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Associate Degree

Legal Studies
Online Associate Degree Program

Calendar

CLASSES START
Jan 6th

20 Mo.

Program Length

62

Credits

Online

Format

$515

Cost Per Credit

Associate Degree

Legal Studies
Online Associate Degree Program

Take online classes and step towards becoming a paralegal

AccreditationAccredited by the Higher Learning Commission
Transfer creditUp to 46 approved credits
CertificationPrep for the Certified Paralegal Examination (NALA)
PathwaysIf you choose, continue your study in advanced legal topics/pre-law (BS in Legal Studies)
QuickPathsTransfer credit, stackable credentials, and adaptive learning technology build a faster pathway to a higher education with Herzing University
Gavel resting on bench with American flag in background

Over 90%

Satisfaction rate

Our overall student satisfaction rate, according to the 2023 Herzing Graduate Survey.

Over 90%

Satisfaction rate

Our overall student satisfaction rate, according to the 2023 Herzing Graduate Survey.

Associate and Associate of Applied Science in Legal Studies

Associate of Science in Legal Studies - Online

The Associate of Science/Applied Science in Legal Studies degree is a 62-credit undergraduate program which prepares you to begin your legal career as a legal assistant/paralegal. 

The online degree program provides students with fundamental knowledge and skills in legal writing, legal research, ethics and professionalism, contract law, torts, and much more.

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Career-focused curriculum

Discover the crucial knowledge and skills required to succeed in your work and build a foundation for continued career growth.

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Flexible schedule

You can take classes during the day or in the evening. We strive to be as flexible as possible for busy non-traditional students.

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Virtual services

Access to extensive virtual services, including academic advising, tutoring, support services, technical support and library services.

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Lifelong support

We support your ongoing career advancement by providing comprehensive, personalized student services with lifelong career coaching.

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Rolling admissions

No application deadlines to worry about. Apply when you’re ready and prepare to get started soon.

Learn More Today!

Classes start: January 6th

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Curriculum

Paralegal program classes & curriculum details

In this program, you will learn about different types of law as well as gain the skills needed to conduct legal research and prepare legal documents.

Graduates are prepared to sit for the Certified Legal Assisting and Certified Paralegal exams through the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA). You will be ready for a professional role in any area of law.

All classes are delivered online with a capstone or internship (if available in your state).

ProgramMonthsiCredits
Associate and Associate of Applied Science in Legal Studies2062
i. Average number of months for students to complete program

Required Courses

All courses, 30.00 semester credit hours, are required.

Open Elective Courses

A minimum of 6.00 semester credit hours is required. Students may take any accounting (AC), business management (BU), information systems (IS), or paralegal (PL) course. At least 3.00 semester credit hours must be paralegal (PL) courses.

General Education Requirements

Students enrolled in this associate degree must complete a minimum of 24.00 semester credit hours in general education distributed among the following disciplines. Refer to the General Education section of the catalog for specific information about courses within each discipline. 9.00 Semester Credit Hours in Communications 6.00 Semester Credit Hours in Humanities (must include 3 semester credit hours of cultural diversity) 3.00 Semester Credit Hours in Mathematics 3.00 Semester Credit Hours in Science  3.00 Semester Credit Hours in Social and Behavioral Sciences

Personal and Professional Development Courses

2.00 semester credit hours are required.

An alternative: Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies

Designed to provide students with a more advanced understanding of law, this program also incorporates a selection of core business courses to provide a solid background in management and administration. Graduates are prepared for careers in legal assistance, legal administration, business and management training. This degree is also ideal for those wishing to continue on to law school. Learn more about our online legal studies bachelor's degree program.

Tuition & Cost

Tuition & Cost

The cost of tuition for the paralegal program is $515 per credit.

You can potentially earn even greater savings by transferring credit from prior college coursework, applying for financial aid, or potential partnership opportunities through your employer.

Our goal is your career advancement. That’s why we are always working to improve our curriculum and processes to make our program as affordable as possible while preparing you best for success in your work.

Find my estimate

 Scholarships & Financial Aid

You may be eligible for multiple scholarships and grants, both through Herzing University and several national scholarship websites.

Find scholarships and grants 

 Military/Veteran Discounts

Veterans, Active Duty U.S. Servicemembers, and spouses may qualify for a 10% tuition discount or tuition reduction to $250 per credit.

