Paralegal Degrees Offered at American Public University
American Public University appears in our ranking of the 50 Most Affordable Online Paralegal Degree Programs.
American Public University offers an Undergraduate Certificate in Paralegal Studies, Associate of Science in Paralegal Studies, Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies, and Master of Arts in Legal Studies. The programs are offered completely online.
The Undergraduate Certificate in Paralegal Studies provides instruction on the basics of legal terminology, research, legal theory, and various legal concepts. A total of 24 credit hours are required for completion of the program. The paralegal courses include Introduction to Law for Paralegals, Litigation, Real Estate Law, Criminal Law and Procedure for the Paralegal, Legal Research and Writing, Civil Practice and Procedure, Legal Ethics, and Administrative Law and Policy. Graduates of the program are able to apply legal research methods and techniques to actual law practice. They possess legal reasoning abilities and can identify and use legal resources.
The Associate of Science in Paralegal Studies provides a foundation in the legal field and analytical, technical, and communication abilities needed for a legal career. The program requires the completion of a total of 60 credits. The major courses include Introduction to Law for Paralegals, Litigation, Real Estate Law, Criminal Law and Procedure for the Paralegal, Legal Research and Writing, Civil Practice and Procedure, and Legal Ethics. Students must also complete a final course in the Sophomore Seminar in Paralegal Studies. Graduates apply legal research methods and techniques, develop legal reasoning skills, engage in legal research, and apply critical legal thinking and analytical abilities to resolve legal situations.
The Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies provides in-depth knowledge of the United States court system, legal research and writing, legal practice, and numerous types of law. It focuses on governance, civil and criminal procedures, and the theory and philosophy of justice. The degree requires the completion of a total of 120 credits. The major courses include Introduction to the Courts, Legal Research and Writing, Legal Ethics, Civil Practice and Procedure, Administrative Law and Policy, Constitutional Law, Criminal Law, and Family Law. Graduates of the program have the ability to recognize historical events and figures that have impacted the court system, conduct legal research, analyze the processes and procedures of legal practices, and examine various legal issues in different types of law.
The Master of Arts in Legal Studies provides students with an advanced understanding of law and helps them expand their comprehension of legal doctrines, legal concepts, and legal issues in the workplace. A total of 36 credit hours are needed to complete the degree. The major courses include Legal and Ethical Issues in Management, Nonprofit Law, Governance, and Ethics, International Law, Immigration Law, Law and Public Policy, Judicial Politics, Process, and Policy Making, Employment Law and Labor Relations, and Legal Studies Capstone. Graduates of the program have the ability to evaluate the constitutional, juridical, philosophical, and ethical viewpoints of the law. They have the ability to assess and identify issues and utilize legal research. They can also assess the complex relationship between law and society.
About American Public University
American Public University is a proprietary institution located in Charles Town, West Virginia. It is one of the largest online institutions worldwide. It was founded in 1991 as American Military University with the intention of providing career-relevant distance education for military students with unique needs. It quickly grew and added additional programs to prepare students for leadership roles within the military and for transition after military service. In 2002, the university reorganized into the American Public University System and divided into American Military University and American Public University. American Public University was established to provide the same quality, flexible, and affordable education to a more diverse community of adult learners. Today, American Public University is home to more than 46,000 students. It operates on a monthly-based academic calendar.
American Public University is committed to providing high-quality postsecondary education with a focus on educating the military and public service communities of the nation. It offers relevant, affordable, accessible, and student-focused online programs. It strives to advance the economic, social, and environmental well-being of the community. It features engaging, dynamic, and top-notch academic experiences, diverse degree programs,
lifelong learning and practice, and competency-based learning. More than 200 undergraduate and graduate programs are available. The most popular programs include sports and health sciences, management, business administration, criminal justice, intelligence studies, psychology, homeland security, and environmental science. Online classes start on a monthly basis and run either eight or 16 weeks. The programs are presented in an asynchronous format that enables students to log in to the platform whenever their schedule permits. The platform includes discussion boards, blogs, forums, and other social media.
American Public University Accreditation Details
The Higher Learning Commission regionally accredits American Public University to grant associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. The university is also authorized to grant undergraduate and graduate certificates.
American Public University Application Requirements
Undergraduate
- Online application for admission
- Official high school transcript
- Official transcripts from previous colleges and universities
Graduate
- Online graduate application
- Official transcripts from previous colleges and universities
- Current resume
- Letters of recommendation
- Professional goal essay
- Additional requirements for certain programs
Tuition and Financial Aid
Tuition
- Undergraduate students: $270 per credit hour
- Undergraduate military-affiliated students: $250 per credit hour
- Graduate students: $350 per credit hour
- Graduate military-affiliated students: $325 per credit hour
- Audit: $100
- Doctoral tuition varies by program
Financial Aid
Scholarships
American Public University does not offer university scholarships, but it accepts various private scholarships.
Grants
- Federal Pell Grant
- Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant
- Children of Fallen Heroes Scholarship
Loans
- Federal Subsidized Direct Loan
- Federal Unsubsidized Direct Loan
- Federal Parent Direct PLUS Loan
- Federal Graduate Direct PLUS Loan
Paralegal and related degrees provide students with a solid legal foundation and understanding the law and today’s dynamic court system. The paralegal degrees offered at American Public University prepare students for various jobs in numerous sectors, including law firms, legal departments of businesses, government organizations, and nonprofit agencies.
