ASSOCIATE OF SCIENCE IN PARALEGAL STUDIES
Associate of Science in Paralegal Studies
What's happening in the field of Paralegal Studies?
According to the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for paralegals and legal assistants is projected to grow much faster than average for all occupations through 2014. Employers are trying to reduce costs and increase the availability and efficiency of legal services by hiring paralegals to perform tasks formerly carried out by lawyers.
Corporations in particular are boosting their in-house legal departments to cut costs. Demand for paralegals also is expected to grow as an expanding population increasingly requires legal services, especially in areas such as intellectual property, health care, international law, elder issues, criminal law and environmental law. Paralegals who specialize in areas such as real estate, bankruptcy, medical malpractice and product liability should have ample employment opportunities.
Job opportunities for paralegals will expand in the public sector as well. Community legal-service programs, which provide assistance to the poor, elderly, minorities and middle-income families, will employ additional paralegals to minimize expenses and serve the most people. Federal, State and local government agencies, consumer organizations and the courts also should continue to hire paralegals in increasing numbers.*
What can you do with this degree?
At Stonecliffe College Online, students can take advantage of this trend by acquiring the real-world knowledge and skills required to offer quality legal assistance to the increasing number of organizations and law firms needing such services.
This industry-current, career-focused Associate of Science in Paralegal Studies degree program gives you enough time to pace yourself while deciding whether to:
Pursue Career Opportunites. Successful completion of this degree program can prepare you with the knowledge, skills and credentials to pursue in-demand career opportunities like:
- Paralegal
- Legal Secretary
- Law Clerk
- Legal Aid
- Legal Assistant
- Court Clerk
- Records Clerk
- Legal Receptionist
- and many other related occupations**
Continue Your Education. Students who earn a degree through Stonecliffe College Online may decide to take their education beyond the Associate's degree level.
Because Stonecliffe College Online is an academic division of Colorado Technical University, the University can provide you with a smooth transition into your choice of career-focused Bachelor's degree programs. You may choose one of the numerous traditional campus locations of Colorado Technical Univerisity or elect to continue your studies completely online through Colorado Tech Online.
What can you learn?
Students who successfully complete the AS in Paralegal Studies degree program should be able to:
Demonstrate an understanding of the legal process and the role of the paralegal in providing legal services
Demonstrate competence in legal research, analysis, and writing skills
Demonstrate knowledge of the steps of the litigation process
Demonstrate competence in legal technology commonly used by paralegals
Develop interpersonal and organizational skills that allow the student to work effectively as a problem-solving team member
Demonstrate an understanding of key legal concepts and terminology
Best of all, you'll learn from industry-experienced instructors who can offer real-world insights and applicable knowledge to consider as you pursue your interests and opportunities in the diverse field of Business Administration.
| Some Required Courses Include: |
Criminal Law
Introduction to Paralegal Studies and Ethics
Legal Research and Writing I
Legal Technology
Civil Litigation I
Torts
Contracts
Commercial Law
Property/Real Estate
Family Law
Trusts, Wills, & Estates
Civil Litigation II |
Start something meaningful at Stonecliffe College Online.
Whatever academic or professional paths you choose to pursue, Stonecliffe College Online is dedicated to providing you with a rewarding learning experience as you begin to prepare for life's exciting challenges and opportunities. We look forward to assisting you every step of the way!
*Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2006-07 Edition, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos114.htm#outlook (visited November 12, 2007).
**Job outcomes based on program development research. Some positions may require additional education and/or experience.
Pace yourself. Plan your future. Enroll today! |
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