AAS in Paralegal Studies

Official Program Name:

Associate of Applied Science in Paralegal Studies

School Offering Program:

Kaplan University

Degree Level:

Associate of Applied Science

Program Description:

Kaplan University's Associate of Applied Science in Paralegal Studies program is designed to prepare students to pursue employment in the legal profession. Through a comprehensive program of study, students have the chance to study legal writing and research, contracts, torts, litigation, and legal ethics. Upon completing this AAS program, students could be able to assist clients, perform legal research, perform investigative and communications functions, assist in litigation preparation, and implement legal procedures. General education requirements could also allow students to develop skills in mathematics, communications, research practices, critical thinking, and technology.

Learning Format:

Online

Program Length/Total Credits Required:

90 credits. Kaplan University defines an academic year as the time in which a full-time student is expected to complete three terms of instructional time. Full-time students are expected to complete at least 36 credit hours within the academic year.

Financial Aid Available:

Financial aid is available for those who qualify. Aid opportunities include federal grants; military aid; and federal, state, and private lending programs.

Required Courses for an Associate of Applied Science in Paralegal Studies:

Degree program and course requirements are subject to change. Contact Kaplan University to confirm the most accurate information before enrolling in a program.

Paralegal Studies

• PA 100: Eight Skills of the Effective Legal Studies Student (5 credits)
• PA 101: The Paralegal Profession (5 credits)
• PA 110: Civil Litigation (5 credits)
• PA 201: Introduction to Legal Research (5 credits)
• PA 205: Introduction to Legal Analysis and Writing (5 credits)
• PA 253: Legal Ethics (5 credits)
• PA 293: Associate's Capstone - Portfolio Option OR
• PA 299: Associate's Capstone - Project (5 credits)

Information Technology

• IT 133: Software Applications (5 credits) OR
• PA 230: Introduction to Legal Technology (5 credits)

Core Requirements

• 100/200-level: Communication Course (5 credits)
• 100/200-level: Mathematics Course (5 credits)
• 200-level: Communication Course (5 credits)
• Open Electives (35 credits)

Postgraduation Opportunities

Furthering Your Education:

Graduates of Kaplan University's Associate of Applied Science in Paralegal Studies program could consider continuing their education with a bachelor's degree program. Earning a bachelor's degree could offer students increased career opportunities or additional responsibilities in the workplace.

Students completing the AAS in Paralegal Studies degree could consider various bachelor degree programs, including:

• Bachelor of Science in Paralegal Studies
• Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
• Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies

Career Paths:

Graduates of Kaplan University's Associate of Applied Science in Paralegal Studies program could have developed a broad set of skills, including in researching, writing, and filing legal proceedings. Students could also have skills in communications, critical thinking, and technology that are relevant to many fields.

Students completing this program could be interested in a variety of positions, including:

• Paralegal
• Legal assistant
• Legal researcher