Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies

Sage is the only institution in the Capital Region that offers a Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies, a degree that is increasingly attractive to paralegals and their employers. The program prepares students to meet the challenges of providing legal services in a rapidly changing field. A certificate in legal studies is also available through Sage After Work for those interested in a career as paralegal or building their credentials in the legal area.

Offered entirely in an evening/weekend, work-related schedule for adult learners, the Legal Studies program prepares graduates for paralegal employment opportunities in private sector and public sector law, finance, human services, business and industry, and related fields. The program also provides a strong educational base for advanced degrees in law, government, business, criminal justice, or other fields.

Emphasis is placed on preparing students to enter and advance in the paralegal profession - one that the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows as having one of the fastest rates of employment growth nationally. The Legal Studies program curriculum reflects current thinking in the academic discipline as well as the demands of the marketplace. Students have access to the latest legal research technology on the campus at the Sage Evening College library as well as access to the extensive law library at Albany Law School, located down the block from Sage's Albany campus. Important professional contacts are made by students while in school through internship opportunities with notable private law firms, governments' agencies, courts, businesses and not-for-profit organizations.

Requirement for the Major:
Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies

The completer program in legal studies can take two different tracks. A student coming to the college with a liberal arts background would need primarily the Legal Studies Core and the Law related electives. On the other hand students coming to the college with a paralegal background would need the liberal arts component and the capstone courses.

Completer Course Sequences:

CERTIFICATE in LEGAL STUDIES

Offered entirely in an evening/weekend, work-related schedule for adult learners, the Legal Studies Certificate program is designed for the individual who has a college degree in any major but no specific training in paralegal skill. The Certificate program is an intensive, professional, ten-course program that prepares graduates for paralegal employment opportunities in private sector and public sector law, finance, human services, business and industry, and related fields.

Emphasis is placed on preparing students to enter and advance in the paralegal profession - one that the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows as having one of the fastest rates of employment growth nationally. The Legal Studies program curriculum reflects current thinking in the academic discipline as well as the demands of the marketplace. Students have access to the latest legal research technology on campus at the Sage library as well as access to the extensive law library at Albany Law School, located down the block from Sage's Albany campus.

Important professional contacts are made by students while in school through internship opportunities with notable private law firms, governmental agencies, courts, business and not-for-profit organizations.

Requirements for the Certificate in Legal Studies: