• Note: For certain locations, program enrollment is onsite with online instruction.

  • This program is offered online.

  • Bachelor of Science in Paralegal Studies

    Take your interest in the law to the next level with a BS in Paralegal Studies. Our curriculum offers a broad knowledge base and a strong foundation in law while helping you further develop practical paralegal skills in legal writing, drafting, legal research, interviewing, using legal technology, and more. You will explore substantive areas of law such as civil litigation, real estate law, contracts, and torts to help expand your theoretical knowledge base.

    Upon completion of the program you are eligible to take the Paralegal Advanced Competency Exam® (PACE®), which is administered by the National Federation of Paralegal Associations, and the Certified Legal Assistant/Certified Paralegal examination administered by the National Association of Legal Assistants. Both organizations allow individuals who graduate from accredited universities—like Kaplan University—to sit for these examinations.*

    As the largest provider of online legal studies programs in the United States†, the School of Legal Studies has helped over 6,500 graduates achieve their educational goals since 2001. This means that when you earn your degree from Kaplan University, you join one of the most active and diverse alumni communities in the legal field.

    You’ll learn from professors who are legal practitioners with real-world expertise in legal services, law, and policy. And enjoy collaborating with your professors and classmates via live seminars, discussion boards, and one-on-one instructor interaction.

    Bachelor of Science in Paralegal Studies Program Highlights

    Study to gain an in-depth understanding of the law and paralegal field with a program that incorporates professional experience and focuses on practical skills. By completing an optional internship in a legal setting as part of your program, you will have the opportunity to gain real-world professional experience. This practical training enables you to better communicate with legal professionals, witnesses, clients, and others about legal actions.

    This online paralegal bachelor’s degree program focuses on preparing you to:

    • Assist Clients: Analyze data to ethically assist clients throughout the legal process.
    • Perform Legal Research: Locate and analyze relevant primary and secondary legal sources in electronic and print media.
    • Perform Investigative Functions: Use investigative techniques to gather information from a variety of sources.
    • Perform Communications Functions: Communicate with participants throughout the legal process.
    • Implement Legal Procedures: Manage electronic and print information.
    • Assist in Litigation Preparation: Draft and organize information for trial purposes.
    • Prepare Legal Documents: Prepare correspondences such as affidavits, briefs, pleadings, appeals, wills, contracts, and real estate closing statements for clients.
     

    Fast Track Your Master’s Degree

    Eligible students in this bachelor's degree program who want to continue on to pursue a master's degree may be interested in the accelerated master's degree option. Students complete graduate-level courses within this undergraduate plan of study. Once accepted to the master’s degree program, students transfer in the graduate courses and matriculate into a shortened degree plan. This accelerated option allows students to complete both their bachelor's degree and master's degree in less time and at a lower cost than completing both programs separately. Accelerated options are offered for the following programs. Qualification for accelerated options is subject to eligibility requirements.

    What are the Career Opportunities?

    This degree program is designed to help prepare you to pursue opportunities in law firms, corporate law departments, and government agencies.‡ Graduates may pursue career opportunities in a legal environment such as a private law firm, corporate law department, or local, state, or federal agency. And graduates with prior work experience could also find this degree to be a benefit in seeking advancement opportunities in their current position.

    In addition to private law firms, the number and types of companies that demand the services of paralegals is projected to rise. These include corporate legal departments, insurance companies, real estate and title insurance firms, and banks. Businesses of all sizes, and corporations in particular, are expected to increase their in-house legal departments to cut costs.§

    Use these phrases to conduct research on potential career paths:

    • Legal assistant
    • Legal services
    • Legal support
    • Litigation paralegal
    • Patents and trademarks paralegal
    • Finance, banking, or bankruptcy paralegal
    • Family law paralegal
    • Criminal law paralegal
    • Entertainment paralegal
    • Real estate paralegal
    • Intellectual property paralegal
    • Contracts paralegal
    • Taxation paralegal

    Advanced Start Option

    If you already have an associate's degree from another accredited institution, our advanced start program may help you earn a Bachelor of Science in Paralegal Studies in as little as two years.#  

  • Kaplan University offers multiple start dates, giving you greater flexibility with your education, life, and work schedules.

