Legal Studies Program
If you want to practice as a paralegal or attend law school, you may be interested in this degree program.
In this major, you’ll take the regular legal specialty sequence of courses in addition to electives in Legal Studies.
All courses are taught by practicing attorneys or individuals with extensive experience in paralegal education.
You’ll also complete an internship in the legal community for further hands-on experience before you graduate.
Plan your degree by reviewing the Legal Studies major map (PDF).
Why Legal Studies at WSU
The WSU Legal Studies major is one of the American Bar Association (ABA)-approved 4-year professional tracks in the US.
It was the first program in the state of Minnesota to be ABA approved. The program is subject to an ABA on-site re-evaluation every 7 years.
Synchronous Learning
The Legal Studies program emphasizes faculty-student relationships and hands-on learning.
Students will complete at least 9 semester credits of legal specialty coursework through synchronous instruction at Winona State. Synchronous instruction may be completed in person or online when the instructor and students participate at the same time.
These courses give students opportunities to work closely with faculty and classmates while developing practical legal skills.
Articulation Agreements
WSU’s Legal Studies program has worked with several schools to assist students with their associate’s degree in earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Legal Studies from WSU. These agreements allow students to easily transition to WSU after completing a degree at their previous institution.
Currently, WSU has agreements with:
- North Hennepin Community College in Brooklyn Park, MN
- Inver Hills Community College in Inver Grove Heights, MN
- Western Technical College in La Crosse, WI
We provide guidance to ensure you have the educational experience you want. Reference the Legal Studies Recommended Course Schedule (PDF) and talk to your advisor to make sure you are on the right path.
Skills & Careers
The Legal Studies major allows students to develop intellectual and professional skills related to law.
This program is designed to meet the needs of students who want to enter a career that demands knowledge and experience with legal systems and institutions.
This includes careers working for:
- Law firms
- Governmental agencies
- Insurance companies
- Banking institutions and more
Graduates of this program may become a legal assistant or paralegal.
A legal assistant or paralegal is someone who performs specific delegated legal work for a responsible lawyer.
In other words, paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public, except as permitted by law.
Legal Specialty Transfer Policy
The Legal Studies program may accept up to 9 semester credits of legal specialty coursework completed at another American Bar Association-approved paralegal education program.
Transfer credits must be reviewed and approved by the Director of Legal Studies.
Except for Legal Research, a 100- or 200-level legal specialty course completed at another institution may not substitute for a comparable 300- or 400-level course at Winona State University.
Additional information is available in the Legal Studies Handbook (PDF).
Minné Hall 214
507.457.5409