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Bachelor of Science in Paralegal Studies

CAMPUSES South College Asheville ProgramsSouth College Knoxville Programs
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What You’ll Learn

This rigorous American Bar Association approved program is ideal for students who want to pursue or further a career in the legal profession. While earning your Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies degree, you’ll take courses designed to build a strong academic foundation in the history, context, and application of the law. Expert instruction from our faculty, guest speakers, field trips, and 120 hours of hands-on training will help to prepare you for the realities of working in this fascinating field.

Legal work is challenging and fulfilling, with diverse career options available to dedicated students. The curriculum explores core legal concepts, emphasizing critical thinking, analytical and reasoning skills, and ethics. You’ll hone your research and writing abilities so that you can become a contributing member of the legal team at a private law firm, bank, insurance company, title and mortgage company, or governmental or law enforcement agency. You may also choose to apply your education toward advanced degrees or law school.

South College student in the library

What can I do with a Bachelor of Science in Paralegal Studies?

Legal Assistant Legal Secretary Paralegal Law Clerk Court Clerk Legal Analyst Real Estate Closing Agent

Keys to Success

In order to successfully earn a Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies degree, students should be detail-oriented, driven, organized, and efficient. Working as part of a team and being able to adapt to 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 internships at law firms, court systems, agencies, and other entities with paralegal needs so you can earn 120 hours of hands-on training.

Continuing Education

Additional Information

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.

Knoxville

The South College Certificate in Paralegal Studies, Associate of Science in Paralegal Studies, and the Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies programs offered at the Knoxville campus are approved by the American Bar Association (ABA) Standing Committee on Paralegals (321 N. Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60654-4778, www.americanbar.org).

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

Shawn Domm

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
Elizabeth Ferichs

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
Adam Hatcher

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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