Program Overview

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Paralegal Studies

Pursue law-related careers (that don’t require years of law school) with an associate degree in paralegal studies.

Types

• Associate
• Minor

Location

• On-Campus
• Online

Credits

31*

Cost

$9,875 $220/credit hour

Overview

You don’t have to be a lawyer to make an impact in the legal world. If you’re interested in a career in law but you don’t want to attend years of law school to become an attorney, an associate degree in paralegal studies could be your perfect option! An online associate degree takes less time to complete than a bachelor’s degree, offers you the flexibility to fit coursework around your busy schedule, and prepares you to pursue law-related careers. Curriculum covers a wide range of essential topics, including legal research, understanding legal documents, and general education courses. Ready to work alongside lawyers as a legal assistant or legal support worker? Then this is the online associate degree paralegal studies program for you.

By the Numbers

$56,230

Average Salary

14%

Industry Growth

16:1

Student-to-Faculty ratio

96%

Receive Financial Aid

Programs & Requirements

General Education Requirements

• The credit hours listed on this page only reference the specific program requirements and is not reflective of the total hours necessary to receive your degree. Cumberlands requires all students obtain a minimum of 60 hours for an associate’s degree and a total of 120 hours for a bachelor’s degree. Transfer and prior learning credits may be counted toward those totals.

Associate of Science in Paralegal Studies

When you pursue an Associate Degree in Paralegal Studies online at University of Cumberlands, you’ll work with experienced faculty who will teach you paralegal courses online and help you explore every aspect of this exciting field of study, providing the tools you need to be successful in entry-level legal work. You’ll develop important professional skills that will help you thrive in any industry and every career path, from the ability to communicate in group settings to thinking critically. Get the expertise you need to succeed with courses in national government, legal writing, understanding legal documents, judicial procedure, criminal justice, legal terminology, and more.

Classes for the online paralegal degree are designed to give you a full view of the many areas where you can put your degree to use. An AS degree in paralegal studies is the perfect foundation to pursue a career path in any number of legal settings—law offices, corporate legal departments, the court system, and more! You can learn more about the salary potential and growth for paralegal careers at the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) website. You can also create long-term plans for your education and career by researching the American Bar Association, which can be a great resource and networking opportunity for legal and law-related professionals.

As part of University of the Cumberlands' associate degree requirements, each student must complete at least 61 semester hours, including those within the major and the coursework required to fulfill the online Associate Degree in Paralegal Studies requirements.

Course Requirements

Required Courses (24 hours)

• ITSS 130 - Application Software
• LEGL 133 - Introduction to the Law
• LEGL 141 - Legal Terminology
• LEGL 238 - Legal Research
• LEGL 239 - Legal Writing
• LEGL 333 - Judicial Procedure
• POLS 233 - American National GovernmentAND
• COMM 332 - Small Group CommunicationOR
• COMM 230 - Introduction to Public Speaking

Required Courses (24 hours)

• COMM 321 - Argument in Everyday Life
• LEGL 133 - Introduction to the Law
• LEGL 141 - Legal Terminology
• LEGL 238 - Legal Research
• LEGL 239 - Legal Writing
• LEGL 333 - Judicial Procedure
• POLS 433 - Western Political Theory I AND
• HIST 339 - Intermediate Studies in Constitutional History OR
• HIST 439 - Advanced Studies in Constitutional History

Mission and Goals

The purpose of the online associate degree in paralegal studies program is to prepare students for a career in the legal industry by offering a two-year paralegal studies program that is affordable, accessible, and student-focused.

• Develop your knowledge of legal terminology and practices.
• Build a strong foundation of professional skills that are useful in law – and in any field.
• Strengthen your reading comprehension, writing, and critical-thinking skills.
• Understand necessary information about American history and the criminal justice system.
• Complete your degree quickly while still becoming equipped for a successful career.

Paralegal Careers & Outcomes

All stats from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Paralegal: $56,230

Paralegals and legal assistants perform a variety of tasks to support lawyers.

Title Examiner: $46,261

Examine and report on legal documents from real estate and tax records to maps and marriage licenses.

Legal Assistant: $60,712

Assist lawyers and other legal professionals by managing and organizing documents, collecting and analyzing data, assist with scheduling, draft records, and performing other administrative duties.

Law Associate: $84,733

Work with and provide advice to clients, research cases, assist attorneys, and gain experience at a law firm.

Litigation Paralegal: $64,325

Work under attorneys in criminal and civil litigation and help with case management.

Abstractor: $42,587

Evaluate and analyze documents that have to do with property, land, and homes.

Common Questions

• What is a paralegal studies degree? A paralegal studies degree is designed to prepare students for law-related careers by teaching them legal research, document preparation, and other essential skills required to assist lawyers. This degree enables graduates to work in various legal environments, such as law firms, government agencies, or corporate legal departments.
• How long does a paralegal studies degree take? An associate degree in paralegal studies typically takes about two years to complete, requiring around 60 credit hours. However, the exact timeframe may vary depending on whether the student is enrolled part-time or full-time.
• Can I get a paralegal studies degree online? Yes, many schools offer paralegal studies degrees online, providing flexibility for students to complete coursework on their own schedule. Online programs often include general education courses and specialized legal classes.
• Is a paralegal studies degree worth it? A paralegal studies degree is worth it for individuals who want to enter the legal field without attending law school. It opens doors to various legal support roles, offering competitive salaries and growth opportunities in an industry projected to grow by 14%.
• What can I do with a paralegal studies degree? With a paralegal studies degree, you can pursue roles such as paralegal, legal assistant, title examiner, litigation paralegal, or abstractor. These positions involve tasks like supporting attorneys, managing legal documents, and conducting legal research.
• How to get a paralegal studies degree? To earn a paralegal studies degree, enroll in an accredited program that offers an associate degree or certificate. Complete the required coursework, which typically includes legal terminology, research, writing, and various legal specialty areas.
• What’s the difference between a paralegal and a legal assistant? The terms "paralegal" and "legal assistant" are often used interchangeably, but in some cases, paralegals focus more on substantive legal work like research and drafting documents, while legal assistants may focus more on administrative tasks like scheduling and organizing files. However, their roles can overlap depending on the workplace.

Faculty Experts in Paralegal Studies

Get to know more about your future paralegal professors.

Catherine Ball, JD

Assistant Professor

Contact Information

606.539.4301

Bennett Building

Dr. Michael Spurlock

Adjunct Professor

Contact Information

Remote

Dr. Chuck Smith

Professor

Contact Information

Bennett Building

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