Paralegal Program Curriculum

The Paralegal Program prepares students to work as a paralegal or other legal professional. Paralegals work under the supervision of an attorney. Paralegals cannot practice law. Faculty members, who are all attorneys, are committed to providing students with real world skills needed to succeed in today's legal market. These skills include: proficiency in legal research, writing and analysis; using computer-based research & office management software; learning court rules and procedures; drafting legal documents; understanding corporate transactions; interviewing clients and case investigation skills; preparing for a civil trial, and applying skills to and within the ethical standards of the legal profession and avoiding the unauthorized practice of law.

The Program is approved by the American Bar Association (ABA), the gold standard for paralegal programs. 

Courses are offered on a standard schedule, providing students an opportunity to plan their program of study.

The Paralegal Program offers both an initial Bachelor of Science and a Second Bachelor’s Degree. The Program welcomes transfer students and has articulation agreements with community colleges, that allow students to transfer courses specific to the Program. Eastern Michigan University sponsors an attorney-supervised legal clinic for its paralegal students, who work inside the Washtenaw County Courthouse helping members of the public. 

The Program follows a program admission policy that requires a student to complete Introduction to the Legal System (LEGL 211), with a grade of "B-" or better and Advanced Legal Writing, Research, and Analysis (LEGL 304W), with a grade of "C+" or better, to be admitted to the Program and take the remaining core courses. 

Honors Credit

Students who are members of the Honors College, have the opportunity to contract with their professor for Honors Credit for any 300 or 400 level class in the program. Read the process for securing Honors Credit [PDF]. Students interested in researching and writing an Honors Thesis for departmental honors, must secure approval from Professor Donovan.  The Thesis must follow the format for a law review article.

Second Bachelor's Degree Curriculum

Second Bachelor’s Degree students must complete a minimum of 72 credits consisting of 6 credits of foundational courses, 33 credits of required courses, 15 credits of Business and Information Processing courses, and 18 electives.