This program is designed to prepare students to support attorneys in transactional and litigations fields by encouraging the use of the unique language of law and the application of key concepts and skills of the profession. Students will examine the role of the paralegal in the legal environment and will apply the skills of legal research, document drafting, case management, evidence gathering and litigation procedure.
Students will demonstrate skills and knowledge they can apply promptly in the workplace such as critical thinking and decision-making skills, human relations concepts and the communication skills of a well-qualified legal assistant. Students will reflect on and relate their responsibility to act in an ethical manner, honoring privacy and adhering to the best practices of the profession. Emphasis is placed on marketable skills required in the law office and valued in the legal environment. In addition, this program provides a foundation for further studies.
IMPORTANT: Paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public except as permitted by law.
Bachelor’s Degree of Science in Paralegal Studies Degree Plan
Click Here to Download Degree Map
This Degree Map is a recommended semester-by-semester plan of study for this degree program. A course with an “*” denotes its status as a general education course.
| Course subject and Title | Prerequisite | Credit Hours |
Semester One | |||
LUO100 | Lakewood University Orientation |
| 0 |
BUS100 | Introduction to Business |
| 3 |
PGL100 | Introduction to Paralegal Studies |
| 3 |
BSLW100 | Business Law |
| 3 |
LWMG200 | Law Office Management |
| 3 |
Semester Two | |||
GOVT100 | American Government* |
| 3 |
ENG101 | Introduction to English* |
| 3 |
ALG200 | College Algebra* |
| 3 |
LGR200 | Legal Research |
| 3 |
Semester Three | |||
PSY100 | Introduction to Psychology* |
| 3 |
COMM100 | Interpersonal Communication* |
| 3 |
PHL101 | Introduction to Computers |
| 3 |
SOCL100 | Introduction to Sociology* |
| 3 |
Semester Four | |||
CRLW100 | Criminal Law & Procedure |
| 3 |
RELW100 | Real Estate Law |
| 3 |
ADR200 | Alternative Dispute Resolution |
| 3 |
LGAW200 | Legal Analysis & Writing I |
| 3 |
Semester Five | |||
WTE200 | Wills, Trust, & Estates |
| 3 |
TRT100 | Torts |
| 3 |
CONT200 | Business Ethics |
| 3 |
BUSE200 | Domestic Relations |
| 3 |
Semester Six | |||
EHLW300 | Environment and Health law |
| 3 |
CREG300 | Corporate Regulation |
| 3 |
PPLT300 | Principles and Practice of Litigation |
| 3 |
LGAWII300 | Legal Analysis & Writing II | Legal Analysis & Writing I | 3 |
Semester Seven | |||
CLTL300 | Copyright Law and Trademark |
| 3 |
IACCT300 | Introduction to Accounting |
| 3 |
CNLW300 | Constitutional Law |
| 3 |
PLDC400 | Pleadings and the Courts |
| 3 |
Semester Eight | |||
STPGL400 | Special Topics in Paralegal Studies |
| 3 |
TBD | Core Elective |
| 3 |
TBD | Core Elective |
| 3 |
TBD | General Elective |
| 3 |
Semester Nine | |||
TBD | General Elective |
| 3 |
CILW400 | Comparative International Law |
| 3 |
TBD | Core Elective |
| 3 |
TBD | General Elective |
| 3 |
Semester Ten | |||
NEGM400 | Negotiation & Mediation |
| 3 |
IPGL400 | Internship in Paralegal Studies |
| 3 |
TBD | Core Elective |
| 3 |
TBD | General Elective |
| 3 |
Total: 120 . | |||
Employment of paralegals and legal assistants is projected to grow 10 percent from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. Formally trained paralegals with strong computer and database management skills should have the best job prospects. The median annual wage for paralegals and legal assistants was $51,740 in May 2019.
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Paralegals and Legal Assistants, on the Internet at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/legal/paralegals-and-legal-assistants.htm (visited September 28, 2020).
| Payment Plan | Term Total Tuition | Enroll |
|---|---|---|
Payment Plan A – 12 Credit Hours Payment in Full: $5,052.00 | Tuition: $5,052.00 |
| Payment Plan | Term Total Tuition | Enroll |
|---|---|---|
Payment Plan B – 3 Credit Hours Payment in Full: $1,263.00 | Tuition=: $1,263.00 |
Lakewood University provides all textbooks, study guides, supplemental materials, achievement exams, and instructional support at no cost to the student.
Application Fee- $75 for degree programs; $0 for vocational programs (first semester only)
Registration Fee – $200 for degree programs; $125 for vocational programs (first semester only)
Technology/Library Fee – $175 for the first semester and $100 per degree semester thereafter; $250 per vocational program term
Lakewood University offers affordable, low-interest payment plans. That means, unlike many other schools, you can graduate without going thousands of dollars into debt.
Lakewood University’s low monthly payment plans are designed to fit your budget.
We make it easy for you by accepting VISA, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover credit cards. We also accept debit cards, prepaid cards, checks, and money orders. You can simply pay online, by phone, or by mail.
We actively support the education of active duty members, their spouses, and veterans of the U.S. Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, and Coast Guard. Thanks to Lakewood’s low tuition, your military benefits will go a lot further. That means you can complete your education with little to no out-of-pocket costs.
You may qualify for tuition reimbursement from your employer under the Employee Education Assistance Act, IRS Code, Section 127. Check with your human resources department or supervisor to see if you are eligible.
No one is turned down for the Monthly Payment Plans. However, Lakewood University does perform credit checks for all monthly payment applicants.