VA/Military benefits 

 

Requirements

Admissions requirements

Prerequisites to enroll in the Herzing University Legal Studies associate degree program include:

  • Prior education requirement. Completion of high school diploma, GED, or equivalent.
  • Entrance testing. Applicants must demonstrate the capacity to succeed in college-level courses via prior ACT/SAT scores, completion of prior college credit, or additional entrance testing.
  • Availability of time, personal commitment, and a professional attitude. We exist to help enthusiastic students fully committed to reaching their highest career goals. Our faculty and leadership are dedicated to helping you reach them.

You will need to meet and interview with a Herzing University admissions advisor and complete an enrollment application to be admitted into the program.

If you have any additional questions regarding admissions into the program, please contact our admissions team.

Eligible states for enrollment: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming, District Of Columbia, and the Virgin Islands.

Classes Start January 6th

Waived Enrollment Fee

Degree Options

Choose your path to begin a career in law:

Associate Degree Paralegal Program Atlanta

Associate degree

  • Program length: 20 months
  • Credits required: 62 credit hours
  • Degree: Associate or Associate of Applied Science in Legal Studies

Earn the education you need to become a paralegal fast – and get started in your new career.

Bachelor's Degree in Legal Studies Atlanta

Bachelor's degree

  • Program length: 36 months
  • Credits required: 125 credit hours
  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies

Earn a 3-year bachelor’s degree in legal studies to build a strong understanding of the law.

Careers

What can I do with a paralegal degree?

Paralegals work in all sorts of different environments and may specialize in many different categories of law. Law firms of all specialties require clerical work, research, dictation and other administrative tasks needed to keep things running smoothly.

Paralegals may work in many different capacities:

  • Private sector
  • Public sector: government & military
  • Freelance / contract

By earning your associate degree online and getting certified, you’ll be qualified for many different types of legal assisting roles and can determine what works best for you.

Certification

Getting certified helps your resume stand out

Upon graduating with an associate or bachelor’s degree, you will be eligible to take the Certified Paralegal Examination offered by the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA).

Graduate with a degree, pass the exam and you will be a Certified Paralegal (CP).

Herzing’s goal is your success in work. Getting certified may give you an edge in the hiring process and help you earn your dream job.

Do I need to be certified?

 

The rules vary by state. Certification is not a legal prerequisite to work as a paralegal in every state. However, we encourage you to get certified. The Herzing online legal studies program curriculum includes a class dedicated to NALA certification exam prep.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Herzing University offers online associate and bachelor’s degree options for students seeking requisite education to earn their first entry-level job as a paralegal / legal assistant.

These titles are sometimes used interchangeably, but the general difference between legal assistants vs. paralegals breaks down like this:

  • Legal assistants (alternatively named administrative assistant, legal secretary) handle a broad variety of office tasks, including scheduling, data entry, answering phones or other clerical duties.
  • Paralegals often handle more technical legal tasks, including preparing documentation or performing research, and often requires more experience in law.

However, duties vary widely by firm and there are certainly employees titled “Legal Assistant” who perform paralegal duties—and vice-versa.

Herzing’s legal studies degree programs prepare you to thrive no matter the title!

Educational requirements to become a paralegal vary by state and employer. Given the broad scope of potential roles in legal assisting, different jobs require different levels of education.

Types of paralegal programs to choose from:

  • Certificate / diploma programs*. Basic certificate programs (sometimes called a “diploma”) are designed to provide minimum training & education. Some are designed for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree in another field.
  • Degree program. Associate & bachelor’s degree programs help you become highly qualified for an entry-level paralegal job and often provide a strong foundation to grow into other careers in law.

* Herzing University does not offer a certificate program.

It’s important to understand the difference between the two types of “certificate” programs. A basic certificate/diploma program will typically offer a fast track to getting started as a paralegal, but they will fall short of the comprehensiveness of a degree or post-baccalaureate certificate program.

Which should I choose?

That depends on your prior education and career goals. For students without a degree interested in becoming a paralegal, our associate and bachelor’s degree programs are a perfect starting point.

