Overview

The Professional Legal Studies programme at Western Kentucky University offers a comprehensive interdisciplinary education for aspiring paralegals. This degree integrates essential knowledge from law, history, sociology, and political science to prepare students for the complexities of the modern legal landscape.

Students develop the practical skills required to assist lawyers in diverse professional settings, including private firms and government agencies. The curriculum emphasises legal research, document preparation, and information gathering, ensuring graduates are occupationally competent. This training enhances the delivery of legal services and improves access to justice across the region.

The programme is designed to provide a well-rounded education that balances theoretical understanding with practical application.

Why Professional Legal Studies at Western Kentucky University?

Western Kentucky University provides a robust educational framework that adheres to the professional and ethical standards of the legal practice. The programme is responsive to the needs of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, offering a curriculum that aligns with the rules of procedure and principles of professional responsibility. Students benefit from a learning environment that promotes equality of opportunity and academic excellence.

The institution maintains strong standards for credit transfers, accepting legal-specialty credits from programmes that comply with American Bar Association guidelines. This ensures that the education provided is recognised for its quality and rigour. Facilities and teaching methods are geared towards producing graduates who can immediately contribute to the legal workforce.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 29030 per year
National fee: USD 27000 per year
Local fee: USD 12072 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

Modules may include:

Law
Legal Ethics
Legal Research and Writing I
Property Law
Criminal Law and Procedure
Family Law
Constitutional Law
Women and the Law
Estate Planning and Administration
Criminology
Juvenile Delinquency
Punishment and Society
Sociology of Criminal Law
Judicial Process
State Government
Public Policy
Legislative Process
International Organization and Law
Kentucky Government and Politics
American Legal History to 1865
American Legal History Since 1865

Careers with Professional Legal Studies

Graduates of the programme are prepared for roles as paralegals or legal assistants within a wide range of professional environments. They are equipped to work in law firms, corporate legal departments, and government offices, performing vital tasks such as litigation support and legal technology management. The degree provides a strong foundation for those seeking to advance the legal profession and support the administration of justice.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Criminal Law and Procedure
Constitutional Law
Women and the Law
Contract Law
Tort Law
Sociology of Criminal Law

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-08-19 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-01 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

100

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Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Bowling Green, United States

Disciplines

Criminal Law Legal Studies Public Policy View 303 other Bachelors in Legal Studies in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

2.5

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

100

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

A completed application (open WKU application for admission)
Minimum academic requirements: Freshmen: 2.5 GPA / Transfer:* 2.0 GPA
*Students with 24 or more earned hours of college credit
English proficiency requirements
$75 non-refundable application fee
Official Academic Records from schools attended with grades and any degrees/diplomas/certificates received. Should also include a literal English translation.
Financial Evidence of Support must be provided to obtain an I-20
Students transferring from within the US will need to fill out the Transfer-In Form

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

29030 USD / year

≈ 29030 USD / year
Out-of-State

27000 USD / year

≈ 27000 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

12072 USD / year

≈ 12072 USD / year

Living costs

Bowling Green

United States

900 - 1400 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Professional Legal Studies.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Bowling Green

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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