Northeastern State University

Plan of Study

Criminal Justice, Paralegal Emphasis - Bachelor of Science

College of Liberal Arts, Department of Professional Studies

The Criminal Justice & Legal Studies program offers the Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice. Students may choose from three options:

1. Criminal Justice Studies
2. Paralegal Studies
3. Homeland Security

These options are also available as minors. The Criminal Justice and Paralegal Studies degrees are offered on both the Tahlequah and Broken Arrow campuses. A selection of courses in the Homeland Security Option is available online; however, the major is offered in its entirety on the Broken Arrow campus.

A Paralegal, or Legal Assistant, is an individual qualified to perform substantive legal work under the supervision of an attorney. The Paralegal can research, analyze, and interpret legal cases, interview clients, prepare proceedings and brief, and a number of other functions within a law office or related agency. New opportunities are continuously emerging for Paralegals and mediators within the legal and business communities. Our graduates are employed in law firms of all sizes, state and federal courthouses, corporations and other business associations, banks and trust companies, educational institutions and local, state and federal government agencies. Paralegal graduates also find employment within the criminal justice system. The Paralegal degree provides an excellent academic foundation for students wishing to pursue the Juris Doctorate.

An Associate of Science or Associate of Arts degree earned from Eastern Oklahoma State College waives the general education requirements with the exception of pre-requisites of the major. All students must have demonstrated English Proficiency to graduate. It is suggested/recommended that you complete these requirements while completing your associate’s degree.

• CRJS 1123 Intro to Criminal Justice
• CRJS 2123 Patrol Tactics & Operations

Eighteen hours of this major must be earned at Northeastern State University. A second major may not be earned from the Criminal Justice and Legal Studies Program. A second major or minor is recommended from the following: Any program within the Social Sciences, English, Speech, Journalism, Business, Sciences and Math, Safety Management, and Psychology.

NSU Course Sequence

At least 55 semester credit hours are required in the Liberal Arts and Sciences. This major, together with general education hours, provides for 44 hours. A total of 60 hours must be completed from a four year institution.

The following grid outlines your last four semesters at NSU; assuming that you have completed your general education requirements (or have a recognized associate’s degree) and the two courses listed above at Eastern Oklahoma State College.

Semester 1 (Fall)

Semester 2 (Spring)

Semester 3 (Fall)

Semester 4 (Spring)

Courses are sequenced and it is suggested that you adhere to the blocks outlined above to complete your graduation on the appropriate time frame. Any deviation of the sequence may extend your projected graduation date.

All students should refer to the NSU General Degree Regulations as listed in the Northeastern State University catalog.