Our associate degree program takes an average of 20 months to complete; the bachelor’s degree program, 36 months. After earning your degree, you will be eligible to take the Certified Paralegal Examination offered by the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA).

Yes! Legal assisting is not only an excellent job if you’ve got the right skillset—but it can also act as a springboard into many different types of careers in law as you get more experience and further your education.

Your first step is getting educated. Our goal is to help you take the first step, discover your true capabilities and thrive in your new career.

Paralegals may work in many different environments with unique specialties in law, including:

  • Personal injury
  • Family law / divorce
  • Business law
  • Criminal law
  • Government & military: Air Force, Army, etc.
  • Bankruptcy
  • Real estate
  • Civil litigation
  • Immigration
  • Intellectual property (IP)
  • Estate planning / probate

…among many others. With enough experience in your specialty you may regard yourself as an “Immigration Paralegal,” “Litigation Paralegal,” “Corporate Paralegal,” etc.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), paralegals earn an average salary of $66,460 per year ($31.95 per hour).* Keep in mind this is not an estimate for starting pay in an entry-level position—average pay will vary based on your experience, level of education and the state in which you work. Find the average paralegal salary by state.

The BLS reports a positive outlook for jobs over the next ten years, projecting a 4% increase in employment for paralegals and legal assistants from 2022-2032.*

A career in legal assisting might be right for you if you exhibit these desirable qualities:

  • Are comfortable in a highly structured environment
  • Are precise and pay attention to details
  • Enjoy research
  • Have excellent written and oral communications skills
  • Have strong computer skills
  • Wish to continually expand your capabilities
  • Work well alone or as part of a team
  • Handle on-the-job pressure
  • Are inquisitive and like to find answers to questions
  • Bilingual capability not required—but can be valuable

Paralegals assist lawyers with the creation of legal documents and conduct research on laws, court cases and contracts—but duties will vary depending on the employer. Those entering the field with little or no prior experience will typically perform routine clerical tasks, taking on the additional responsibility of more varied tasks after gaining the appropriate experience.

The duties of a legal assistant/paralegal include assisting the lawyer with research, brief preparation, and other legal office administration, but do not include practicing law, advising clients, or setting fees since paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public except as permitted by law.

Paralegals can work in-house with a law firm in the private sector, in the public sector with a government agency, or in a freelance/contract role. Discover more about what paralegals are and what they do.

Accreditation

Accreditation & Disclosures

Herzing University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

View Herzing University Accreditation and Approvals

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Herzing Tuition Wizard

The program has an automatic transfer of credits, and allows you to transfer up to additional credits.

  Transfer Credits

The program allows you to transfer up to credits.

  Transfer Credits

The program allows you to transfer up to credit hours.

  Transfer Credit Hours
Associate and Associate of Applied Science in Legal Studies Online Campus
Tuition
Cost per Credit$515.00
Base Tuition$31,930.00
Savings from Transfer Credits (46 x $515.00 )(-$23,690.00)
Estimated Tuition Cost*$8,240.00
Fees
One-time Program Fee$0.00
Per-semester Program Fee$0.00
Per-semester Learner Resource Fee$545.00
Estimated Total Fee*$1,090.00
Total Semesters 1
RequiredNeeded
52
Total Credits
RequiredNeeded
6216
Estimated Cost 2
Base CostYour Cost
$34,655.00$9,330.00
Estimated Savings*
$25,325.00

Available Scholarships & Loan Options

Who Can Apply

Available to applicants who attended a college or university that closed within the last 12 months and were attending within 120 days of the school closure date

Requirements

Must be enrolled in a comparable program at Herzing University, submit a copy of an official transcript from the closed school, and complete the Closed School Discharge Disclosure

Who Can Apply

The Crisis Support Grant is an emergency grant for active students experiencing a financial crisis

Requirements

GPA requirements must be met. All applicants must be actively enrolled in a degree-seeking program, have a record of good conduct, and financial standing with the university

Who Can Apply

All Herzing University students are eligible to apply via the formal application process outlined below. Students must apply prior to the start of either semester in their last academic year before graduation. The application period is open during the summer semester.

Requirements

An application including a personal statement, letters of recommendation, and examples of community service is required. In addition, the scholarship review committee may review GPA and unmet financial need as part of eligibility criteria.

