• Program Overview

    Program Overview

    Stevenson University Online’s Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies (formerly Paralegal Studies) is designed for working adults who want to contribute as a vital member of a legal team through investigative research, trial preparation, and litigation support. Students also have the option of earning a second bachelor’s in Legal Studies.

    Graduates of this program will acquire knowledge of several fields of law, enabling them to perform detailed work researching legal issues, interviewing clients and expert witnesses, preparing legal documents, and evaluating and investigating cases.

    Students may select a sequence of courses that permit them to focus on a specific area of interest within the Legal Studies curriculum including corporate law, estate administration, or litigation. Designed for working professionals, this program is taught primarily online in 8-week sessions with five courses offered in an 8-week, hybrid format.

    Stevenson’s Legal Studies degree is the only 4-year program approved by the American Bar Association in the State of Maryland.

    Graduate Phyllis Strader explains why she wanted to earn her bachelor's in Legal Studies and how our support helped her cross the finish line.

  • Admissions / Tuition

    Admissions / Tuition

    • Completed online application.
    • Official college transcripts from all previous academic work.
    • At least 15 transferable credits.
    • Cumulative GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale in past academic work.
    • At least two years of professional work experience.
    • Personal statement.
    Tuition Rate Partnership Standard
    Per Credit $360.00 $450.00
    Per Course (3-Credits) $1,080.00 $1,350.00
    • Stevenson University offers a partnership tuition rate through our relationships with local community colleges, hospitals, and organizations. A full list of our partners can be found here.
    • Stevenson University Online has simplified the cost of your education by eliminating all fees. 
    • We offer financial aid packages to those who qualify.
    • Students are eligible to transfer up to 70-credit hours from a community college or up to 90-credit hours from a 4-year institution if applicable.

    Credit for Prior Learning

    Through Stevenson University’s Credit for Prior Learning Program, undergraduate students are eligible to earn up to 30 credits for what they have learned through their previous work and life experiences. Stevenson University Online offers several options for assessing and awarding college credit for prior learning. For more information, visit our Credit for Prior Learning page.

  • Faculty

    Faculty

    Ann M. Solan, Ph.D. (2013)
    Associate Dean of Business Programs
    B.S., Nyack College
    M.S., Dowling College
    Ph.D., Regent University

    Todd Chason, J.D. (2009)
    Adjunct Professor of Legal Studies
    A.A.S., Villa Julie College
    B.S., Stevenson University
    J.D., University of Baltimore

    Jeffrey C. Comen, J.D. (2001)
    Adjunct Professor of Business and Legal Studies
    B.A., Johns Hopkins University
    J.D., University of Baltimore

    Daniel Dregier, Jr., J.D. (2010)
    Adjunct Professor of Business Administration and Law
    B.A., Loyola University Maryalnd
    J.D., University of Baltimore, School of Law

    Benjamin A. Harris, J.D.  (2009)
    Adjunct Professor of Law and Criminal Justice
    B.A., The Johns Hopkins University
    J.D., Benjamin N. Cordozo School of Law

    Maria Howell, J.D. (2006)
    Assistant Professor of Forensic Studies
    B.A., The Johns Hopkins University
    J.D., University of Maryland, Baltimore

    Pamela M. Kessler, J.D. (2005)
    Adjunct Professor of Law
    B.A., University of Maryland, College Park
    J.D., University of Baltimore

    Michael I. Levine, J.D. (1980)
    Adjunct Professor of Legal Studies
    B.A., University of Maryland, College Park
    M.S., J.D., University of Baltimore

    Jason Medinger, J.D. (2011)
    Adjunct Instructorof Forensic Studies and Law
    B.A., University of Notre Dame
    J.D., Emory University

    Hillary J. Michaud, J.D. (2004)
    Program Coordinator, Legal Studies, and Associate Professor of Legal Studies
    B.S., Miami University of Ohio
    J.D., University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

    Harry M. Rifkin, J.D. (2006)
    Adjunct Professor of Legal Studies
    B.A., George Washington University
    J.D., University of Pennsylvania

    Kwasi Sarfo, J.D. (2007)
    Adjunct Professor of Legal Studies
    B.A., University of Ghana
    M.P.A., State University of NY at Albany
    Ph.D., State University of NY at Albany
    J.D., Widener University
    LL.M., Widener University

    Lisa M. Scarbath, J.D. (2009)
    Adjunct Professor of Law
    B.A., University of Delaware
    J.D., University of Baltimore

    Zhia L. Shepardson, J.D. (2006)
    Adjunct Professor of Legal Studies
    B.S., Villa Julie College
    J.D., University of Baltimore

    Melanie K. Snyder, J.D. (2000)
    Professor of Legal Studies
    B.A., Miami University
    J.D., University of Baltimore

    Jack R. Sturgill, Jr., J.D. (1996)
    Adjunct Professor of Legal Studies
    B.S., Towson University
    J.D., University of Baltimore

    Harry B. Turner, J.D. (1993)
    Assistant Professor of Legal Studies
    B.A., University of Pennsylvania
    J.D., University of Maryland, Baltimore

    Joyce Zerhusen (2004)
    Adjunct Professor of Forensic Studies and Legal Studies
    A.A., Community Colleges of Baltimore County
    B.S., Villa Julie College
    M.A., University of Baltimore

  • Program Requirements

    Program Requirements

    Stevenson University Online's Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies requires a minimum of 120 credit hours. 

    Major Requirements

    • GPS 200 Adult Learning Theory & Practice
    • ACC 215 Survey of Accounting
    • IS 135 MS Office Applications
    • POSCI 102 American Government
    • LAW 102 Introduction to Legal Studies*
    • LAW 112 Torts
    • LAW 114 Estates and Trusts
    • LAW 120 Contract Law
    • LAW 125 Legal Research and Writing I*
    • LAW 130 Business Organizations Law
    • LAW 204 Constitutional Law
    • LAW 210 Legal Research and Writing II*
    • LAW 216 Civil Litigation and Pleading*
    • LAW 225 Internship
    • LAW 352 Law Office Technology
    • LAW 480 Paralegal Capstone*
    • Six LAW electives, two of which may be at the lower level (100-level or 200-level)

    Major Requirements for Second Bachelor’s in Legal Studies

    • LAW 102 Introduction to Legal Studies*
    • LAW 125 Legal Research and Writing I*
    • LAW 210 Legal Research and Writing II*
    • LAW 216 Civil Litigation and Pleading*
    • LAW 480 Paralegal Capstone*
    • Two 100-level or 200-level LAW electives
    • Four 300-level or 400-level LAW electives

    *Hybrid Courses

    Degree Requirements