Legal Assistant/Paralegal Studies
The American Bar Association-approved Bachelor of Science in Legal Assistant/Paralegal Studies is a two-plus-two major that will allow students with an associate degree in paralegal/legal assistant/legal studies to continue study toward the baccalaureate degree. Inasmuch as the paralegal field continues to be listed as one of the fastest growing professions into the 21st century and inasmuch as the American Bar Association has recognized the benefit of four-year paralegal programs, this major will provide students with marketable skills for employment in the paralegal or other law-related professions. The degree will open the door for opportunities in law office management, government, court administration, arbitration/mediation, financial institutions, the medical field, the insurance and real estate industry, etc. Practicing paralegals will have the opportunity to pursue continuing legal education. In addition, the degree will allow graduates to seek admission to law school. Paralegals operate under the supervision of a licensed attorney and are prohibited from practicing law.
The Bachelor of Science in Legal Assistant/Paralegal Studies is a "two-plus-two" degree program, providing an opportunity for students who have earned an associate degree in a paralegal/legal studies area of study to continue study toward a baccalaureate degree.
Graduates have a diverse set of skills and abilities that could prepare them for employment in the natural gas industry. Read more...
Program Specs
- Application/Major Code: BLA – view in catalog
- School: Business & Computer Technologies
- Degree Type: Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
About the curriculum
Classes
View the classes you will be attending in the College Catalog.
Approvals & Industry Connections
After graduation
List of jobs via the College Catalog.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics full-time wage-and-salary paralegals and legal assistants earned $46,120. The middle 50 percent earned between $36,080 and $59,310. The top 10 percent earned more than $73,450, and the bottom 10 percent earned less than $29,260.
Industries with the highest published employment and wages for this occupation are:
| Industry | Employment | Hourly mean wage | Annual mean wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Legal Services | 179,350 | $23.30 | $48,460 |
| Federal Executive Branch (OES Designation) | 13,880 | $30.08 | $62,570 |
| Local Government (OES Designation) | 13,250 | $24.27 | $50,480 |
| State Government (OES Designation) | 9,790 | $21.23 | $44,160 |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | 6,000 | $28.05 | $58,340 |
*Statistics reported in May 2009
Transfer Procedures
View general transfer procedures via the College Catalog.
View transfer agreements with other colleges.
View general transfer information
Internship Requirement
This course involves 300 hours of work with a legal employer, allowing real-world application of concepts taught in the classroom. Program interns have been placed with private firms, judges, real estate companies, hospitals, corporations, public service agencies, district attorneys, public defenders, and government agencies. In many instances the internship has resulted in job placement.
Read more about the recommended internship.
Performance Standards
Clubs & Activities
Penn College Legal Society
Lambda Epsilon Chi (ΛΕΧ)
View the entire student organizations listing or Greek Life listing.
Legal Assistant Advisory Committee
Advisory committees, which act as recommending bodies to the faculty and administration, consist of in-field professionals who act as partners in the development of curriculum. Their curricular and equipment advice as well as their industry connections and internship opportunities are invaluable to our students and to the growth of our institution.
