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Paralegal Studies

Paralegals are not just secretaries who work in law offices. The research, filing, and paperwork that go into the average court case can overwhelm even the most experienced attorneys. Lawyers spend a lot of time in the courtroom, and are often unable to perform these tasks on their own. Paralegals bridge the gap between the courtroom and the law office.

At Grand View University, we offer students who have an associate's degree in paralegal studies the opportunity to advance their education with a bachelor's degree. Take a look below to see if Grand View is the right fit for you!

Why Grand View?

Compatible with completed paralegal associate's degree in Iowa or across the nation.
We are the only college in Iowa offering a bachelor's degree in Paralegal Studies.
By earning your bachelor's degree at Grand View University, you increase your salary range and you can further your education with a master's degree or graduate school, if you desire.
Online options that allow you continue your education while working in the field at the same time.
We'll help you build on your previous experiences so you can expand your employment opportunities.
We offer invaluable internships that connect you to many businesses and organizations in the Des Moines area and even as far away as Washington, D.C. or with your current employer (based on approval).
We have teamed up with DMACC to create a new 2+2 paralegal program. Start in DMACC's Paralegal program and then seamlessly advance into Grand View's outstanding Paralegal Studies program to earn your bachelor's degree. Work with your academic advisor or contact Ginger Hermon for more information.

Degree Level:

Undergraduate Programs

Program Type:

Major

Format:

Full Time, In-Person, Online

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Did You Know?

Paralegals provide important legal assistance to lawyers. While attorneys meet with clients, hammer out mediations and plead cases in the courtroom, paralegals are researching, filling out important legal documents, and keeping clients up-to-date.

Although paralegals do not often show up in the courtroom, they are essential members of the legal community. The main thing that differentiates them from lawyers is that paralegals do not sit for the bar exam, and so cannot give official legal advice or present at a trial. While most of a paralegal's work is done backstage, any lawyer will tell you that they could not operate their law firm without paralegals.

Most employers require job applicants to have a certain amount of education in paralegal studies. While some law firms will train paralegals on the job, they usually require at least an associate degree in paralegal studies or a related field.

Program Details

The major in Paralegal Studies is designed for students with paralegal training who are seeking a baccalaureate degree in order to expand their knowledge in business and organizational skills while further developing their expertise in the areas of Business and Human Resource Management or Criminal Justice. The core courses provide a foundation for students to develop additional expertise in a specific concentration and the major combines professional development with a liberal arts curriculum. This program is designed to prepare graduates for positions in law firms, legal departments of corporations, insurance companies, government agencies, community legal service programs, juvenile justice organizations, corrections, office management, human resource management, or law school.

Course Requirements (34 credits)

Prerequisites for courses for the major: Completion of an A.A., A.S., or A.A.S. or other appropriate degrees for Paralegal or Legal Assistant Program’s requirements (or in process). These courses will not be counted in computing the GPA for the major.

Requirements for the Major: 34 semester credits including a common Paralegal Studies core of 16 credits and 18 additional credit hours in one of two concentrations: Business and Human Resource Management or Criminal Justice.

Paralegal Studies Common Core

BSAD 202	Entrepreneurship and Business Fundamentals	3 credits
Any subject 399 (prerequisites and outcomes may vary by subject)	Internship	3 credits
ENGL 309	Writing for Business	3 credits
BSAD/SOCS 410	Organizational Behavior	3 credits
INTS 422	Inclusive Workplace and Leadership	3 credits
INTS 450	Capstone Project	1 credit
Verified completion of associate’s degree in paralegal studies or legal assistant

Students must also complete an 18 credit concentration from the following choices:

Business and Human Resource Management Concentration:

ACCT 211	Financial Accounting	3 credits
BSAD 310	Principles of Management	3 credits
BSAD 375	Human Resource Management	3 credits
Take 9 credits from:		3 credits
BSAD 377	Staffing, Training, and Development	3 credits
BSAD 407	Compensation and Benefits	3 credits
BSAD 408	Employment Law and Labor Relations	3 credits
BSAD 430	Special Topics (as approved)	3 credits

Criminal Justice Concentration:

SOCS 318	Criminological Theory	3 credits
SOCS 347	Criminal Law and Procedures	3 credits
SOCS 420	Forensic Science and Crime Scene Investigation	3 credits
PSYC/SOCS 362	Forensic Socio-Psychology	3 credits
6 credits from:		3 credits
SOCS 375	Homeland Security and Law Enforcement	3 credits
SOCS 315	Social Problems	3 credits
SOCS 360	Police and Society	3 credits
SOCS 340	Juvenile Justice and Gangs	3 credits

Choose Your Path

Whether it's custom classes, an emphasis, or an option, this degree offers you an even more enhanced and customizable experience in the following areas:

Business & Human Resource Management Concentration (online option)
This program is designed to develop in students a comprehensive knowledge of human resource (HR) management along with the skills necessary for implementing strategic, effective, and legally defensible HR practices in contemporary business organizations. Human resource professionals are employed in every industry and are an essential partner in an organization’s strategic vision for the future and for ensuring the right people are in place. It is essential that an HR professional learn and master key knowledge, skills, and abilities including critical thinking, confidentiality, change management, communication, negotiation and conflict management, business acumen, interpersonal skills, organizational skills, and fairness.

Criminal Justice Concentration (online option)
This concentration is designed for Paralegal Studies students wanting to build upon their earlier studies, focusing on criminology and criminal justice coursework. Students will be prepared for multiple paralegal roles in the workforce, but this concentration gives additional background for those interested in the criminal court system, including criminal appellate work as well as administrative agencies focusing on corrections.

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Tuition & Scholarships

At Grand View University, your tuition supports instruction delivered by knowledgeable and experienced faculty who uphold our tradition of exceptional teaching. Additionally, we are dedicated to offering a high-quality education at the most affordable cost.

Transfer Credits

No matter what major you’re thinking about, you may be able to transfer in as many as 75 credits from a community college or junior college. If you have an A.A. or A.A.S. from an Iowa community college, you will be automatically admitted at junior status.

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Career Options

Paralegal
Law school
Government agencies
Community legal service programs
Juvenile justice organizations
Corrections or human resources management

IS PARALEGAL STUDIES RIGHT FOR YOU?

Many people who earn degrees in paralegal studies are committed professionals with a sincere interest in the American legal system, but who do not have the time, funds or inclination to go through law school. Paralegal careers require excellent organization skills and stringent attention to detail. Since the law requires comprehensive documentation, the paperwork can quickly overwhelm you if you don't have a top-notch filing system.

Good communication skills are also necessary for this career. Paralegals and legal secretaries often meet with clients while the lawyer is in the courtroom or out of the office, to discuss what certain legal documents mean and how their case is progressing.

Since paralegals and legal assistants will often be in charge of the paperwork for entire cases, they must be goal-oriented. In larger law offices, teams of legal assistants or paralegals will be assigned to larger cases, so teamwork is also very important. Also, a lawyer will be overseeing the case most of the time, so paralegals must be able to effectively follow directions.