Business
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.
Four-year Bachelor’s in Paralegal Studies degree program
Utah Career College offers a four-year Bachelor of Science (BS) in Paralegal Studies degree. The program focuses on skills and knowledge identified by the school’s Legal Program Advisory Committee as high-value to employers.
The bachelor’s in paralegal studies 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 Studies program
A student can take legal courses and related work required for the bachelor’s in paralegal online or at UCC campus locations in West Jordan (13 miles south of Salt Lake City Center), Orem and Layton. Required coursework and legal electives cover the following topics:
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Integrating knowledge and skills in the Paralegal Externship
The final course for the bachelor’s in paralegal degree program is the paralegal externship/internship. The intern performs legal work under the supervision of an attorney in a law office or other legal setting. Roughly one-half of these internships result in offers of permanent employment.
National paralegal certification exam preparation
The CLA Review prepares students to sit for the Certified Legal Assistant (CLA) national paralegal certification exam. Students receive comprehensive reviews of course material, and take practice tests in legal research, judgment and analytical ability, human relations, communications and ethics.
General education requirements for the AAS in Paralegal degree
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
Utah Career College 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 the UCC 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 Utah Career College transfer smoothly to the bachelor’s degree program. The Education Department will consider applications for transfer of credits from other accredited institutions.
More information
If you have any questions about paralegal studies at UCC, or are interested in enrolling in the bachelor's degree program or associate degree program, please contact UCC Admissions. A representative will be happy to help you.