Paralegal Studies
Associate of Science in Paralegal Studies
American Bar Association
The Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies and the Associate of Science in Paralegal Studies programs at South University are approved by the American Bar Association, 321 North Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60654-7598 312.988.5522 800.285.2221.
Build a Solid Foundation for a Career in the Legal Field
South University offers you the flexibility and control to access your online courses anytime, day or night, so that you can pursue your Online AS in Paralegal Studies, whenever it’s most convenient for you. Our experienced, knowledgeable faculty* and staff also make sure that online never means out of touch, supporting you every step of the way as you work to achieve your goals.
Course Requirements
*
All students enrolling in the partially online program offered through the Savannah campus must document that at least four legal specialty courses comprising at least 16 quarter credit hours were completed in a traditional classroom format.
*The program requires that LGS1005 Legal Research and Writing I be completed in a traditional classroom format. The student can complete any other three (3) legal specialty courses in a traditional classroom format with the approval of the Program Director in consultation with the Registrar. The courses completed on campus in a traditional classroom format must be comparable to the legal specialty courses offered at South University.
Students in Savannah's partially online Legal Studies Program should contact their academic counselor for information on completing these requirements.
South University, Online Program Offerings may not be available to residents of all states. Please contact an admissions representative for further information.
Admission Requirements
Please see the South University academic catalog for program specific admissions requirements.Outcomes
This partially online Paralegal Studies degree program can prepare you to demonstrate:
- Knowledge of procedural and substantive law by successfully completing legal assignments routinely performed in a law office or any organization involved with legal processes under the supervision of an attorney.
- An awareness of the needs of a modern technology-based law office.
- An understanding of professional and ethical standards expected of a paralegal.
- Communication skills, including public speaking, letter and memorandum writing, as well as legal drafting under the supervision of an attorney.
- Legal research and analytical and critical thinking skills, including reasoned approaches to legal problem solving.
Career Outlook
Upon completing the Paralegal Studies associate’s degree program, you’ll be ready to work under the supervision of an attorney in entry-level paralegal and legal assistant positions and perform general background work for a legal firm. The American Bar Association (ABA) defines a paralegal as “a person, qualified by education, training, or work experience, who is employed or retained by a lawyer, law office, corporation, governmental agency or other entity, and who performs specifically delegated substantive legal work for which a lawyer is responsible.” Paralegals and legal assistants may not give legal advice, set fees, represent clients in court, or provide legal services to the public except as permitted by law. This degree program can also help get you started on the path to earning your Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies.
Online Classroom
Haven’t experienced online learning before or wondering what it’s like to earn your degree online at South University? While the mode of learning is different from the traditional classroom experience with added convenience and flexibility, we hold the same high standards of academic excellence in the online classroom.
South University’s online programs combine a curriculum designed for student outcomes and a classroom designed for flexibility and engagement. Our online classroom learning platform, Brightspace, provides you with a host of features to enhance your learning experience, including:
- Advanced media content
- Personalized navigation
- Simplified online learning atmosphere
- Access to digital books
- Emailing and instant messaging options
We provide more than just an online classroom, bringing a range of campus experiences and services online. In addition, the online classroom is accessible on the go via mobile devices and with tools like the Pulse App. Pulse helps you stay connected and on track with your course by providing a number of features such as course calendars, readings and assignments, feedback and grades, and announcements.
Read more about online requirements here.
Outstanding Education for Remarkable Careers
We're committed to helping our graduates make an impact in their professional and personal lives. We applaud our alumni and the difference they make. Check out what some of our Criminal Justice & Legal Studies graduates have to say.
