Legal Studies
The region's only ABA-approved four-year paralegal program and region’s only ABA approved 3+3 program.
College of Saint Mary offers the only four-year paralegal program approved by the American Bar Association in Nebraska and Iowa and is one of only 270 ABA approved associate degree paralegal programs in the U.S. We also offer an ABA-approved post-baccalaureate paralegal certificate program. All your courses are taught by licensed attorneys — the only program in Nebraska and Iowa to offer this advantage to paralegal and pre-law students. This distinction represents the rich and relevant learning you will gain through our programs that prepare you to work as a professional paralegal or, if you participate in the 4-year or post baccalaureate program, to serve as a pre-law major and gain a competitive advantage when applying for entry to law school.
Graduates of our programs have enjoyed job offers from top law firms and corporations across the country — often prior to graduation. Working under the supervision of an attorney, the job titles include contract analyst, quality assurance officer, software compliance manager and legal brief reviewer.
Paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public, except as permitted by law.
Our 4-year program graduates have enjoyed acceptance into distinguished regional law schools, often with full-ride scholarships. 100% of our certificate earners are historically employed within six months of graduation.
College of Saint Mary has joined with Creighton University School of Law in a new, accelerated 3+3 law degree partnership.
In the 3+3 program, students spend the first three years of their undergraduate studies at College of Saint Mary. During their junior year, qualified students take the LSAT and apply for admission to Creighton University School of Law. Once accepted,the student enrolls in their first year of law school at Creighton. The credits earned for the first year of law school are applied to the student’s undergraduate degree at College of Saint Mary. The 3+3 program provides not only an early matriculation, but economic savings as well.
Program Awards
- CSM's Legal Studies program was ranked No. 43 by Best Accredited Colleges for Best Bachelor's Degrees in Paralegal Studies.
- Ranked No. 7 in the U.S. by Study.com.
Students Find Support at CSM
The Legal Studies major found her professors to be very supportive.
Arlene said her professors have been helpful through difficult times.“They’ve understood that family is important, and they help me in any way they can. They support me. I try to stay in constant communication with them."
