Online Bachelor of Science in Legal Support and Services

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Program at a Glance

Purdue Global is the largest provider of legal support services programs in the U.S.*
Focus your degree plan with a concentration in paralegal studies.
Graduates may be eligible to sit for professional paralegal certifications.

How Do I Get Started?

We offer multiple start dates to give you flexibility in your education, life, and work schedules.

Course Effort

15–18 Hours per Week

Course Length

10-Week Terms

Average Completion

4 years

Of Full-Time Study

Credits Required

180

(120 Semester Credits)

Cost per Credit

$371

Bachelor of Science in Legal Support and Services Overview

An online bachelor's degree in legal support and services is not just for those seeking to work in a law firm. Corporations, insurance firms, consulting firms, and health care institutions often hire legal support and services staff. Purdue Global's online bachelor's degree can prepare you to pursue a new career or advancement in the legal support and services or paralegal field.

Courses in Purdue Global’s online degree program in legal support and services offer a well-rounded academic foundation that emphasizes analytical thinking, reading comprehension, and communication skills. Gain a solid understanding of legal theory and practice including broad-based knowledge of the law and practical areas of study required by many professions both inside and outside the legal field.

Faculty are practitioners with experience in legal services, law, and policy, and teach courses focused on:

Theory and principles: Define the basic theories, elements, and principles of law such as justice, natural law, civil rights, and the social contract between a citizen and the government.
Research: Find relevant primary and secondary legal sources in electronic and print media and apply them to specific fact scenarios using prescribed analysis and argument.
Real-world applications: Apply legal principles and research data to the analysis of social, political, and economic issues.
Practical and technical skills: Develop skills in legal research and legal writing and competencies relevant to many legal support positions.
Professional competencies: Exhibit professionalism while assisting during legal proceedings or investigations, preparing documents, managing technology, and researching legal issues.

See the University Catalog for policy and degree plan information specific to this program.

The National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) recognizes the Bachelor of Science in Legal Support and Services as meeting the coursework criteria for eligibility to sit for the Certified Paralegal Examination.^‡

An optional internship allows you to gain real-world experience as you earn your degree.

Students enrolled in the bachelor's degree program are invited to join organizations such as the Purdue Global Law Society for further networking and educational opportunities.

The HLC (HLCommission.org) is an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Ways to Save

Transfer Credits

Earn credit for prior coursework completed at eligible institutions, including community colleges.

Save Time and Money on Your Degree
Financial Aid

Title IV federal financial aid is available for many of our degree programs.

Financial Aid FAQ
Corporate Partner Benefits

Employees of Purdue Global partner organizations may be eligible for special tuition reductions.

Employee Savings and Benefits
Prior Military Experience

We offer credit for ACE-evaluated training and CLEP and DANTES examinations.

Credit for Military Training
International Tuition Reduction

International students living outside of the United States are eligible for a 25% tuition reduction.

International Tuition and Benefits

Calculate your estimated tuition and ways to save.

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Get a Head Start on Your Master’s Degree

You can work toward a Purdue Global master's degree in legal studies, public administration, educational psychology, human services, or psychology while you earn your bachelor's degree. Complete both your bachelor’s and master’s degrees in less time and at a lower cost than completing both programs separately. For details and eligibility requirements, speak to an Advisor.

Discover your work interests, and use them to chart your ideal career path. Learn More

This bachelor's degree offers a solid foundation in legal practice and theory.

The curriculum is reviewed and revised continually by our dedicated curriculum department and advisory board to ensure it reflects the most recent developments in the field.

See All Legal Support Courses

Sample Courses

Legal Research and Writing
Business Law
Legal Philosophy
Ethics and the Legal Environment
Alternative Dispute Resolution

The paralegal concentration helps personalize your education by focusing your electives on an area of study to best fit your desired career path. Courses include:

Civil Litigation
Criminal Law

Administrative Law
Law Office Management

Standard

Core Credits
33
Major Credits
88
Elective Credits
59
Total Credits
180

Concentration

Core Credits
33
Major Credits
93
Elective Credits
54
Total Credits
180

What Can You Do With a Legal Support and Services Degree?

Though the legal field remains competitive, certain segments of the field, including opportunities for legal assistants within law firms, are projected to grow as firms try to meet the demand for legal services and lower their expenses.^†

The Bachelor of Science in Legal Support and Services program is designed to prepare you for a career in the legal, business, government, health care, banking, real estate, or service industries.

Top 5 Skills Employers Are Looking for:

Reading Comprehension
Active Listening
Speaking
Writing
Critical Thinking

Labor market, salary, and projected growth information are supplied by Emsi. Average salary range is based on national data. Projected growth represents the estimated change in total employment over the projections period (2018–2030) at the state level and is based on your geographic location. Actual outcomes vary by geographic area, previous work experience, and opportunities for employment. Purdue Global cannot guarantee employment placement, salary level, or career advancement.

Paralegals are not lawyers and cannot practice law or give legal advice. Graduates are not authorized to practice law and will not be eligible to sit for any state's bar examination. This program was not designed to meet any specific state's requirements for licensure or certification, and Purdue Global makes no representations or warranties as to whether the degree or any individual courses meet such requirements. Refer to the University Catalog for additional information.

98% Faculty members who have advanced degrees

50% Faculty members who hold a doctorate

237 Faculty publications in 2020–2021

More Than 36,000 Professional development hours logged by faculty in 2020–2021

Statistics include all Purdue Global faculty members and are not school or program-specific calculations. Source: Purdue Global Office of Reporting and Analysis, September 2021. 2020–2021 academic year.

Take 3 Weeks to Get to Know Us

Not sure if Purdue Global is right for you? Experience a Purdue Global undergraduate program for an introductory 3-week period.

There’s no financial obligation and no cost to apply.

That’s the Purdue Global Commitment.

Our Commitment

Program Brochure

Download our brochure to learn more about our Bachelor of Science in Legal Support and Services and the benefits of earning your degree at Purdue Global.

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NOTES AND CONDITIONS

^*Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), 2018–2019 Total Degrees and Certificates Conferred, First Major, Legal Support Services, nces.ed.gov/IPEDS. Based on total number of degrees and certificates granted by Purdue Global compared to other Title IV institutions.

^†Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Paralegals and Legal Assistants, on the internet www.bls.gov/ooh/Legal/Paralegals-and-legal-assistants.htm. National long-term projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions, and do not guarantee actual job growth.

^‡Students are responsible for understanding the requirements of optional certification exams. The University cannot guarantee students will be eligible to sit for or pass exams. In some cases, work experience, additional coursework beyond the Purdue Global program, fieldwork, and/or background checks may be necessary to be eligible to take or to successfully pass the exams.