FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, October 19, 2017
STEPHENVILLE, Texas—The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents today authorized Tarleton State University to seek final approval from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) to create a bachelor’s of art degree program in legal studies.
The new program, if approved by the THECB, would begin in fall 2018 and increase Tarleton’s total number of degree offerings to nearly 100.
“This is a major step forward,” said Dr. Karen Murray, Tarleton provost and executive vice president for academic affairs. “This new degree opportunity supports the university’s longstanding commitment to academic advancement, to improve employment options for students and to meet the growing workforce needs in North Texas and beyond.”
No equivalent programs are available within 100 miles of Stephenville.
The proposed degree offering, part of Tarleton’s College of Liberal and Fine Arts, blends a liberal arts education with a practical concentration in public law or paralegal studies. Courses for the 120-hour program emphasize political science, public speaking, analytical reading and technical writing, and prepare students for law school and paralegal certification.
“Tarleton’s pursuit of new degree programs—like the bachelor’s in legal studies—is evidence of our commitment to respond to the changing needs of our students and the communities we serve,” Murray said. “Data from the Texas Workforce Commission predicts an increased need for paralegals and legal assistants, with creation of some 6,000 new positions over the next few years. This new degree opportunity will allow us to meet the need.”
For a list of degree programs available at Tarleton, visit www.tarleton.edu/degrees.
Tarleton, celebrating 100 years as founding member of The Texas A&M University System, provides a student-focused, value-driven educational experience marked by academic innovation and exemplary service, and dedicated to transforming students into tomorrow’s professional leaders. As a member of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) with campuses in Stephenville, Fort Worth, Waco, Midlothian and online, Tarleton engages with its communities to provide real-world learning experiences and to address societal needs while maintaining its core values of tradition, integrity, civility, leadership, excellence and service.
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Contact:
Harry Battson, Assistant Vice President for Marketing & Communications
254-968-1620
[email protected]
