Paralegal Studies, Associate of Applied Science Degree

The Paralegal Studies degree program is approved by the American Bar Association and prepares students for a career as a paraprofessional in private law offices, corporate legal departments or public sector settings. The program provides the student with a varied and balanced background in legal fundamentals as well as the skills and practical field experience necessary to work as a legal assistant. The U.S. Bureau of Labor reports that a 75 percent growth is expected in the paralegal field in the next 10 years.

Graduates, who must work under the supervision of an attorney, are able to:

• understand the proper role of the paralegal in the context of the larger legal profession, including application of the ethical rules that govern the conduct of the paralegal and the legal profession
• analyze and assess legal problems, identify legal issues and conduct both standard and computerized legal research
• draft and interpret legal documents such as deeds, mortgages, wills, pleadings, probate forms and contracts
• acquire necessary computer skills in various legal software applications specific to the law office
• demonstrate substantive knowledge and practical skills in areas such as litigation, torts, real estate, dispute resolution, wills and estates, law office management and intellectual property.

This degree is offered through the Business and Public Service Department, whose mission is to provide challenging, career-oriented undergraduate programs to business and public service students, educating them to the level of competency needed for successful transfer to four-year institutions or immediate career path entry into the global market.