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Employers commonly require an applicant for a paralegal position to have a bachelor’s degree in paralegal studies or a related field. This high level of required preparation is a result of the trend in today’s law office or corporate legal department to have paralegals assume responsibilities formerly assigned to attorneys.
Bachelor's (4-year) paralegal studies program
Broadview University (formerly Utah Career College) offers a four-year Bachelor of Science (BS) in Paralegal degree. The program focuses on skills and knowledge identified by legal employers as high-value.
The bachelor’s in paralegal degree program also includes general education coursework that provides a base for future studies and enhances the student’s critical thinking and interpersonal skills.
Career outlook for a paralegal with a bachelor’s degree
A graduate of the paralegal bachelor’s degree program will be qualified for entry and mid-level responsibilities in law firms, corporate legal departments, the military, the courts, insurance companies, public service agencies and government agencies.
The paralegal may assist the attorney at trial; interview clients; draft motions, contracts and other legal documents; conduct case investigations; maintain and organize evidence files; research legal issues; and direct activities of other members of the legal team.
Core requirements of the Bachelor’s in Paralegal program
A student can take legal courses and related work required for the bachelor’s in paralegal online and at several Broadview campus locations. Required coursework and legal electives cover topics such as the following:
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Integrating knowledge and skills in the Paralegal Externship
The final course for the bachelor’s in paralegal degree is the paralegal externship/internship. The intern performs legal work under the supervision of an attorney in a law office or other legal setting. Many of these internships result in offers of permanent employment.
National paralegal certification exam preparation
A graduate will be prepared to sit for the Certified Legal Assistant (CLA) national paralegal certification exam.
General education requirements
A paralegal is expected to exercise good judgment under stress and when working with diverse groups of clients and colleagues. Attorneys agree that training in critical thinking and general knowledge provided by liberal arts studies provides valuable preparation for those complex responsibilities. The BS in Paralegal Studies program includes courses in communications, interpersonal relations, humanities, natural sciences and social sciences.
Career placement assistance
Broadview University provides comprehensive career placement services, including classroom instruction in resume and cover letter preparation, interviewing techniques and job search strategies. Students and graduates also receive personal counseling and assistance in identifying and securing jobs. Placement rates for graduates of our paralegal bachelor’s degree program are excellent.
From an associate degree to a bachelor’s degree
All credits from the Associate in Paralegal Studies degree program at Broadview University transfer smoothly to the bachelor’s degree program. The Education Department will consider applications for transfer of credits from other institutions.
More information
If you have any questions about paralegal studies at our school, or are interested in enrolling in the bachelor's degree program or associate degree program, please contact Admissions. A representative will be happy to help you.