Albany State University Paralegal Degree Programs Available
Albany State University appears in our ranking of the 50 Most Affordable Online Paralegal Degree Programs.
Legal Assistant/Paralegal Associates’ of Applied Science Degree
The Associates’ of Applied Science in Legal Assistant/Paralegal at Albany State University prepares students for careers in the legal field. They gain knowledge of areas of law while developing legal skills that enhance their role in the delivery of legal services as non-lawyers. Students gain an understanding of legal theory while developing analytical, critical thinking, communication, and organizational skills. Graduates are prepared to work effectively and efficiently with attorneys, clients and the public with a strong understanding of ethics, professional responsibility, and confidentiality. Courses required for the program include:
- Bankruptcy Law
- Contract Law
- Criminal Law and Procedure
- Employment Law
- Family Law
- Introduction to the Paralegal Profession
- Legal Research and Writing
- Litigation and Trial Practice
- Real Estate Law
- Special Topics in Paralegal Studies
- Tort Law
- Understanding of Law
- Wills, Trusts and Estates
The Associates of Applied Science in Legal Assistant/Paralegal Studies is available on campus, online or in a hybrid version.
Certificate in Legal Assistant/Paralegal
The Certificate in Legal Assistant/Paralegal prepares students for entry-level careers in the legal profession. They are provided a broad knowledge of the legal industry with a focus on specific legal skills that enhance their roles in a legal office. The program is 30 credits and includes instruction on legal theory, legal research, and communication. Students are also provided extensive instruction in ethics in the legal profession. The program is available fully online and courses may include:
- Bankruptcy Law
- Contract Law
- Criminal Law and Procedure
- Employment Law
- Family Law
- Introduction to the Paralegal Profession
- Litigation and Trial Practice
- Principles of Accounting I
- Principles of Macroeconomics
- Principles of Microeconomics
- Real Estate Law
- Tort Law
- Understanding of Law
- Wills, Trusts and Estates
About Albany State University
Albany State University began as Albany Bible and Manual Training Institute, founded by Joseph Winthrop Holley who wanted to create an institute of higher learning for African-Americans. Originally from South Carolina, Holley was the son of former slaves and inspired by the writings of W.E.B. DuBois. Initially, the school offered industrial and religious education, offer primary and secondary education and to educate teachers. In 1917, the school gained state funding and became Georgia Normal and Agricultural College.
In 1932, the school affiliated with the Georgia University System and the name changed again in 1943 to Albany State College. During the 1960s, Albany, Georgia, was the focus of struggle during the Civil Rights Movement. Arrests during desegregation campaigns included Dr. Martin Luther King and the first two protesters arrested, Blanton Hall and Bertha Gober, were Albany State students. The two were expelled from the college to sharp criticism from students. In 1996, the school gained university status.
Today, teaching is still one of the most popular programs at Albany State University. It has been ranked highly for its awarding of bachelor’s degrees to minorities. The school offers 35 undergraduate majors as well as graduate programs in business, education, nursing, criminal justice, and public administration. Its background as a historically black college has kept the school committed to assisting the disadvantaged and creating a diverse student population.
Albany State University Accreditation Details
Albany State University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Regional accreditation indicates that the school meets or exceeds criteria developed by the Commission that indicates students receive the highest level of education. It also allows students at the University to apply for and obtain federal financial assistance. Programs throughout the University are accredited by the following organizations:
- Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
- American Chemical Society
- Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management
- Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care
- Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education
- Commission on Dental Accreditation
- Council on Social Work Education
- Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology
- National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Services
Albany State University Application Requirements
Undergraduate applicants must have a GPA of 2.0 or higher, a score of 24 in reading and 22 in math on the SAT or a score of 17 in math and a 17 in English on the ACT. They must complete an application and provide official high school transcripts as well as official ACT or SAT scores. Applicants who have 30 or more transferrable semester hours are considered transfer students and must provide official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended. Transfers who have been out of high school at least five years must have a GPA of 2.0 from the previous institution they attended.
Graduate applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university. They must provide official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended. They must also provide official GRE or MAT scores. Applicants must have an undergraduate GPA of 2.2 in order apply.
Albany State University Tuition & Financial Aid
Undergraduate tuition for Georgia residents is $165.20 per credit hour and for non-residents $601.07. Graduate tuition for residents is $189 per credit hour and for non-residents $765. The Associates’ in Applied Science and the Certificate in Legal Assistant/Paralegal online program is $118 per credit hour regardless of residency.
Financial aid is available and all students, regardless of income, should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA must be renewed annually. Transfer students should be aware that financial aid does not transfer from one school to another. They must add the Albany State University school code to their FAFSA and cancel all pending loans or grants before applying. Financial aid may be offered in the form of scholarships, grants or work-study programs. Loans may also be included in the financial aid packet. Because loans must be repaid after graduation, students should factor that into their decision to accept any loans offered. Albany State University also accepts employer and military benefits.
Albany State University began with the mission to educate African-Americans in the South. Albany State University continues its strong desire for diversity and offers degree programs that prepare graduates for leadership roles in their field of study.