    Jun 05

    Online Start Date
    Jun 05, 2013

    Jul 03

    Online Start Date
    Jul 03, 2013

    Jul 31

    Online and Campus Start Date
    Jul 31, 2013

    View the Academic Calendar

  • Curriculum: Standard Track

    Core

    100/200 LEVEL: COMMUNICATION COURSE (5  Credits)

    Total Core Credits: 33
    Total Program Credits: 180

    100/200 LEVEL: MATHEMATICS COURSE (5 Credits)

    Total Core Credits: 33
    Total Program Credits: 180

    200 LEVEL: COMMUNICATION COURSE (5 Credits)

    Total Core Credits: 33
    Total Program Credits: 180

    300/400 LEVEL: ARTS AND HUMANITIES COURSE (6 Credits)

    Total Core Credits: 33
    Total Program Credits: 180

    300/400 LEVEL: PHYSICAL SCIENCE COURSE (6 Credits)

    Total Core Credits: 33
    Total Program Credits: 180

    300/400 LEVEL: SOCIAL SCIENCE COURSE (6 Credits)

    Total Core Credits: 33
    Total Program Credits: 180

    Major

    PA 101: THE PARALEGAL PROFESSIONAL (5 Credits)

    This is an introductory course that will familiarize students with the role of the paralegal in both the workplace and the American legal system. The course is designed to expose students to current trends and issues in the profession, the regulation of the profession, the professional associations available to the paralegal, as well as the ethical considerations associated with the legal profession. Students will also receive basic introductions into the various areas of legal practice, such as law office organization, legal research, and litigation and advocacy. This course will provide students with a good introductory overview of the paralegal's role and contribution to today's legal system.

    Total Major Credits: 88
    Total Program Credits: 180

    *Online students will take the program-specific Eight Skills of the Effective Student course. †Online students will take PA 230: Introduction to Legal Technology.

    PA 110: CIVIL LITIGATION (5 Credits)

    This course introduces students to civil litigation, the civil law process, rights, and procedures. Topics include informal fact gathering and investigation, case management and strategy, jurisdiction, the structure of the court systems in the United States, parties, pleadings, and motions.

    Prerequisites Required: Students enrolled in a paralegal studies program: PA 101; students enrolled in a legal studies program: LS 102

    Total Major Credits: 88
    Total Program Credits: 180

    *Online students will take the program-specific Eight Skills of the Effective Student course. †Online students will take PA 230: Introduction to Legal Technology.

    PA 201: INTRODUCTION TO LEGAL RESEARCH (5 Credits)

    One of the basic tasks performed by the paralegal is legal research—finding the law. Accurate, concise, and up-to-date information can be the difference between winning and losing a lawsuit. Students who complete this course gain specialized skills in the area of legal research.

    Prerequisites Required: Prerequisites: CM 220 and PA 205

    Total Major Credits: 88
    Total Program Credits: 180

    *Online students will take the program-specific Eight Skills of the Effective Student course. †Online students will take PA 230: Introduction to Legal Technology.

    PA 205: INTRODUCTION TO LEGAL ANALYSIS AND WRITING (5 Credits)

    Some of the tasks performed by a skilled paralegal are to summarize statutes or regulations, analyze the component parts of written opinions of appellate judges through briefing, identify the legal issues in a fact pattern, and apply the reasoning of relevant legal authorities to a fact pattern. Students who successfully complete this course will be able to analyze and synthesize legal authorities and draft correspondence and memoranda commonly used in the practice of law.

    Prerequisites Required:

    PA  201

    Total Major Credits: 88
    Total Program Credits: 180

    *Online students will take the program-specific Eight Skills of the Effective Student course. †Online students will take PA 230: Introduction to Legal Technology.

    PA 253: LEGAL ETHICS (5 Credits)

    Legal assistants and paralegals must always consider the duty owed to the clients. Are the clients protected against having confidential information revealed? What are the duties and responsibilities regarding the ethical conduct of the paralegal? This course discusses these areas and presents canons, codes of ethics, ethical and procedural practices in a law office, licensing and certification, and more.

    Prerequisites Required: Students enrolled in a paralegal studies program: PA 101; students enrolled in a legal studies program: LS 102

    Total Major Credits: 88
    Total Program Credits: 180

    *Online students will take the program-specific Eight Skills of the Effective Student course. †Online students will take PA 230: Introduction to Legal Technology.

