Legal Studies (MA)
San Marcos, Texas, USA, United States
Master of Arts in Legal Studies
Texas State University
Legal Studies
Program Overview: MA in Legal Studies
The Master of Arts in Legal Studies at Texas State University was the first graduate-level legal studies degree in Texas and remains one of only a few nationally that are approved by the American Bar Association. This non-thesis program provides students with a thorough understanding of the American legal system, legal theories, analysis, research, and writing while offering practical paralegal training.
The program consists of 36 credit hours, including 27 hours of required core courses and 9 hours of electives. The core curriculum features a cumulative research project and internship, training students in essential paralegal skills such as legal research, legal writing, rules of procedure, case management, law office technology, and legal ethics.
Students may choose elective coursework from as many as ten different substantive areas of law, including family law, criminal law, intellectual property, real estate, and contract law. Through their choice of electives, students may also earn a mediation certificate issued by the department, adding further professional credentials to their degree.
Key Program Highlights
- ABA-approved graduate paralegal program, one of only a select few nationally with this distinction
- Concurrent enrollment in the Paralegal Studies Certificate program, an overlapping 24-credit-hour credential
- Hands-on internship experience in real legal working environments as part of the core curriculum
- Optional Mediation Certificate available through strategic elective course selection
Curriculum & Core Modules
The MA in Legal Studies curriculum follows a structured sequence of core courses that build progressively on legal research and writing skills, complemented by elective courses in substantive areas of law. Students must maintain a B average and earn a B or better in each required course to progress through the program.
Legal Research (LS 5320)
3 Credit HoursThe foundational course in the legal research and writing sequence, designed to assist students in gaining knowledge of fundamental legal theory, reasoning, and analysis. This is typically the first course taken in the program.
Litigation (LS 5340)
3 Credit HoursA study of statutory and case law relating to civil procedure, developing a comprehensive understanding of the litigation process and courtroom procedures.
Legal Drafting (LS 5350)
3 Credit HoursCovers legal drafting styles, forms, and techniques, including legal document drafting, objective and informative document drafting, and persuasive-style drafting of trial and appellate briefs.
Advanced Legal Research & Writing (LS 5370)
3 Credit HoursRefines skills in computer-assisted and manual legal research, legal analysis, legal writing, organizing complex legal documents, and techniques of persuasive argument. Prerequisite: LS 5350 with a grade of B or better.
Internship (LS 5390)
3 Credit HoursEmphasizes problems, procedures, and ethics in the legal working environment. Students participate in an internship of approximately 10-15 hours per week to gain practical experience in a legal setting.
Applied Research Project (LS 5399)
3 Credit HoursThe capstone course where students work with a supervising instructor to complete an applied research project and submit it for oral examination. Prerequisite: LS 5370 with a grade of B or better.
Elective Specializations
Admission Requirements
Admission to the MA in Legal Studies program is competitive and requires a strong academic record. All applicants must complete an interview with the director of legal studies as part of the admissions process. Contact Uni4Edu for personalized guidance on preparing your application.
Academic Requirements
- Degree RequirementBaccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited university (non-U.S. degrees must be equivalent to a four-year U.S. bachelor's degree)
- Minimum GPA3.0 overall GPA or 3.0 GPA in the last 60 hours of undergraduate coursework (plus any completed graduate courses)
- Conditional AdmissionApplicants with a GPA between 2.5 and 3.0 may be considered for conditional admission with a personal statement and two letters of recommendation
- InterviewAll applicants must complete an approximately half-hour interview with the director of legal studies
- Academic StandingStudents must maintain a minimum B average and earn a B or better in each required course throughout the program
English Language Requirements
- TOEFL iBTMinimum score of 78 overall with section minimums of 19 reading, 19 listening, 19 speaking, and 18 writing
- IELTS AcademicMinimum overall band score of 6.5 or higher with minimum individual module scores
- TOEFL EssentialsMinimum overall score of 8.5
Required Documents
For personalized admission guidance, document verification, and application support, please contact Uni4Edu
Scholarships & Funding
Texas State University and external organizations offer various funding opportunities for graduate students in the Legal Studies program. Contact Uni4Edu for personalized assistance in identifying and applying for scholarships that match your profile.
Graduate College Scholarships
Texas State University's Graduate College offers merit-based scholarships and assistantships to qualified graduate students across various programs, including Legal Studies.
Department of Political Science Graduate Awards
The Department of Political Science, which houses the Legal Studies program, may offer departmental awards and graduate assistantships to outstanding students in the program.
External Legal Studies Scholarships
Varies by providerNumerous external organizations and law firms offer scholarships for graduate students pursuing legal studies. Uni4Edu can help you identify and apply for relevant external funding opportunities.
For detailed tuition fee information, please contact Uni4Edu — we will guide you through the costs and available funding options for this program.
Career Prospects
Graduates of the MA in Legal Studies program are well-prepared for careers in law, government, and business. The majority of program graduates work as paralegals in law firms, while others pursue law-related roles in government agencies, corporate offices, or continue to law school or doctoral programs.
Potential Career Paths
Types of Employers
Rankings & Recognition
Texas State University has been steadily climbing in national rankings and is recognized as a leading public institution in Texas. The Legal Studies MA program holds the distinction of being ABA-approved, a credential held by only a select few graduate paralegal programs nationally.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Top Public Schools | U.S. News & World Report | #145 |
| Social Mobility | U.S. News & World Report | #144 |
| ABA-Approved Legal Studies | American Bar Association | Approved |
| America's Top Colleges | Forbes | #408 |
How to Apply
Applying for this program is easy with Uni4Edu. Our team will guide you through every step of the process — from document preparation to final enrolment.
Contact Uni4Edu
Reach out to our team via email or phone. We will assess your profile and confirm your eligibility for this program.
Prepare Your Documents
Our advisors will provide you with a personalised checklist of required documents and help you prepare your application package.
Submit Your Application
Uni4Edu will submit your application on your behalf and keep you updated on its progress throughout the review period.
Receive Your Offer
Once accepted, we will help you understand your offer, arrange visa support if needed, and guide you through the enrolment process.
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