Peirce-bachelors-paralegal-studies

Bachelor’s in Paralegal Studies

The Bachelor of Science in Paralegal Studies prepares students with the knowledge and skills needed to meet the standards of industry proficiency, professional integrity, and academic excellence that are required to serve the legal community.

Take Your First Course for Free

Earn Up to 22 Credits at No Cost
For a limited time, we are waiving the cost of PRC 101, our three-week orientation course that is required for most undergraduate students and helps you explore career opportunities. It also makes you eligible to earn a Google Career Certificate, the Meta Social Media Marketing Professional Certificate and take additional courses through our partnership with Coursera at no cost. This means you can earn up to 22 credits for free, which can save you more than $13,000 in tuition (and even more in books).

What You Can Expect

  • Program is ABA approved.
  • Save time and money by applying up to 90 transfer credits toward this degree. Learn about the College’s criteria for transfer credits here and view the Transfer Credit Policy here.
  • Complete your remaining credits online, including courses that feature live, online, face-to-face instruction; foundational courses must be completed via live, online, face-to-face instruction (if they are not transferred from another ABA-approved institution). 
  • Gain the knowledge and skills that can lead to professional advancement and graduate-level study, including the Bachelor-to-Juris Doctor program with Rutgers Law School.
  • Embed employer-recognized certifications into your program.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the BS in Paralegal Studies program will be able to:

  1. Utilize critical and analytical thinking skills in paralegal work assignments.

  2. Employ professional legal writing skills.

  3. Develop and utilize legal research and investigative skills.

  4. Communicate effectively in the legal profession.

  5. Develop and utilize the management and organizational skills required to be an effective paralegal.

  6. Identify, explain, and utilize the technology necessary to assist in the delivery of legal services.

  7. Identify, explain, and abide by the ethical rules governing the conduct of paralegals and attorneys, including the limitations on the practice of law by non-lawyers, and the practical ramifications of the requirement that paralegals work under the direct supervision of lawyers.

  8. Articulate, explain, and promote the emerging role of the paralegal in the legal profession, the distinction and diversity of the different areas of legal practice, and the paralegal’s part in efficiently expanding the delivery of legal services to the public.

Program at a Glance:

Credits:

121

Transfer Credits:

Up to 90 transfer credits can be applied to this degree

Format:

100% online, including live, online, face-to-face courses

Cost:

See how you can finish this degree for about $20,000

Per Credit Tuition:

$600 per credit

See if you are eligible for a corporate discount

*Tuition is based on current tuition and does not include fees or books.

Emergency Student Aid

Emergency Student Aid grants are available for Peirce students. Grants can be used to pay off balances, cover tuition, buy books, and for all costs of attendance, including food, rent, childcare, and transportation. Learn more.

Paralegal Studies Curriculum

Bachelor's of Science Degree Curriculum - Minimum Total Credits: 121

INSTITUTIONAL REQUIREMENTS:Min. Credits
PRCPRC 100 or PRC 101*1
BIS 111Application Software Fundamentals3
COM 112Speech Communication3
COM 312Practical Reasoning3
ENG 101English Composition3
ENG 103Rhetoric and Research3
HUM 102Introduction to Ethics3
HUM/HISHumanities/History Core (choose 1)3
MAT 101Introduction to College Mathematics3
MATMathematics Core (choose 1)3
PSC 101Introduction to American Government3
SCIScience Core (choose 2)6
SOC SCISocial Science Core (choose 1)3
GEN EDGeneral Education Course (choose 1)3


PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS:Min. Credits
LGL 100**The Paralegal Profession3
LGL 102**Legal Research3
LGL 113**Legal Writing3
LGL 117Civil Litigation3
LGL 201Contract Law3
LGL 206Tort Law3
LGL 207Criminal Law3
LGL 215Professional Legal Responsibility3
LGL 219Legal Technology3
LGL 304Family Law3
LGL 305Real Estate Law3
LGL 308Estate Law3
LGL 309Business Organizations3
LGL 315Advanced Legal Research3
LGL 320Advanced Legal Technology3
LGL 440Paralegal Capstone II: Practical Skills and Regulation3
ELEElectives (choose 10) Students may substitute CWE 413 for one elective

30

**Foundational course requires live, online, face-to-face instruction.

Career Options with a Paralegal Studies Degree

Our Paralegal Studies degree program prepares you for a career in law firms, corporate offices, with the government, or in many other industries. In the Philadelphia region, graduates of the Paralegal Studies program have careers with law firms; government and administrative agencies; and with major businesses, hospitals and Colleges and Universities.

Graduates of the Paralegal Studies program can continue their education at law school or go on to a master’s degree program in legal studies, business law, criminal justice or other areas of study. For more information about potential paralegal careers for Peirce graduates, visit our Legal Careers page.

It is important to note that paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public except as permitted by law. Paralegals work under the direct supervision of attorneys. 

 

Apply Today

Our Paralegal Studies Programs provide a foundation that opens the door to a variety of opportunities. So many life factors are impacted by our legal process. Our students understand and can navigate that process, increasing their options in terms of charting a professional career path.

Interested in a degree in Paralegal Studies? Contact an Admissions Representative and get started with your application or apply using our online application.

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