    PA 300: REAL ESTATE LAW (6 Credits)

    In this course, students will become familiar with procedures and documentation of real estate transactions. The course will address a wide range of issues and functions within the field of real estate law, including ethics, types of ownership, use, possession, mortgages, financing, taxation, closings, and litigation.

    Prerequisites Required: Students enrolled in a paralegal studies program: PA 101; students enrolled in a legal studies program: LS 102

    Total Major Credits: 88
    Total Program Credits: 180

    *Online students will take the program-specific Eight Skills of the Effective Student course. †Online students will take PA 230: Introduction to Legal Technology.

    PA 310: TORT LAW (6 Credits)

    Paralegals must be familiar with tort law, as they will undoubtedly encounter tort issues at some time, no matter in what area of law they work. This course includes topics such as negligence, defamation, malpractice, strict liability, product liability, intentional torts, misrepresentation, and issues of liability and insurance.

    Prerequisites Required:

    PA 201

    Total Major Credits: 88
    Total Program Credits: 180

    *Online students will take the program-specific Eight Skills of the Effective Student course. †Online students will take PA 230: Introduction to Legal Technology.

    PA 401: ADVANCED LEGAL WRITING (6 Credits)

    The course focuses on researching legal issues and drafting legal documents using the results of student research. Emphasis will be placed on the drafting of documents commonly used in practice (rather than strictly legal theory). This course also teaches students how to present the results of research in professional memorandum format, helps students acquire skills in briefing and analyzing court opinions and writing legal memoranda, and teaches students how to prepare legal documents from various areas of practice. The course is intended to prepare students for the demands of a legal practice environment.

    Prerequisites Required:

    PA  201

    Total Major Credits: 88
    Total Program Credits: 180

    *Online students will take the program-specific Eight Skills of the Effective Student course. †Online students will take PA 230: Introduction to Legal Technology.

    100/200-LEVEL: MAJOR ELECTIVE (5 Credits)

    Total Major Credits: 88
    Total Program Credits: 180

    *Online students will take the program-specific Eight Skills of the Effective Student course. †Online students will take PA 230: Introduction to Legal Technology.

    300/400-LEVEL MAJOR ELECTIVES (24 Credits)

    Total Major Credits: 88
    Total Program Credits: 180

    *Online students will take the program-specific Eight Skills of the Effective Student course. †Online students will take PA 230: Introduction to Legal Technology.

    PA 499: BACHELOR'S CAPSTONE IN PARALEGAL STUDIES (6 Credits)

    This course builds on the concepts of all of the paralegal courses students have mastered in the bachelor's degree program. The capstone course integrates problem-solving techniques and research skills studied in the paralegal program and applies them to fact scenarios that present legal issues. Students research the relevant secondary and primary sources in order to draft the required legal documents.

    Prerequisites Required: Last term or permission of the Dean

    Total Major Credits: 88
    Total Program Credits: 180

    *Online students will take the program-specific Eight Skills of the Effective Student course. †Online students will take PA 230: Introduction to Legal Technology.

    PA 230: INTRODUCTION TO LEGAL TECHNOLOGY (5 Credits)

    Technology is pervasive and the modern law office is chock-full of technological appliances, tools, and applications that the paralegal must be able to master. At the core of most software applications are the basics-word processors, spreadsheets, databases, and tools for presentations. Of course, the ubiquitous communication tool, email, is the center of modern electronic communications. This course will explore the most common tools and applications found in law firms and those that every "technology-literate" paralegal must know. Word processing, document-assembly programs, and tools for case management, time and billing, calendaring, electronic communications, and creating presentations are a few of the topics explored in this course. Students will leave this course with a solid foundation of the basics in legal technology.

    Prerequisites Required: Students enrolled in a paralegal studies program: PA 101; students enrolled in a legal studies program: LS 102

    IT 133: SOFTWARE APPLICATIONS (5 Credits)

    This course teaches students to use application software. Topics include an introduction to the Windows operating system and to Microsoft Office applications such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Students also learn how to apply soft ware applications within a profession.

    Total Major Credits: 88
    Total Program Credits: 180

    *Online students will take the program-specific Eight Skills of the Effective Student course. †Online students will take PA 230: Introduction to Legal Technology.

