AAS, Paralegal Studies

Approved by the American Bar Association

Available:

·       Florence, KY Campus

·       Tri-County Cincinnati, OH Campus

The Associate of Applied Science in Paralegal Studies provides students with the training and technical knowledge necessary for employment as paralegals.  Students graduate with the skills necessary to communicate with legal professionals effectively, both verbally and in writing.  Paralegals apply their legal knowledge and terminology to draft legal documents such as civil complaints and answers, deeds, contracts, mortgages, and separation agreements.  Paralegals also interview clients and witnesses as well as perform investigations.  They also help to prepare cases for trial in criminal and civil court.

Paralegals are an important group of professionals who assist attorneys in the delivery of legal services. Through formal education, training and experience, they have knowledge and expertise regarding the legal system and substantive and procedural law which qualify them to do work of a legal nature under the supervision of an attorney in criminal law, civil law, corporate law, and administrative law.

In addition to these opportunities, a paralegal degree provides additional professional advantages. There are many professions that, while not titled ‘paralegal,” are able to make use of paralegal related skills. These professions include Real Estate Professionals, Landlords/Property Managers, Patent Clerks, Investigative Positions, Social Services, and Office Managers. Many government and corporate positions can also be enhanced by a paralegal education.

Paralegals do not provide legal services directly to the public unless under the direction of a licensed attorney at law.

This program has been approved by the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education, the Ohio State Board of Career Colleges and Schools, and the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools.  It is a candidate for approval by the American Bar Association.

What is the total cost of the Associate of Applied Science program in Paralegal Studies?

The cost displayed below assumes that

1)      the student remains enrolled full-time,

2)      no developmental courses are required,

3)      no courses are credited by transfer or proficiency, and

4)      no courses must be repeated because of failures or withdrawals.

Tuition:                                    $29,856 ($311 per credit hour)

Fees:                                        $  1,531

Equipment:                              $    200 (Netbook)

Estimated cost of Textbooks:  $  3,800

Total cost of program:            $35,387

Current Quarter textbook prices are available at http://www.beckfield.edu/about-us/book-price-listing.aspx.

How much student loan debt does a typical graduate have to repay after graduation?

The median loan debt of the program’s graduates is defined as the midpoint of all graduates’ loan debts upon graduation.

For those who graduated between July 1, 2010 and June 30, 2011

What percent of graduates completes the program in the normal time frame as published in the catalog?

A continuously enrolled full-time student who successfully completes all of his or her courses will normally complete this program in 8 quarters. The time normally required for program completion may be reduced through courses credited by transfer or proof of proficiency, or extended by course failures and withdrawals, institutional withdrawals, leaves of absence, developmental courses, change of enrollment status from full-time to part-time, and change of program or change of an elective option within a program.

In the year July1, 2010 to June 30, 2011

What percent of graduates found employment related to their field of study?

Placement is reported in the campus’ Campus Accountability Report to the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools. The most recent Report covers the period from July 1, 2010 to June 30, 2011.

“Placement” refers to employment in the field for which the graduate’s education has prepared him or her, or in a related field which requires substantial application of the skills and knowledge taught in the curriculum.

The placement rate is determined by dividing the number of available graduates placed by the total number of available graduates. The Accrediting Council does not require institutions to report placement for graduates who are not available for placement due to continuing education, active military duty, visa restrictions, or pregnancy, death, and health-related circumstances. Further information pertaining to the employment of graduates may be obtained from the College’s Office of Career Services at dfuller@beckfield.edu

For those who graduated from the program between July 1, 2010 and June 30, 2011, the career placement rate was

How can I find out more about this career?

Further information pertaining to occupational requirements and opportunities for graduates of this program is available at

http://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/23-2011.00

http://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/23-2099.00

http://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/23-2093.00

http://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/43-6012.00

The Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code for this program is 22.0302.