Doane University

What you'll study

The programme combines foundational coursework in legal institutions and doctrine with practical skills training and experiential learning. Core topics include the sources of law, constitutional principles, criminal and civil law, and legal research and writing. Students also study procedural issues, ethics, and specialised areas such as business law, family law, immigration, and alternative dispute resolution.

• Foundations of Legal Studies: introductions to legal systems, legal reasoning and statutory interpretation.
• Substantive Law: modules in criminal law, civil litigation and torts, contracts, and constitutional law.
• Procedural and Practical Skills: civil procedure basics, evidence, legal research and writing, and case analysis.
• Professional and Ethical Contexts: classes on legal ethics, access to justice, and the role of law in society.
• Specialist Electives: business and corporate law, family law, immigration law, employment law and alternative dispute resolution.
• Capstone/Practicum: a supervised internship or capstone project that places students in courts, law firms, non‑profits, government offices or corporate legal departments to apply classroom learning.

The degree typically requires a combination of major core credits, electives and general education courses. Small seminar classes and faculty mentorship are used to develop research, oral advocacy and analytical skills. Students are encouraged to combine the major with minors such as political science, business or criminal justice.

Entry requirements

Applications are evaluated on overall academic preparation and the strength of supporting materials. Typical undergraduate entry expectations include a secondary school diploma or equivalent, official transcripts and a personal statement that explains interest in legal studies.

• Academic records: high school transcripts; transfer applicants should submit college transcripts and may receive credit for prior coursework.
• Supporting materials: a personal statement or essay; letters of recommendation are encouraged though not always required.
• Additional considerations: relevant work experience, volunteer service, or involvement in debate, mock trial or student government can strengthen an application. Mature or non‑traditional applicants are considered on an individual basis.

Doane University may also offer placement advising to help applicants determine appropriate course load and transfer options. Specific admissions criteria, testing policies or credit‑transfer rules are available from the university admissions office.

Career prospects

Graduates of the Non‑Professional Legal Studies programme move into a range of roles where legal knowledge and analytical skills are valued. The curriculum emphasises practical skills that employers seek, such as legal research, document drafting and case management.

• Paralegal or legal assistant positions in law firms and corporate legal departments.
• Compliance and regulatory roles in finance, healthcare, education and industry.
• Positions in government and public service, including court administration, legislative staff and policy analysis.
• Work with non‑profit organisations on advocacy, rights‑based programmes and community legal education.
• Support roles in human resources, contracts administration and dispute resolution services.
• Preparation for further study: many graduates pursue law school, graduate programmes in public policy, business or criminal justice, or professional certification for paralegals.

Why study at Doane University

Doane offers a small, student‑centred learning environment with an emphasis on experiential education and close faculty mentorship. The university’s liberal arts foundation gives legal studies students breadth across humanities and social sciences while providing practical opportunities such as internships, clinic placements and community partnerships.

Students benefit from personalised advising, accessible faculty who are active teachers and scholars, and a campus culture that supports collaborative learning and leadership development. The programme is designed to be flexible for on‑campus and non‑traditional students, enabling combinations with minors or internships that align with individual career goals.