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SCHOOL OF PROFESSIONAL ADVANCEMENT
Bachelor of Arts in Paralegal Studies
ABA Approved
Both the Bachelor of Arts in Paralegal Studies degree plus Paralegal Certificate and the Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Paralegal Studies were approved by the American Bar Association’s Standing Committee on Paralegals in the 1980s, making ours the oldest ABA approved program in the region Our paralegal studies curriculum reflects the rigor and quality that ABA requires and legal employers demand.
Paralegals are trained professionals who work under the supervision of licensed attorneys. Paralegals are not lawyers and are not permitted to practice law or to provide legal services directly to the public, except as permitted by law.
Affordable
At just $600 per credit hour, we offer competitive tuition rates and financial aid options along with flexible, online course schedules.
Frictionless
Experience our streamlined application, clear requirements, and advisor support from first click to graduation.
Customizable
Integrate courses from humanities, social sciences, technology, business, and more to create an intellectually rich and professionally relevant pathway.
Accelerated
Transfer up to 75 credits. With our eight-week terms, you can complete your degree in one or two years.
What You Will Learn While Earning Your Degree in Paralegal Studies
On completion of the Paralegal Studies Program curriculum, graduates will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Understand the Court System
Examine the structure, jurisdictions, and functions of state and federal civil, criminal, and administrative courts—and understand how each system operates within the broader legal framework. - Conduct Effective Legal Research
Perform comprehensive legal research and factual investigations using print and digital resources, and present your findings clearly in legal memoranda, briefs, and other professional documents. - Master Legal Citation
Accurately cite cases, statutes, and secondary sources in accordance with The Bluebook: A Uniform System of Citation. - Draft Professional Legal Documents
Prepare well‑structured memoranda of law and legal correspondence that meet industry standards. - Prepare Litigation Documents
Identify, draft, and file commonly used pretrial and litigation documents for both state and federal courts. - Use Law Office Technology
Apply industry-standard legal software to manage case files, organize documents, track billing information, and maintain dockets for trials and daily law practice operations.
- Legal Research and Writing
- Hands-on experience in the latest Legal Technology
- Legal Ethics
- Litigation and Introduction to the Legal System, including courtroom tours
- PARA 5900 Practicum: internship course, providing hands-on law office experience and guidance in professionalism and career development
- Benchbook, compiling written work from throughout your studies to create a professional portfolio
The School of Professional Advancement awards the Bachelor of Arts in Paralegal Studies degree following the successful completion of 120 credits.
Students must complete 84 credits, or 28 courses, of general education courses and electives. Review the general education course requirements.
The major consists of 36 credits. Upon completion of prerequisite courses, students will complete a practicum course that includes a 100-hour law office internship and classroom component focusing upon legal professionalism and job search skills. Learn more about the degree in Paralegal Studies courses and descriptions.
To ensure compliance with ABA requirements, all students must complete at least 3 PARA classes (9 credits) via in-person or synchronous transmission format.
Expert Faculty
Our program faculty is composed entirely of practicing attorneys and paralegals, who offer our students the benefit of real-world legal experience and immediate access to the professional networks that support career success. In addition to core legal skills courses that emphasize legal technology, research, writing, and analysis, we offer a full menu of electives that allow you to explore important areas of substantive law, followed by a final-semester practicum class composed of a 100-hour internship and classroom instruction focusing on job search skills.
Faculty Feature
"As a School of Professional Advancement professor and lawyer with over a decade of experience, I prepare students with the practical knowledge and skills they need to excel in their legal careers."
Jacqueline Putnam Epstein, J.D.
Paralegal Studies
Professor of Practice
“I worked full-time as a ramp supervisor at the airport while I completed my degree at Tulane thanks to the School of Professional Advancement program that is tailored to help working professionals obtain a degree with online and night classes”
Engaging & Flexible Student Experience, On-Campus & Online
Partnerships that translate into industry certifications, credit for experience, & career advancement opportunities.
We’ve developed the most interactive courses around.
Our courses are constantly refreshed and informed by what leaders in legal fields expect from graduates.
Navigate degree requirements and prepare for the workforce with help from our academic advisors and career counselor.
Tuition and Aid
The School of Professional Advancement is more affordable than traditional private university tuition. With limited fees and a 20% tuition discount (if qualified), cost is on par with many state schools.
All tuition is charged by the credit hour and we have minimal fees. Visit our tuition page to see our current tuition rates and use our net price calculator.
We strive to make higher education affordable by offering 20% discounts, financial aid, and credit for work and life experience. Learn about financial aid, discounts and scholarship opportunities to fund your bachelor's in Paralegal Studies today.
Admissions
Apply anytime—no test scores or letters of recommendation are required.
For undergraduate programs, applicants must have obtained a high school diploma or a general equivalent diploma and will fill out a short application. Review admissions information for your Paralegal Studies degree.
Tulane’s Paralegal Studies Program does not accept the transfer of credits for paralegal or legal studies courses completed at paralegal programs that were not approved by ABA’s Standing Committee on Paralegals at the time the courses were taken. All transfers of credit for paralegal courses must comply with the School of Professional Advancement's policies and ABA Guidelines and are subject to review by the program director.
You may transfer up to 60 credits to our undergraduate programs. Review admissions information for applying as a transfer student.
Earn Your Degree in Paralegal Studies at the School of Professional Advancement
Interested in putting your skills to work for your future? Start your application today to earn your degree in Paralegal Studies from a world-renowned university.
Enter your email to download our Paralegal Studies e-brochure.
By submitting this form, you agree to receive information about the Tulane School of Professional Advancement’s programs via email, phone and/or text. You may opt out at any time.