    LS 100: EIGHT SKILLS OF THE EFFECTIVE LEGAL STUDIES STUDENT (5 Credits)

    This course is an important component of the new student experience in the School of Legal Studies' legal studies program at Kaplan University. It is designed to ensure legal studies students' successful social and academic transition into and pursuit of academic excellence within the Kaplan University community and provide a foundation for success within the profession. Students will be introduced to eight key skills (reading, writing, research, planning, thinking, organizing, interviewing, and communicating) through dynamic and engaging interactions and presentations by practicing professionals. "Real-life" examples and interactions with practicing professionals will provide students with a sense of the culture and nuances of the field. The goal of this course is for students to become academically, personally, and socially successful within and beyond this intellectual community.

    CS 121: PATHWAYS TO ACADEMIC SUCCESS (ONSITE ONLY) (5 Credits)

    Designed to facilitate personal and professional success, this course introduces students to the purposes and processes of university education. An emphasis is placed on study, communication, and thinking skills that support academic achievement. Students also examine the relationship between learning and motivation. (Onsite only)

    Total Major Credits: 88
    Total Program Credits: 180

    *Online students will take the program-specific Eight Skills of the Effective Student course. †Online students will take PA 230: Introduction to Legal Technology.

    Electives

    OPEN ELECTIVES (59 Credits)

    Total Electives Credits: 59
    Total Program Credits: 180

    Prior Degree

    Total Prior Degree Credits (90 Credits)

    Total Prior Degree Credits: 90
    Total Program Credits: 71

    *Comparability is determined by a course-by-course examination of the prior associate's or bachelor's degree against the core requirements of a Kaplan University associate’s degree.

    Prerequisites

    PA 101: THE PARALEGAL PROFESSIONAL (5 Credits)

    This is an introductory course that will familiarize students with the role of the paralegal in both the workplace and the American legal system. The course is designed to expose students to current trends and issues in the profession, the regulation of the profession, the professional associations available to the paralegal, as well as the ethical considerations associated with the legal profession. Students will also receive basic introductions into the various areas of legal practice, such as law office organization, legal research, and litigation and advocacy. This course will provide students with a good introductory overview of the paralegal's role and contribution to today's legal system.

    Total Prerequisites Credits: 15
    Total Program Credits: 71

    PA 110: CIVIL LITIGATION (5 Credits)

    This course introduces students to civil litigation, the civil law process, rights, and procedures. Topics include informal fact gathering and investigation, case management and strategy, jurisdiction, the structure of the court systems in the United States, parties, pleadings, and motions.

    Prerequisites Required: Students enrolled in a paralegal studies program: PA 101; students enrolled in a legal studies program: LS 102

    Total Prerequisites Credits: 15
    Total Program Credits: 71

    PA 201: INTRODUCTION TO LEGAL RESEARCH (5 Credits)

    One of the basic tasks performed by the paralegal is legal research—finding the law. Accurate, concise, and up-to-date information can be the difference between winning and losing a lawsuit. Students who complete this course gain specialized skills in the area of legal research.

    Prerequisites Required: Prerequisites: CM 220 and PA 205

    Total Prerequisites Credits: 15
    Total Program Credits: 71

    Core

    300/400 LEVEL: ARTS AND HUMANITIES COURSE (6 Credits)

    Total Core Credits: 18
    Total Program Credits: 71

    300/400 LEVEL: PHYSICAL SCIENCE COURSE (6 Credits)

    Total Core Credits: 18
    Total Program Credits: 71

    300/400 LEVEL: SOCIAL SCIENCE COURSE (6 Credits)

    Total Core Credits: 18
    Total Program Credits: 71

    Major

    PA 300: REAL ESTATE LAW (6 Credits)

    In this course, students will become familiar with procedures and documentation of real estate transactions. The course will address a wide range of issues and functions within the field of real estate law, including ethics, types of ownership, use, possession, mortgages, financing, taxation, closings, and litigation.

    Prerequisites Required: Students enrolled in a paralegal studies program: PA 101; students enrolled in a legal studies program: LS 102

    Total Major Credits: 29
    Total Program Credits: 71

    PA 310: TORT LAW (6 Credits)

    Paralegals must be familiar with tort law, as they will undoubtedly encounter tort issues at some time, no matter in what area of law they work. This course includes topics such as negligence, defamation, malpractice, strict liability, product liability, intentional torts, misrepresentation, and issues of liability and insurance.

