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Online Bachelor of Science in Legal Support and Services

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Program at a Glance
  • Purdue Global is one of the largest providers of legal studies 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.
COURSE EFFORT 15–18 Hours per Week
COURSE LENGTH 10-Week Terms
Course Details
CREDITS REQUIRED 180
COST PER CREDIT $371
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How Do I Get Started?

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

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.

Learning Opportunities Outside the Classroom

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.

Purdue University Global Is Accredited by The Higher Learning Commission

This accreditation covers all academic programs, all regional locations, and all programs provided via distance education. For more information, please visit HLCommission.org or call 800-621-7440.

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:

  1. Reading Comprehension
  2. Active Listening
  3. Speaking
  4. Writing
  5. Critical Thinking

Top Jobs With This Degree

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.

Take the Next Step in Your Education and Career

Prepare for Certification

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.‡

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.

Take a Career Assessment

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

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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.

Sample Courses
  • Legal Research and Writing
  • Business Law
  • Legal Philosophy
  • Ethics and the Legal Environment
  • Alternative Dispute Resolution
See All Legal Support Courses

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
Credit Breakdown
  • Core Credits33
  • Major Credits88
  • Elective Credits59
  • Total Credits180
Credit Breakdown
  • Core Credits33
  • Major Credits93
  • Elective Credits54
  • Total Credits180

Ways to Save

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Tuition does not include University fees and associated program fees. View tuition and fee information or contact an Admissions Advisor for more information.

Get to Know Our Faculty

Purdue Global faculty members are real-world practitioners who bring knowledge gained through the powerful combination of higher learning and industry experience.

View Legal Studies Faculty Directory
grad hat icon 97% Faculty members who have advanced degrees
diploma icon 45% Faculty members who hold a doctorate
tablet icon 231 Faculty publications in 2018–2019
student at desk icon More Than 50,000 Professional development hours logged by faculty in 2018–2019

Statistics include all Purdue Global faculty members and are not school or program-specific calculations. Source: Purdue Global Office of Reporting and Analysis, August 2019. 2018–2019 academic year.

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), 2016-2017 Total Degrees and Certificates Conferred, First Major, Legal Professions and Studies, nces.ed.gov/IPEDS. Based on total number of degrees and certificates granted by Kaplan University compared to other Title IV institutions. Note: these data were reported prior to the March 2018 purchase of Kaplan University by Purdue University and subsequent creation of Purdue University Global.

†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.