Online Paralegal Studies Bachelor’s Degree
National American University’s ABA-approved online Paralegal Studies Bachelor’s degree program prepares you to perform a variety of tasks under the supervision of an attorney in a law firm, corporate legal department, or government agency. Graduates of the program may also be employed in other careers that require excellent analytical and communication skills.
Online Paralegal Studies Bachelor’s Program Overview
National American University’s online Paralegal Studies Bachelor of Science degree program will help you to develop an in-depth understanding of legal principles and practical skills to prepare you for career advancement or to pursue a graduate degree. Credits earned in NAU’s separate Paralegal Studies Associate of Applied Science degree program may be applied toward your Bachelor’s degree.
- Demonstrate a fundamental knowledge of substantive and procedural law
- Analyze issues using legal research methodology
- Communicate effectively through speaking and writing
- Model professional behavior in accordance with ethical guidelines governing the conduct of attorneys and paralegals
- Apply legal theories to relevant facts under the supervision of an attorney
Online Paralegal Studies Bachelor’s Degree Classes and Curriculum
The Paralegal Studies Bachelor of Science program consists of major core, support core, and general education core courses that total 180.5 quarter credits.
Paralegal Major Core
90 credits
Support Core
24.5 credits
General Education Core
66 credits
All classes are offered online, with three legal specialty courses (13.5 quarter credits) delivered synchronously through online video conferencing.
Prepare for a Paralegal Certification Exam
Although national certification is not a professional requirement to become a paralegal, as a graduate of NAU’s BS Paralegal Studies program, you will be eligible to voluntarily sit for the Certified Legal Assistant (CLA) exam administered by the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) and earn the designation of Certified Paralegal (CP). Graduates may also choose to seek certification from the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA) through the Paralegal CORE Competency Exam™ (PCCE™) exam and become a CORE Registered Paralegal (CRP™).
Online Paralegal Studies Bachelor’s Degree Tuition and Fees
Learn more about our undergraduate tuition schedule.
Online Paralegal Studies Bachelor’s Degree Career Opportunities
Under the supervision of an attorney, a paralegal may perform various tasks normally performed by a lawyer as permitted by law and ethical standards. Paralegals may be employed in law firms; corporate legal departments; local, state and federal government offices; bank and trust departments; and other offices that require a specialized understanding of the law and the legal system. Paralegals may also be employed in other careers that require excellent analytical and communication skills.
A paralegal may interview clients and witnesses; draft court pleadings and other legal documents; perform legal research; review medical, police and other records; attend hearings; assist in trial preparations; and assist at trial. However, a paralegal may not engage in activities considered to be the practice of law, including giving legal advice, representing a client in court, or setting legal fees.
Who Is a Good Candidate for the Paralegal Studies Bachelor’s Degree?
- Career professionals: The Paralegal Studies degree provides a great opportunity to have a career in the legal field without attending law school. You gain the knowledge and skills required to assist attorneys in law firms, corporate legal departments, and government agencies.
- Graduate students: You are a great fit for this program if you desire to pursue a graduate degree or wish to seek admission to law school.
- Others: Graduates of the program may also be employed in other careers that require excellent analytical and communication skills.
Please Note: Some jurisdictions regulate the admission of individuals into the paralegal profession. A person convicted of a felony may not be able to serve as a paralegal in certain states. Please consult with your state’s judicial offices to determine the regulation of paralegals in your state.
Course Listing (180.5 Credits)
PL1100/SO1100 Introduction to Legal Principles
PL1150 Legal Research I
PL1350 Legal Research II
PL2050 Torts
PL2100/SO2120 Domestic Relations
PL2150 Civil Procedure
PL2350 Criminal Procedure
PL2500/EN2500 Legal Writing
PL3000 Law Office Technology
PL3050 Real Property
PL3100 Prof. Ethics & Law Office Procedure
PL3000+
PL3000+
PL4000+
PL4000+
PL4000+
PL4600 CLA Review
PL4500-4590 Paralegal Internship
PL4500-4590 Paralegal Internship
PL4500-4590 Paralegal Internship
LA6100DC Legal Environments for Global Organizations or
LA3100 Business Law I
ME1140 Medical Terminology for Health Professions
MT1050 Introduction to Business
MT2050 Principles of Management
LA6570DC Human Resource Law or
MT3230/PL3230 Employment Law
MT6000DC or
3000+
Communication
EN1150 Composition I
Science
SC Science Electives
Humanities
HU2000 Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
Behavioral/Social Science
Behavioral/Social Science Electives
General Education
General Education Electives
Communication
EN1300 Composition II
EN2100 Speech OR
EN2150 Interpersonal Professional Communication
EN3050 Technical Communications
Mathematics
MA2000 Quantitative Reasoning
General Education
CS1201 Juggling College, Life, and Career: Set Up for Success! OR
CS1203 Bridge to Success: Creating Your Future at NAU!
CS1301 Do the Numbers! Achieving College and Career Success
CS2086 Career Path Planning
Course availability is subject to minimum class size requirements.