Paralegal

The Paralegal degree program provides students with an initial foundation in legal studies that includes general education, legal specialty and survey courses designed to prepare students for an entry-level career in the legal field. Students gain valuable skills and knowledge while learning from leaders in the legal profession.

This degree program is approved by the American Bar Association (ABA).

PROGRAM OUTCOMES

• Understand the roles and responsibilities of legal professionals in a variety of legal employment settings;
• Identify and implement standards of legal ethics and professionalism;
• Demonstrate practical skills in a range of substantive legal areas;
• Engage in effective written and verbal professional communication;
• Develop appropriate methods for embarking on a legal career.

As part of this degree program, each student must complete 18 credits of designated legal specialty courses which include 9 credits (three courses) of core legal specialty courses which must be attained through synchronous instruction. The remaining courses are offered online, on campus, daytime and/or evening.

The following legal specialty courses do not generally qualify for transfer into the degree program: LEG 129, LEG 130, LEG 132, LEG 133, LEG 143, and LEG 255. Students may transfer other non-legal specialty courses within the degree requirements, pending review and approval.

Legal specialty courses are designed to provide students with instruction in practical paralegal skills and substantive legal theory. All are taught by attorneys, judges, and doctorate-level legal educators.

In the United States, paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public or engage in the practice of law, except as permitted by law. In New Jersey, only an attorney who is admitted to the state bar may practice law.

This program is designed for students who are seeking a flexible and affordable path to earn an ABA-approved degree.

SEE ALSO:
Paralegal certificate program