Paralegal Studies

9/3/2010 - Registration for Fall Quarter Ends
9/6/2010 - Labor Day (School Closed)
9/24/2010 - Early Fall Classes End
10/4/2010 - Fall Classes Begin
11/15/2010 - Registration for Winter Starts
11/25/2010 - Thanksgiving (School Closed)

Earn an Online Paralegal Degree

Obtaining a paralegal degree or certificate is a great way to have a legal career. At Globe University-Online, students can earn the following types of paralegal credentials:

• Certificate
• Bachelor of Science (BS) degree
• Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree

We are part of Globe University/Minnesota School of Business and have been training students for careers in business and other fields since the 1880s. We build on our history to provide the skills valued by employers in the legal field. When you obtain a college education from our school, you know that you will be able to turn your degree into a career.

The duties of a paralegal

Paralegals perform legal tasks under the direction of an attorney. These can include the following:

• Trial exhibit preparation
• Client and witness interviews
• Research in legal and government sources
• Legal document drafting

Graduates of our online paralegal programs have practical experience performing duties such as these; our program includes a required externship that gives students an edge when they seek employment.

Why an online paralegal degree?

Students choose an online college education for many reasons. They may need to continue working. They may have unpredictable schedules that make taking regularly scheduled classes difficult. They may need to care for small children or other family members. They may wish to save money on commuting, parking and child-care. Earning a degree online allows students to study whenever and wherever they can and save some of the expense associated with college.

Programs designed by legal professionals

Our paralegal programs are developed with the help of a program advisory committee made up of attorneys, paralegals and others in the legal field. The members of this board know what skills are necessary for success in the law firms, court offices and corporations that hire our graduates. Committee members also review our degree programs and courses regularly to ensure that we provide students with the most up-to-date training.

Our online paralegal programs

Certificate in Paralegal. This certificate is offered to students who already hold a bachelor’s degree. It can be completed in as little as three quarters (nine months). Core requirements include classes in specific practice areas, such as criminal law, family law and probate as well as general legal classes that include legal research, torts and litigation.

Bachelor of Science in Paralegal (BS). Students may be able to complete this BS degree in as little as three years if they study full-time. They take core classes that covering the following topics as well as 55 credits of general education:

Criminal law and procedures Business communication MS Office Professional ™ Legal terminology Legal research Torts Constitutional issues Litigation Administrative law Legal writing Family law Bankruptcy Career development   Computer information systems Keyboarding 1 Introduction to paralegal studies

Real estate American legal systems Law office procedures and technology Contracts Ethics for the law office Probate practice Student success Internship Law office management Interviewing and investigation Corporate business structures Alternative dispute resolution Field preparation Supervisory management Legal electives (12 credits)

Associate in Applied Science in Paralegal (AAS). Students in this two-year program are able to complete the degree in a minimum of 21 months. They take many of the same courses required for the BS degree and 30 credits of general education. Students with an associate degree in paralegal often return to college to earn their bachelor’s degrees. Most of their credits transfer smoothly to the bachelor's in paralegal program.  In addition, if a student has been working in a legal setting after earning the AAS degree, the school may grant credit for prior learning and work experience, shortening the time it takes to earn a BS degree.

Learn more about our online paralegal programs

For more information about our paralegal programs, contact Globe University-Online. Call us toll-free at 1-877-609-8889 to speak with a representative. Or if you’re ready to apply, complete our online application form.