American National University’s (ANU) paralegal associate’s degree program can provide you with the fundamental knowledge of legal terminology, procedural law, drafting of legal documents, and the research skills necessary for career success. We offer one of the first DEAC Accredited, online paralegal programs that is approved by the American Bar Association (ABA)! Students are required to take 16 quarter hours of legal specialty courses through synchronous instruction.

Paralegals play a crucial role in the practice of the legal profession. While attorneys are ultimately responsible for legal work, paralegals complete many key tasks in the preparation of cases and documents. Please remember that paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public, except as permitted by law

Your Learning Experience

American National University’s Paralegal studies curriculum was designed with input from working professionals in the legal industry, focusing on relevant legal subjects such as real estate, bankruptcy, immigration, and tort law. You will also develop an understanding of how to use industry-standard legal research tools, as well as skills in understanding legal terminology and drafting legal documents.

In addition to a comprehensive paralegal education, you will gain career skills needed to succeed in a highly competitive legal marketplace through an optional 120-hour externship at a local business or organization.

In addition to the program outcomes listed, students will take the Paralegal Certification in Westlaw exam offered through Westlaw as part of PLG207 Legal Research and Writing course.

Also available, Paralegal Studies Certificate.

Paralegal Associate’s Degree Program Goals and Objectives

The Paralegal Associate of Science degree program is designed to provide graduates with a broad based understanding of the core areas of law and the court system, including terminology used in the legal system and how to understand legal documents, contracts, and other legal material. Graduates are prepared to draft routine pleadings and other legal documents, interview clients, conduct independent research of non–legal matters and simple legal questions, and draft legal memoranda. The coursework and instructors will prepare graduates to take the national paralegal certification exam.

Upon successful completion of this degree program, students will be able to:

1. Understand the education and training required of a paralegal, and recognize the guidelines and ethical responsibilities of the profession and the importance of legal research and writing.
2. Demonstrate an understanding of the history, origin and structure of the American legal system, identify and use major tools, software, and sources of American law.
3. Explain the difference between criminal and civil law and interpret various categories of civil law, such as torts, contract law, corporate law, property law, family law, and wills and estates.
4. Draft basic legal documents such as complaints, answers, and contracts, interview clients, conduct independent research of non&nhash;legal matters and simple legal questions, and draft legal memoranda.

Earn Your Online Paralegal Associate’s Degree

The paralegal associate’s degree program is available online through ANU’s eUniversity. With our distance learning program, we bring the university to you. You can take all the required classes online with videoconferencing or other interactive video systems.

ANU offers an ABA—approved online paralegal associate’s degree program.

Why American National University?

• Convenience and flexibility – With day and evening classes¹ you have the flexibility to work as you earn your degree.
• Personal attention – You’re not just a face in a crowd, our small class sizes allow for personal attention from instructors.
• Career professionals as instructors – With current and relevant curricula, you will learn from instructors with real-world field experience who will guide and mentor you.
• Career services – Our career services team starts to help you before you graduate with your resume, cover letters, interviewing techniques and how to search for great career opportunities.
• Alumni benefits – Our support doesn’t end at graduation, as an alumnus you will have access to our career services and refresher¹ courses available throughout your career.

¹Refresher training is tuition-free for qualified students. Additional costs such as lab fees, books and supplies are the responsibilities of the student. Retraining is limited to the program from which the student graduated and is subject to space available.