Who Can Apply

Available to applicants in any program that demonstrate a financial need and are unable to cover the cost of attendance with alternative resources in their final academic year

Requirements

Must submit an application and have used all financial resources in the final academic year resulting in a gap in financial resources

Who Can Apply

Available to applicants in any program that demonstrate a financial need, who are unable to cover cost of attendance with alternative resources

Requirements

Must show financial need and are unable to cover cost of attendance with alternative resources

Who Can Apply

Dean's List and President's list students

Requirements

Must be enrolled in an Associate or Bachelor program, on the Dean's or President's list, and submit an application.

Who Can Apply

Must be a Herzing graduate who has re-enrolled in a higher-level degree and remain enrolled in the desired program

Requirements

Must be enrolled at least half-time for the duration of the program

Who Can Apply

Must be an international student attending HU through an agreement with a school/agency in your home country

Requirements

Must either be attending a resident campus as F-1 student or enrolled in an online modality study through an established school partnership

Who Can Apply

Must be an eligible AmeriCorps Alumni who is enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree seeking program

Requirements

Must submit a payment request for an eligible institution through their individual account in 'My AmeriCorps'

Who Can Apply

Yellow ribbon may be given to veterans entitled to the maximum benefit rate for Post-911

Requirements

100% CH 33 eligible

Who Can Apply

Honorably discharged veterans, severely injured servicemembers, family members of Active Duty Servicemembers and Severely Injured Servicemembers, active duty servicemembers in graduate-level programs, dependents of deceased servicemembers, public safety and first responder personnel

Requirements

Proof of Veteran (DD-214), Active Duty, or injured status is required. 

Proof of active and current employment as public safety personnel or first responder

Who Can Apply

Active Duty Servicemembers in undergraduate programs and National Guard or Reserves activated or actively training and drilling in preparation for potential activation

Requirements

Proof of active duty status is required

Who Can Apply

Employees of a business participating in the Herzing Partnerships Program.

Requirements

Proof of active and current employment or association with partner organization

Who Can Apply

The E.C. Styberg Scholarship is awarded to recipients enrolled full-time pursuing their degree as a resident of Racine or Kenosha county.

Requirements

Must be Racine or Kenosha County residents pursuing a degree in business administration and management or other majors related to manufacturing. In addition, applicants must be full-time undergraduates in good academic standing who demonstrate financial need.

Who Can Apply

Recipients must be enrolled full-time in an undergraduate program for the Fall with a Herzing University campus located within Wisconsin.

Requirements

Applicant's background must reflect one or more of the components as determined by the UPS Foundation and CIC's First Opportunity Program: first generation student, low-income, minority; or new American student.

Who Can Apply

The program is designed to provide financial support for women that demonstrate leadership potential, initiative, and excellent communication skills and are pursuing a career or have an interest in public service, government, and/or the political process.

Requirements

To be considered for this scholarship, an applicant must be actively enrolled as a full-time or part-time undergraduate student in good academic standing and plan to enroll in the Fall. In addition, an applicant must be a female resident of Wisconsin and have a financial need as determined by Herzing University based on eligibility for the Pell Grant.

Who Can Apply

Rath Distinguished Scholarship is awarded based on academic achievement, merit, and leadership.

Requirements

Must be an actively enrolled student in good standing. If an entering first year student, the scholarship applicants must have graduated among the top 25 percent of their high school class. If a sophomore, junior, or senior, applicants must have demonstrated academic excellence by maintaining a grade point average of 3.0 or above on a 4.0 scale (or the equivalent). In addition, scholarship recipients are to demonstrate strong campus and community leadership. Applicants must be enrolled through the Fall semester. Scholars must be U.S. citizens; Wisconsin residents preferred.


To Contact a Financial Aid Advisor

Enrolled and active students

Click here: MyHU Advising Team

Prospective students

Call (866) 508-0748 option 2 or Email fa@vbj4.com

1 

Actual semesters to complete are dependent upon university approved transfer credits and program mapping.

2 

Estimated program length, estimated number of semesters, and estimated program shown above are standard by program for each student based on: a student taking a full-time course load each semester, the student not having any transfer credits (from previous Herzing experiences or from other post-secondary institutions), and successful completion of each course.

Current tuition rates for all programs are effective through the Summer 2024 semester.