RockhuRst univeRsity 2012–2014 catalog

Paralegal Studies (PA)(Department of Criminal Justice)Program Director Ken Balusek, Ph.D., J.D.Paralegal Studies Minor and CertificateThese undergraduate programs are offered for career enhancement and to assist individualsin meeting entry-level requirements. They are designed to provide students with aprogram of concentrated studies to enhance professional skills. Two-thirds of the creditsrequired must be earned at Rockhurst University.In 1974 Rockhurst began one of the first paralegal programs in the United States andhas conferred more than 600 certificates. Courses are designed as preparation for paralegals,legal administrators, and others who work or plan to work in law offices, the courtsystem, corporations, government agencies, bank trust departments, and insurance claimoffices.Carefully structured courses are taught by practicing attorneys and judges with expertisein specialized areas of law. Presentations by paralegal guest speakers illustrate andexplain practical application skills. College graduates with specialized training in ParalegalStudies are projected to have promising career opportunities.The certificate and minor are available in the evening through the Evening Programof the School of Graduate and Professional Studies.Minor in Paralegal StudiesStudents pursuing a degree at Rockhurst have the option of minoring in paralegal studies.This option provides students with an additional professional credential: a Certificate inParalegal Studies. As the profession has become increasingly more recognized and diversified,paralegals with a variety of skills and backgrounds are being sought. Therefore, boththe certificate and the minor in paralegal studies are complementary to a wide range ofmajors, as well as providing a valuable educational experience to those students who maybe considering furthering their education by attending law school.The courses required for completion of the minor are PA 2000, PA 3400, PA 3600,PA 4000, and two three-credit, upper-division paralegal electives from the following:PA 3100, PA 3200, PA 3300, PA 3700, PA 3750, and PA 3800. A grade of C or betteris required in each upper-division course of the minor. (A grade of C- will not satisfy therequirement.) The minor must be combined with a bachelor’s degree program of study.School of Graduate & Professional StudiesCertificate in Paralegal StudiesStudents preparing for a paralegal career will be awarded a Certificate in Paralegal Studiesafter successfully completing PA 2000, PA 3400, PA 3600, PA 4000, and a minimumof six additional upper-division credit hours of paralegal elective courses. A grade of Cor better is required in each course of the certificate. (A grade of C- will not satisfy therequirement.) Courses may be applied as electives toward a bachelor’s degree at RockhurstUniversity.Admission to the program requires a minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent.Students with previous college work should request that an official transcript be sentto the Office of Admission and Financial Aid.Undergraduate Programs207