Paralegal Degrees Offered at Lake Superior College
Lake Superior College appears in our ranking of the 50 Most Affordable Online Paralegal Degree Programs.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, positions for paralegals and legal assistants is expected to increase by as much as 15 percent over the next decade. Overall, almost 42,000 jobs in this field are expected to be added by 2029. Salaries for paralegals and legal assistances average $50,940 per year throughout the country. There are several ways that someone can become a paralegal or legal assistant, but the most common method is by earning a degree at a college or university. In some states, it is possible to obtain a paralegal position by earning a certificate while others require that paralegals hold an associate degree or higher.
The Paralegal Certificate at Lake Superior College provides students with the basic skills necessary to become a legal assistant or paralegal. The program provides an understanding of legal terminology and the American legal system as well as state and federal court rules and procedures. There is instruction in the ethical obligations that govern the industry. Students learn how to conduct interviews and investigations as well. The program requires 30 credit hours which transfer easily into the Associate of Applied Science in Paralegal Studies. Course required include:
- Advanced Legal Research
- Business Law: An Introduction
- Business Law: Commercial Topics
- Civil Litigation
- Computers in the Law Office
- Criminal Law and Procedures
- Legal Studies I: Terminology and Procedures
- Legal Studies II: Introduction to Research
- Legal Writing
Lake Superior College also offers a Legal Secretary Certificate that requires 18 credit hours.
The Associate of Applied Science in Paralegal Studies is designed for those who wish to enter the legal field but do not want to become a lawyer. Students gain an understanding of technology and software used in the profession. Legal terminology, the paralegal’s role in delivering legal services, maintaining client relationships and conflict of interest management are also explained. Students learn about state and federal court structures as well as the American legal system. Courses required include:
- Advanced Legal Research
- Business Communication
- Business Law: An Introduction
- Business Law: Commercial Topics
- Civil Litigation
- College Composition I & II
- Computers in the Law Office
- Criminal Law and Procedures
- Law Office Applications
- Legal Document Processing
- Legal Studies I: Terminology and Procedures
- Legal Studies II: Introduction to Research
- Legal Transcription/Word Processing Applications
- Legal Writing
Nine additional elective credits are required as well.
About Lake Superior College
Lake Superior College began with the merger of Duluth Technical and Duluth Community College in 1995. At that time, Duluth Community College offered classes in a wing of the Marshall School. When the two schools merged, Lake Superior College opened on what had been the campus of Duluth Technical College. The school sits on a 97-acre tract of land overlooking the Duluth/Superior Harbor on the Saint Louis River. There is an award-winning hiking trail on the campus as well as a designated trout stream.
The College has been ranked as one of the 20 best community colleges in the country for affordability and among the most affordable online associate degrees in cybersecurity. It has also been recognized as one of the top 50 online accounting degree programs in the country. The school offers more than 200 online classes each semester. There are more than 90 program offerings at the certificate, diploma and associate degree level. There are also pre-bachelor’s degree programs for those who wish to transfer to a four-year institution.
Lake Superior College Accreditation Details
Lake Superior College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Universities. Accreditation means that the school is recognized for meeting the high standards of the Association. It also means that students are eligible to apply for financial aid from the United States Department of Education. The school first received regional accreditation in 1996. In addition to regional accreditation, the following organizations have provided specialized accreditation for Lake Superior College:
- Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
- American Dental Association, Commission on Dental Accreditation
- Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education
- Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
- Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology
- National Accreditation Agency of Clinical Laboratory Sciences
- National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation
Lake Superior College Application Requirements
In order to apply for the legal secretary or paralegal certificate as well as the AAS in Paralegal Studies at Lake Superior College, applicants must have basic computer skills. They must score a 78 or higher in the reading comprehension portion of the Accupulacer or complete a remedial English course.
An application must be completed and applicants must provide official high school transcripts if they have graduated in the past five years. Those who have been out of high school for more than five years do not need to submit a high school transcript. Applicants must also submit official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended.
Lake Superior College Tuition and Financial Aid
On campus tuition at Lake Superior College is $173.46 per credit hour and online tuition is $204.84 per credit hour. The school has been ranked the 12th out of 50 best value community colleges.
Financial aid is available and all students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in order to qualify. In order to receive financial aid, students must be a US citizen or eligible non-citizen. They must not be in default on a prior education loan or owe a repayment on a prior grant. They must be admitted to and maintain enrollment in an eligible program, attending at least half-time. Male students must be registered with the Selective Service and all students must meet the academic progress standards. The FAFSA must be renewed on an annual basis and awards may be in the form of scholarships, grants, loans or work-study programs.
The mission of Lake Superior College is to provide highly accessible, valuable education in a supportive environment in order to serve the community. The school creates graduates who are lifelong learners and who understand diversity. Lake Superior College is innovative and promotes academic freedom, free inquiry, trust, respect, and integrity.
