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South University — West Palm Beach Paralegal Associate’s Degree Program

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Program Description

Are you looking for paralegal associate’s degree programs in West Palm Beach, Florida? The Associate of Science (AS) in Paralegal Studies degree program at South University’s West Palm Beach campus provides you with the educational preparation to serve as a paralegal or legal assistant. The ABA definition of paralegal is “…a person, qualified by education, training or work experience who is employed or retained by a lawyer, law office, corporation, governmental agency or other entity and who performs specifically delegated substantive legal work for which a lawyer is responsible.”

In keeping with the demands of professionalism, the South University — West Palm Beach paralegal associate’s degree program consists of specialized coursework and a supervised externship in selected legal settings both public and private, such as police administration, law firms, real estate companies, title companies, bank and trust agencies, and judicial offices, while working under the supervision of an attorney.

This South University — West Palm Beach paralegal associate’s degree program also provides a strong academic foundation for transfer into the Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies degree program.

This program is approved by the American Bar Association. The partially online format for the Paralegal Studies degree program is only available through our Savannah campus.

The ABA has approved the South University Paralegal and Legal Studies Programs at Savannah, GA., Montgomery, AL., West Palm Beach, FL., and Columbia, SC. Legal and Paralegal Studies programs offered at our Novi, Richmond and Virginia Beach campuses will not be eligible to apply for ABA approval until they have graduates and have been operating for at least two years. Only the South University program at Savannah has had courses approved in an alternative (online) delivery format by the ABA. Additionally, those who enroll in the partially online Paralegal and Legal Studies Programs in Savannah must complete LGS 1005 Legal Research and Writing I and three other paralegal/legal studies courses of their choice, with guidance from their program director or academic counselor in the traditional classroom format on a South University campus or other institution that meets our transfer criteria.

Program Outcomes

The AS in Paralegal Studies program prepares graduates to work directly under the supervision of an attorney in entry-level positions and perform general background work for the legal firm.

About Paralegals

Quick Facts*

  • Approximately 7 out of 10 work for law firms; others work for corporate legal departments and government agencies.

  • Most entrants have an associate’s degree in paralegal studies, or a bachelor’s degree coupled with a certificate in paralegal studies.

  • Employment is projected to grow much faster than average, as employers try to reduce costs by hiring paralegals to perform tasks formerly carried out by lawyers.

  • Competition for jobs should continue; experienced, formally trained paralegals should have the best employment opportunities.

*Provided by the U.S. Department of Labor and the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Tuition Data for this program at South University — West Palm Beach, FL

Below is the current tuition cost for this program for a full-time student completing the entire program in normal time. All tuition and fees are subject to change.

Books & Digital Resources$3200
Program Fees$175
Room & Board*$0
Tuition$41960
*optional where available



  • Gainful Employment Information for this program –-

    Program Costs
    Q:

    How much will this program cost me?

    A:

    Below is the institution tuition cost for this program for a full-time student completing the entire program in normal time. All tuition and fees are subject to change.

    Books & Digital Resources$3348
    Program Fees$175
    Room & Board*$15140
    Tuition$41960
    *optional where available

    Median Debt
    Q:

    What are my financing options to pay for the program?

    A:

    Data for this program is unavailable. If you have questions, please talk with your admission representative.

    Success
    Q:

    How long will it take me to complete this program?

    A:

    The program could take as little as 24 months to complete.

    33% of graduates from this program finished in this time.

    Q:

    What percentage of students find employment in their field or a related field?

    A:

    According to EDMC calculations, the job placement rate for students who graduate from this program is 76%.

    Q:

    What are the job opportunities for graduates of this program?

    A:

    For more information on job opportunities in this field of study: ONET Online. The job opportunities link is for general information purposes. The program you have selected could have different outcomes. Please check with your admissions registrar for detailed information.