Associate of Applied Science in Paralegal Studies

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What You’ll Learn

In South College’s Associate of Science in Paralegal Studies program, you will receive a high quality, cost-effective legal education designed to prepare you for a career as a professional paralegal. Paralegal work is challenging, interesting, and fulfilling, with a diverse range career options available to dedicated students.

With this American Bar Association (ABA) approved degree in paralegal studies, students can expect small class sizes, individual attention from faculty who are committed to student success, and academic support from tutors. This program includes specialized coursework, field trips, guest speakers, and 120 hours of hands-on training through supervised internships in public or private legal settings like real estate and title companies, bank and trust agencies, law firms, and judicial offices.

What can I do with an Associate of Applied Science in Paralegal Studies?

Certified Paralegal Legal Assistant Law Clerk Court Clerk Legal Analyst Real Estate Closer

Keys to Success

In order to be successful in the Associate of Science in Paralegal Studies degree program, students should be detail-oriented, organized, efficient, and ready to adapt to the changing daily requirements of their jobs. Working as part of a team and being able to adapt between varying project demands will also be useful over the course of the program.

Because South College maintains small class sizes, you’ll receive more individualized attention and professional guidance to help you get the most from your education. We also facilitate student involvement in service learning, to provide enriching and competitive professional experiences.

Continuing Education

South College also offers a Certificate in Paralegal Studies for students who have already completed a degree, and a Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies for students with a range of career goals.

Admissions Requirements

All students must minimally meet the requirements for general admission to South College. General admission to South College does not guarantee admission to the legal programs. Program admission is not granted until the following is met:

Successful completion of 8 hours in the major curriculum at South College, earning the minimum grades required by the program.

Accreditation or Approval

Asheville

The South College Certificate in Paralegal, Associate of Applied Science in Paralegal Studies, and Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies programs offered at the Asheville campus are approved by the American Bar Association Standing Committee on Paralegals (321 N. Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60654-4778, www.americanbar.org) and are North Carolina Bar Qualified Programs. Graduates who successfully complete the optional state examination may apply to become North Carolina Bar Certified Paralegals (North Carolina State Bar, 208 Fayetteville Street, Raleigh, NC 27601; (919) 828-4620; www.nccertifiedparalegal.org.

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Admissions Requirements

Consumer Information

Amounts for tuition, fees, books, and supplies are subject to change. South College follows the required methodology provided by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission for the reporting of employment information for graduates. This information is compiled on an annual basis and submitted to the Commission by October 15 each year for graduates during the most recently completed reporting year (July 1-June 30). For more detailed information related to the calculation of graduate employment rates, please click here.

*The career options listed above are a small sample of potential job titles, and are not meant to be comprehensive. Students may or may not find employment in these positions. Job growth statistics are taken from the Bureau of Labor Statistics 2014–2024 projections. Note that the Bureau does not publish estimates for all job titles, so in some cases these numbers are an approximation based on similar job titles.

Success at South College

I chose South College because it came highly recommended from mentors of mine, the faculty is second to none, and the program fits my ever-changing lifestyle. I also chose it because of the flexibility. My wife is still serving in the United States Air Force on Active Duty, and this means that we move when they tell us to move.

- Shawn Domm, Doctor of Physical Therapy

One of the major reasons I chose South College was for the smaller class sizes. It allows more one-on-one time between students and professors, which enhances the learning experience for me.

- Elizabeth Frerichs, Bachelor of Science in Health Science

I went to college originally straight out of high school with the intent of majoring in musical performance with a concentration in theoretical studies. I was not prepared to for college at that point, so I decided to gain some experience and maturity by joining the work force full-time. After working for 10 years, I felt it was time to try school again.

- Adam Hatcher, Bachelor of Business Administration

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