B.S. Paralegal Studies
Nova Southeastern University Undergraduate Programs
Key Information
Campus location
Fort Lauderdale, USA
Languages
English
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
4 years
Pace
Full time
Tuition fees
USD 33,510
Application deadline
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Earliest start date
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Scholarships
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Introduction
Learn Skills that Will Give You the Edge in the Highly Competitive Legal Assistant and Paralegal Field
As a paralegal, you’ll assist lawyers in research, trial preparation, and production of legal documents. Paralegals are professionals who participate in interesting and challenging work that also helps lawyers to provide important services to the community. Nova Southeastern University’s Paralegal Studies program gives you the competitive edge you need to pursue your passion and start your career. The program is approved by the American Bar Association and connects you to a vast network of established legal professionals and mentors.
Paralegals provide lawyers with support to complete complex legal tasks in a variety of legal fields, including criminal law, family law, and immigration law. As a paralegal student, you will get the opportunity to observe first-hand the important services legal professionals provide to the community.
A Bachelor of Science in Paralegal Studies from NSU will give you the knowledge and experiences to begin a successful career in entry-level paralegal positions and other areas of law practice. Our curriculum incorporates the best practices in training paralegal professionals and provides you with opportunities to gain real-world experience to assist lawyers in legal and administrative work. Upon successful completion of the program, you’ll have a paralegal portfolio that you can present to employers, showcasing your work.
Why Should You Major in Paralegal Studies at NSU?
- Get real-world experience in paralegal practice through field experiences and law-related internships.
- Convenient course delivery options include online, on-campus, and evening classes.
- Be prepared to sit for national certification exams.
- Join a dynamic paralegal community.
- Prepare for a wide variety of job opportunities including government and private practice, in areas such as immigration, the courts, family law, and criminal law.
- All courses are taught by licensed attorneys.
- 3+3 Dual Admission Law program for first-time students, permitting completion of an undergraduate and JD degrees in six years. (Transfer students complete an undergraduate degree and earn a JD in seven years.)
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Scholarships and Funding
Curriculum
General Education Requirements (30 credits)
Students are required to complete 30 credit hours as part of the General Education Program.
Core Courses (45 credits)
- Introduction to Law and the Legal Profession
- Legal Research and Writing I
- Computer Applications for the Legal Profession
- Criminal Law and Procedure
- Real Estate Practice I
- Torts and Civil Litigation
- Wills, Trusts, and Estates I
- Business Relations and Organizations
- Family Law
- Legal Research and Writing II
- Real Estate Practice II
- Advanced Litigation
- Wills, Trusts, and Estates II
- Corporate Regulation and Change
- Advanced Practicum in Paralegal Studies
Major Electives (9 credits)
Select 9 credits from the following courses, a maximum of 6 credits of which can be in Special Topics courses, and a maximum of 6 credits of which can be in Internship courses:
- Advanced Practices in Criminal Law
- Debtor and Creditor Relations
- Emerging Technologies and the Legal Profession
- Elder Law
- Pleadings and the Courts
- Immigration Law
- Special Topics in Paralegal Studies
- Internship in Paralegal Studies
Experiential Learning/Internships
During your undergraduate studies, you’ll have mentorship opportunities and experience both simulated and real-world law experiences. You can work with faculty, attorneys, judges, and professional paralegals to strengthen your resume and skills to be job-ready. Additionally, NSU students have completed internships at the Broward County Clerk's Office, local law firms, and the Palm Beach County Family Court.
Program Outcome
Program Objectives
The objectives of the B.S. in Paralegal Studies program are to:
- Provide students with a broad-based education in both liberal arts and paralegal studies;
- Provide paralegal courses that enable students to obtain substantive legal knowledge, develop analytical skills, and apply the knowledge they have learned to tasks routinely performed by paralegals;
- Be responsive in course offerings to the needs of paralegals and attorneys;
- Ensure that students are familiar with the ethical guidelines for paralegals;
- Provide students with the opportunity to utilize software that is used in most offices dealing with law-related issues;
- Familiarize students with the paralegal profession and the opportunities that are available to them upon completion of the program.
Learning Outcomes
A successful Paralegal Studies graduate is expected to:
- Explain the basic theories, doctrines, concepts, and associated principles that comprise the knowledge base of law, with specific emphasis on torts, contracts, wills and trusts, civil procedure, litigation, family law, business organizations, real estate, and criminal law;
- Use legal research and critical thinking skills to categorize, organize, prioritize, and evaluate complex legal issues;
- Prepare documents (e.g., memos, case briefs, correspondence, and pleadings) that meet professional legal standards.
Career Opportunities
Dominate the Law
Take control of your career goals with the flexibility to work in a variety of legal settings. Paralegals work in large law firms, solo practitioners, the courts, or are self-employed. You can also devote your career to an area of law you’re interested in (e.g. corporate, family law, litigation, etc.) or pursue other careers in government settings with this training. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the growth in jobs for paralegals and legal assistants is projected to increase much faster than the average growth for all occupations.
Average Starting Salary
Salaries you can earn with a paralegal studies degree vary widely because of the many career settings associated with this degree. Starting salaries for paralegals range from $31,000 to $51,000 depending on the area and location of the practice. *
*Salary information was obtained from the annual graduate surveys conducted by the program in 2019.
Shark Destinations
You’ll find NSU Paralegal Studies alumni all around the country, who serve as paralegals, law clerks, legal assistants, and legal secretaries. Some companies and governmental agencies you’ll find our alumni at including Perry & Neblett, P.A.; Steinger, Iscoe & Greene; and the U.S. Securities Exchange Commission. NSU alumni also work in a variety of fields including the government sector and corporations. *
*Data provided by NSU’s Office of Career Development