Students in Legal Studies, a major offered by the Department of Politics and Government, have great opportunities for learning and growth, both as individuals and within the paralegal field as a whole. The Department of Politics and Government provides a variety of resources for Legal Studies majors including internship opportunities, small class sizes, as well as full-time faculty or experienced practitioners teaching all levels of coursework. The Legal Studies curriculum is designed to provide specialized knowledge and skills to prepare students for employment as a paralegal. The learning objectives for the legal studies program are the following: apply critical thinking; strengthen professional communications skills; enhance legal research and writing skills; integrate computer skills in a legal setting; develop interviewing and investigation skills; and acquire an understanding of the paralegal profession and ethical obligations. Paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public, except as permitted by law. Students preparing for law school should consult with the pre-law advisor to determine which courses are appropriate for them. The paralegal profession is one of the nation’s fastest growing careers, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The Legal Studies program prepares students for a career as a paralegal in public and private law offices, corporate law departments, and government agencies. Students learn how lawyers think and how to communicate effectively with both lawyers and laymen. Paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public except as permitted by law.