Paralegals are mostly employed in law firms, corporate legal departments and various government offices. Paralegals are projected to grow faster than average, as law offices try to reduce costs by assigning them tasks formerly carried out by lawyers. According to Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Paralegals held about 200,000 jobs in year 2002. Within the Federal Government, the U.S. Department of Justice is the largest employer, followed by the Social Security Administration and the U.S. Department of Treasury.
Bachelor of Science in Paralegal Studies
This degree program provides a solid foundation in the law and paralegal skills, built upon a broad liberal arts knowledge base. Upon graduation, career opportunities and job advancement will be available legal environments including private law firms, corporate law departments and government agencies. The type of jobs include assisting with litigation preparation, researching legal issues, aiding attorneys in courtroom proceedings and document supervision. Students will learn valuable analytical and research skills including a range of technical competencies in specialized areas of the law. Three emphasis areas are available in the paralegal studies program at the bachelor level. They are Alternative Dispute Resolution, Office Management, and Personal Injury. This program is suitable for students wanting to advance their existing paralegal careers or seeking employment in the paralegal field. Career opportunities are available in government agencies, corporate law departments and law firms.
Advanced Start Bachelor of Science in Paralegal Studies
If you have an associate's degree, the Advanced Start Option will give you the qualifications you need to increase your marketability in today's job market. This advanced start bachelor's program prepares graduates for advancement in paralegal studies with the technical competencies, critical thinking, communication skills and knowledge required in the modern workplace. This degree accommodates both the student whose immediate educational goals are satisfied by the completion of a B.S. degree, and the student who is planning to pursue study in the paralegal studies field at the graduate level. Three emphasis areas are available including Alternative Dispute Resolution, Office Management, and Personal Injury. This degree is for students who already hold an A.A.S., A.S., or A.A. degree from a regionally or nationally accredited college.
