If you have your associate's or bachelor's degree, our online advanced start program can help you earn a Bachelor of Science in Paralegal Studies in as little as two years.* A completed bachelor's degree could help you increase your income potential and marketability in today's job market. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, bachelor's degree holders earn nearly 40 percent more than high school diploma holders and 25 percent more than associate's degree holders during their working lifetime.† 

Preparing for a future as a paralegal is a highly practical career choice. In fact, the U.S. Department of Labor predicts that job growth for paralegals will grow by 28 percent between 2008 and 2018.‡ At the same time, competition for paralegal jobs is also increasing, enhancing the advantage of a Bachelor's Degree in Paralegal Studies.

 Program Highlights 

    You will have the opportunity to build a solid foundation of knowledge in specialized areas of law while you study
    to develop paralegal skills, including:

    • Analyzing data and information to assist clients throughout the legal process
    • Performing legal research using electronic and print media
    • Applying investigative techniques to gather information from witnesses and other sources
    • Preparing and maintaining legal schedules and legal documents and forms

A Fast Track to a Master’s Degree

Eligible students in this bachelor's degree program who want to continue on to pursue a master's degree within the School of Criminal Justice or School of Legal Studies 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. Please contact an Admissions Advisor for more information.

 Curriculum for the Advanced Start Bachelor of Science in Paralegal Studies 

    Courses Credits
    Total Prior Degree Credits* 90
    Courses Credits
    The Paralegal Professional
    Civil Litigation
    Introduction to Legal Research
    Courses Credits
    Arts and Humanities Elective 6
    Physical Science Elective 6
    Social Science Elective 6
    Courses Credits
    Real Estate Law 6
    Tort Law 6
    Advanced Legal Writing 6
    Major Electives 24
    Open Electives 24
    Bachelor’s Capstone in Paralegal Studies 6
    Total Program Requirements 90*

 What Are the Career Opportunities? 

This degree program will help prepare you to pursue opportunities in law firms, corporate law departments, and government agencies. Graduates may pursue career opportunities or job advancement in a legal environment such as a private law firm, corporate law department, or local, state, or federal agency.

In addition to private law firms, the number and types of companies that demand the services of paralegals is on the 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.† 

  

Tuition and Fees

Cost per credit hour$371.00
Total program requirements90*
Total cost of tuition$33,390.00

This program requires a $100.00 technology fee per term. Effective June 5, 2010, a minimum tuition deposit, depending on your program and as described in the Tuition and Fees Supplement, is required at the time of enrollment. The deposit will be credited toward your tuition when you begin classes. The advanced start option assumes you have completed an associate's degree and requires a minimum of 180 quarter credit hours, including 90 from your requisite associate’s degree. Additional courses and tuition costs and fees may be required to meet the prerequisites for the advanced start program. 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 (Toll Free) to speak to a military Admissions Advisor.

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* Speak to an Admissions Representative or refer to the University Catalog for details about our Transfer of Credit policy.

†Bureau of Labor Statistics, Current Population Survey, www.bls.gov/emp/ep_chart_001.htm.

‡Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition, Paralegals and Legal Assistants, www.bls.gov/oco/ocos114.htm.

§Paralegals are not lawyers and cannot practice law or give legal advice.