Career Pathways

The Bachelor of Professional Studies in Legal Studies is designed to prepare students to become paralegals, as well as to work in government positions, law enforcement, nonprofit organizations, and regulatory/compliance offices of corporate organizations, especially in heavily-regulated fields such as insurance, health care, energy, financial services and government contracting.  Paralegal careers are projected to grow "much faster than average" according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

In addition to their Bachelor of Professional Studies degree with a major in legal studies, paralegal aspirants are encouraged to work towards external certifications sponsored by:

• The National Federation of Paralegal Associations
• The National Association of Legal Assistants
• The National Association of Legal Secretaries
• The American Alliance of Paralegals

Dominican University is an organizational member of the Illinois Paralegal Association and the National Federation of Paralegal Associations.

The rigorous legal studies major also prepares students for further academic study. Graduates of Dominican's Bachelor of Professional Studies degree will have had the opportunities to develop the critical thinking and writing skills necessary to succeed in law school, as well as other professional schools and graduate programs in social sciences.