legal studies, legal research and writing, litigation, today’s law office, real property law, tort law, immigration law, and ethics/legal writing/law office. All courses are taught by experienced instructors who are experts in their respective fields. You’ll also complete a legal studies internship before finishing the program.
This 24 credit-hour certificate program is designed for those individuals who are currently employed or employable in the legal field or those who, because of legal experience, could benefit from these specialty options. The various choices available allow the student to develop special interests and skills.
To receive a certificate in Legal Studies, students must have earned an Associate in Applied Science degree, an Associate in Arts or Science degree, or a bachelor’s degree which includes general education courses equivalent to those required in Harper College’s Associate in Applied Science degree in Legal Studies. Students who have earned an AGS degree do not qualify to receive a certificate in Legal Studies. Verification of the degree must be submitted before the certificate will be awarded. Contact evaluation@harpercollege.edu prior to submitting the application for graduation for the Legal Studies certificate to confirm eligibility.
Students who complete the 24 credit-hour certificate are eligible to use our computerized placement service and otherwise work as paralegals/legal assistants/or another supporting role for a practicing attorney. Students should be aware that there are legal restrictions on the practice of law by laymen.
Students pursuing this certificate program should be aware that the American Bar Association requires that a minimum nine (9) credit hours must be completed face-to-face or in a synchronous/live online modality.
Students electing to earn a certificate in Legal Studies are eligible to apply credits earned toward completion of the Associate in Applied Science degree.
| Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required | ||
| LGS 101 | Introduction to Legal Studies | 3 |
| LGS 103 | Litigation | 3 |
| LGS 115 | Legal Research and Writing | 3 |
| LGS 208 | Internship in Legal Studies | 3 |
| LGS 215 | Today's Law Office | |
| LGS 216 | Ethics, Legal Writing and the Law Office | 3 |
| Electives | ||
| Select at least 9 credit hours from the following courses, providing the combination has the approval of the coordinator or an academic advisor: | 9 | |
| LEJ 201 | Criminal Law1 | |
| Criminal Procedures | ||
| LGS 105 | Family Law | |
| LGS 110 | Law Office Technology | |
| LGS 123 | Real Property Law | |
| LGS 201 | Tort Law | |
| LGS 205 | Contract Law | |
| LGS 206 | Environmental Law | |
| LGS 210 | The Law of Business Organizations | |
| LGS 212 | Law Office Management | |
| LGS 221 | Bankruptcy Law | |
| LGS 222 | Intellectual Property | |
| LGS 224 | Commercial Real Estate Law | |
| LGS 225 | Immigration Law | |
| LGS 230 | Topics in Legal Studies | |
| Total Hours | 24 | |
Students may take LEJ 201 or LEJ 202, but not both. Prerequisite of LEJ 101 will be waived for Legal Studies certificate students.
Students interested in paralegal studies may also be interested in:
For more information about this program, contact Admission Outreach at 847.925.6700, or submit a request information form. You can also apply online.