    Prerequisites Required:

    PA 201

    Total Major Credits: 29
    Total Program Credits: 71

    PA 401: ADVANCED LEGAL WRITING (6 Credits)

    The course focuses on researching legal issues and drafting legal documents using the results of student research. Emphasis will be placed on the drafting of documents commonly used in practice (rather than strictly legal theory). This course also teaches students how to present the results of research in professional memorandum format, helps students acquire skills in briefing and analyzing court opinions and writing legal memoranda, and teaches students how to prepare legal documents from various areas of practice. The course is intended to prepare students for the demands of a legal practice environment.

    Prerequisites Required:

    PA  201

    Total Major Credits: 29
    Total Program Credits: 71

    100/200-LEVEL: MAJOR ELECTIVE (5 Credits)

    Total Major Credits: 29
    Total Program Credits: 71

    PA 499: BACHELOR'S CAPSTONE IN PARALEGAL STUDIES (6 Credits)

    This course builds on the concepts of all of the paralegal courses students have mastered in the bachelor's degree program. The capstone course integrates problem-solving techniques and research skills studied in the paralegal program and applies them to fact scenarios that present legal issues. Students research the relevant secondary and primary sources in order to draft the required legal documents.

    Prerequisites Required: Last term or permission of the Dean

    Total Major Credits: 29
    Total Program Credits: 71

    Electives

    OPEN ELECTIVES (24 Credits)

    Total Electives Credits: 24
    Total Program Credits: 71

    Tuition & Fees: Standard Track

    The 25% tuition reduction applies only to international students living outside of the United States. This discount does not apply to military students. Please check with your advisor to see if you are eligible. 

    The 25% tuition reduction applies only to international students living outside of the United States. This discount does not apply to military students. Please check with your advisor to see if you are eligible. 

    Standard Track Online &
    Learning Center     		Campus
    Cost Per Credit
    Number of Credits / Terms  
    Total Tuition Cost

    Tuition and Fees

    Some programs have additional associated fees that are not included in the price of tuition. Click here or check with an Admissions Advisor for more information. 

    Learn More about Kaplan University Tuition and Fees  

    Notice to Learning Center Students

    Kaplan University Learning Center students will only complete a portion of this program on site. You will need to complete at least 50% of the program requirements online, or through transfer credit awarded via prior learning assessment. If you have any questions about these requirements, please speak with an admissions advisor.

    Scholarships and Grants

    Learn more about grants and Kaplan University Scholarships and that may help reduce the cost of your education.

    Kaplan University tuition reductions (including active-duty, spouse, and veterans military tuition rates; scholarships; grants; vouchers; and alumni and alliance reductions) cannot be combined. 

    Tuition Rates for Military Students and Spouses

    Kaplan University has significantly reduced many of our tuition rates and fees for active-duty servicemembers, their spouses, and veterans. Click here for more information.
     

  • Some states have additional curricular requirements. Check the University Catalog or speak with an Admissions Advisor.

  • * Although certain programs at Kaplan University are designed to prepare students to take various certification or licensing exams, the University cannot guarantee the student will pass those exams. In some cases, field experience, additional coursework, and/or background checks may be necessary to take or to successfully pass the exams.

    † Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), 2009-2010, Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees Conferred, Law and Legal Studies on the Internet at http://nces.ed.gov/IPEDS. Based on total number of degrees granted by Kaplan University compared to other Title IV degree-granting institutions. 

    ‡ Kaplan University cannot guarantee employment or career advancement. Paralegals are not lawyers and cannot practice law or give legal advice to consumers.

    § Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2012-2013 Edition, Paralegals and Legal Assistants, http://www.bls.gov/ooh/Legal/Paralegals-and-legal-assistants.htm (accessed April, 2012). National long-term projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions, and do not guarantee actual job growth.

    # Associate’s and bachelor’s degrees and credits considered to be remedial, occupational, or specialized may not be accepted for transfer. Average completion time based on a full-time schedule. Programs will take longer for part-time students to complete. Refer to the University Catalog for our Transfer of Credit policy.

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