Associate of Applied Science Degree 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.*
- An internship option allows you to gain real-world experience as you earn your degree.
- Graduates may be eligible to sit for professional paralegal certifications.
Upcoming Start Dates
Course Effort
15–18 Hours per Week
Course Length
10-Week Terms
Average Completion
2 years
Of Full-Time Study
Credits Required
90
(60 Semester Credits)
Cost per Credit
$371
Associate of Applied Science in Legal Support and Services Overview
An online associate’s degree in legal support and services can prepare you to provide legal services and support not only in law firms but also in corporations, health care institutions, and more. Develop the skills for a career in this diverse field with Purdue Global’s associate’s degree in legal support and services.
The curriculum includes comprehensive study in areas such as legal research and writing, civil litigation, legal ethics, torts, and various legal disciplines to help you gain foundational knowledge of the law and legal administrative skills.
Courses can prepare you to:
- Analyze data necessary to assist clients.
- Identify and gather information.
- Communicate with diverse stakeholders.
- Draft and organize information for litigation.
- Prepare documents used in legal proceedings.
- Prepare materials for submission to regulatory agencies.
See the University Catalog for policy and degree plan information specific to this program.
Learn From Faculty With Industry Experience
In Purdue Global’s online legal support and services degree program, you'll learn from faculty who offer real-world expertise in legal services, law, and policy.
Purdue Global Is Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
The HLC (HLCommission.org) is an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Admissions Requirements
You must be a high school graduate or possess a General Educational Development (GED) certificate or other equivalency diploma. You are also encouraged to complete orientation before you start classes. Refer to the University Catalog or speak to an Advisor to learn more.
Ways to Save
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Transfer Credits
Earn credit for prior coursework completed at eligible institutions, including community colleges.
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Prior Work Experience
You could earn undergraduate credit for your life and professional career experiences.
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Financial Aid
Title IV federal financial aid is available for many of our degree programs.
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Grants
Learn about federal financial grants and loan programs that may be available.
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Prior Military Experience
We offer credit for ACE-evaluated training and CLEP and DANTES examinations.
Program Cost Estimator
Calculate your estimated tuition and ways to save.
Take the Next Step in Your Education and Career
Prepare for the Certified Paralegal Examination
The National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) recognizes the Associate of Applied 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 Next Degree
By completing the associate’s degree in legal support and services, you’ll not only earn a valuable credential to make an immediate impact on your career, but you’ll also lay the groundwork for your next degree. Transfer your associate’s degree into a Purdue Global bachelor's degree in legal support and services, covering half of the program’s requirements.§
Engage With Fellow Students
When you earn your degree from Purdue Global, you join an active and diverse alumni community.
Students enrolled in the associate’s degree program are invited to join organizations such as the Purdue Global Law Society for further networking and educational opportunities.
What Courses Will I Take?
The core curriculum builds fundamental knowledge of the law and prepares you with the professional competencies to assist during legal proceedings or investigations.
In your first course, you’ll develop your degree plan with a faculty member to align your degree path with your career outcomes. Your program will culminate with a capstone course that builds upon all the courses taken in the program.
See All Legal Support and Services CoursesSample Courses
- Legal Research and Writing
- Civil Litigation
- Legal Ethics
- Introduction to Torts
- Family Law
Program Requirements
- Core Credits25
- Major Credits50
- Elective Credits15
- Total Credits90
Legal Support and Services Career Opportunities
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand for legal support and services is expected to rise.† Graduates with an associate's degree can pursue career paths in environments that include contract-driven industries such as real estate and licensing, corporate legal departments, the court and judicial system, legal firms, insurance companies, and consulting firms.
Top 5 Skills Employers Are Looking for:
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Writing
- 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.
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
98%
Faculty members who have advanced degrees
51%
Faculty members who hold a doctorate
395
Faculty publications in 2021–2022
More Than 38,000
Professional development hours logged by faculty in 2021–2022
Statistics include all Purdue Global faculty members and are not school- or program-specific calculations. Source: Purdue Global Office of Reporting and Analysis, July 2022. 2021–2022 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.
Program Brochure
Download our brochure to learn more about our Associate of Applied Science in Legal Support and Services and the benefits of earning your degree at Purdue Global.
NOTES AND CONDITIONS
*Largest Provider of Legal Support Services: Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), 2018–2019 Total Degrees and Certificates Conferred, First Major, Legal Support Services, https://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.
‡Certification Exams: 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.
§Future Programs: The University cannot guarantee that students will be granted admission to any future programs. Speak to an Advisor about transfer credit opportunities and see the University Catalog for the Prior Learning policy.