MA in Legal Studies
The master of arts with a major in legal studies is the first degree of its kind in Texas and is one of only a few in the United States. The degree provides students interested in law at a graduate level with an understanding of the American legal system, legal theories, legal analysis, legal research and legal writing. Students use this knowledge to pursue career opportunities in law, government or business, as well as career enhancement in law-related fields and as a background for further graduate work in law or related fields.
The non-thesis, 36-semester-credit-hour program consists of a core of 27 required hours, including a cumulative research project and internship, and nine hours of electives. The program emphasizes analytical and conceptual thinking, legal research and writing, the evolution of various legal theories, substantive areas of law, and practical paralegal training.
The master of arts with a major in legal studies is approved by the American Bar Association as a paralegal training program, which does not qualify a person to practice law.