Businesses and organizations of all sizes are reducing legal costs by handling routine legal processes in-house. As a result, the demand for paralegal and legal assistant is higher than ever, and this trend is projected to continue for over the next several years. The U.S. Department of Labor projects the number of employment opportunities for paralegals and legal assistants to grow 22 percent over the decade ending in 2016, which is much faster than the average for all occupations.* That is a promising statistic if you are interested in entering the legal profession or want to advance your current career.

 Program Highlights 

The online Associate of Applied Science in Paralegal Studies program at Kaplan University is designed to provide you with academic knowledge and practical skills you need to attain the position you want. Comprehensive study in areas such as civil litigation, contracts, legal research, and criminal law may prepare you for diverse career opportunities in the field. Enjoy the convenience and flexibility of our Web-based curriculum while you:

  • Study to develop the ability to communicate effectively and make ethical decisions within the legal environment
  • Focus on specialized legal practice areas, such as real estate, corporate, family, social security, and employment law
  • Explore how to conduct legal research and analyze and summarize statutes and other legal documents
  • Study word processing, document assembly, case management, time tracking, and billing using common technology tools and applications found in law firms
  • Demonstrate your ability to apply the concepts learned through your online coursework by completing a capstone project

 Curriculum for the  Associate of Applied Science in Paralegal Studies 

    Courses Credits
    Communication Elective 5
    Mathematics Elective 5
    Communication Elective 5
    Courses Credits
    Eight Skills of the Effective Legal Studies Student 5
    Software Applications 5
    The Paralegal Professional 5
    Civil Litigation 5
    Introduction to Legal Research 5
    Introduction to Legal Analysis and Writing 5
    Legal Ethics 5
    Open Electives 35
    Associate’s Capstone—Project 5
    Total Program Requirements 90

 Already Have Credits or Work Experience? 

If you have previously earned credit at another institution or have applicable paralegal work experience, you may be eligible for academic credit toward program requirements at Kaplan University. Speak to an Admissions Advisor or refer to the University Catalog for details about our transfer of credit policy.

 What Are the Career Opportunities? 

This associate's degree program is designed to prepare you for career opportunities in a variety of legal environments, in areas such as litigation, real estate, intellectual property, health care, international law, elder issues, criminal law, and environmental law.† Study to qualify for employment as a paralegal in organizations that provide specialized legal services, such as private law firms, corporate legal departments, insurance companies, real estate and title insurance firms, banks, and government agencies. When you are ready to further your education, credits earned in fulfillment of this certificate may be transferred to other Kaplan University degree programs.

For more information, chat live or call an Admissions Advisor at 866.527.5268 (Toll Free).

Tuition and Fees

Cost per credit hour$353.00
Total program requirements90
Total cost of tuition$31,770.00

This program requires a $100 technology fee per term. Effective July 1, 2009, a minimum deposit of $70 is required at the time of enrollment and will be credited toward your tuition when you begin classes. Qualifying transfer credit may reduce your total costs. Refer to the University Catalog for transfer of credit policy. We encourage you to explore the availability of financial aid and scholarships. For more information, chat live or call an Admissions Advisor at 866.527.5268 (Toll Free).

Kaplan University offers tuition discounts to active-duty military servicemembers and veterans. Call 866.583.4412 to speak to a military Admissions Advisor.

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* Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-09 Edition, Paralegals and Legal Assistants, http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos114.htm (accessed May 2008).
† Paralegals are not lawyers and cannot practice law or give legal advice to consumers.