Paralegal careers are in high demand. The Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that paralegal jobs will increase by 14% which is much higher than average. Our graduates are employed across the country. Whether you want to become a paralegal, court support personnel, or work in real estate and business, this bachelor’s degree in Legal Studies is right for you. It also gives you a jump-start on future study in law school, as many of our graduates have gone on to become attorneys.
Under the guidance of experienced professors, you will gain a broad knowledge of a wide range of legal topics, including legal reasoning, legal research and writing, litigation, estates and trusts, real estate, business, ethics and multiple practice areas of law. You’ll learn how to interpret and analyze legal materials such as case law, how to conduct legal research on diverse topics, and how to identify and predict how law and legislation influence the community.
As you grow and develop into a legal professional, you will sharpen your talents in writing, research and deductive reasoning.
As a graduate, you will be well-qualified to succeed in today's demanding legal workplace or to go on to law school.
This bachelor’s degree program is approved by the American Bar Association.
Learn online, in a flexible format that fits into your schedule.
The job outlook for paralegals and legal assistants is expected to grow by 14% through 2031 according the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. A legal studies degree also creates pathways to high-growth careers outside of legal occupations including management, business and financial operations, education, and sales.
Student-to-faculty ratio at PennWest.
120
100% online
Frank Shepard
shepard@pennwest.edu
814-393-2607
Many alumni of PennWest’s Legal Studies program go on to jobs as paralegals. They also work as court system support personnel, real estate practitioners, government agency employees and business owners. Legal Studies graduates also are ready for the world of nonprofit organizations and advocacy groups. They find rewarding careers working for:
Learning Objectives:
Mission:
The mission of the Pennsylvania Western University Legal Studies Program is to instill the knowledge necessary to become an effective member of a legal team in the pursuit of justice. We educate our students in the procedural and substantive aspects of the law and its ethical practice. Graduates of the Pennsylvania Western University Legal Studies program will have the analytical and practical skills that are necessary to perform specifically delegated, substantive legal work under the supervision of an attorney. Our overriding mission is to prepare students to meet the challenges and problems confronting society with competence and ethical integrity.
Paralegals may not provide direct legal services to the public except as provided by law.
PennWest’s three campuses, California, Clarion and Edinboro universities, have been delivering award-winning online programs for more than 20 years. You’ll graduate with a degree from Pennsylvania Western University, completely supported by the expertise and community of learners on our brick-and-mortar campuses.
