Paralegal Studies- AS Degree
Penn Foster

Program Details

The Paralegal  Studies- AS Degree* offered through Penn Foster College consists of four semesters and is completed online. Throughout the course of this program, students should learn skills in civil and criminal litigation, interpersonal communication, economics, and legal terminology. By earning a degree online, students still have the freedom to carry on their everyday lives without needing to drive to a campus.

The Paralegal  Studies- AS Degree* begins with an introductory course in the paralegal profession, discussing business, education, and government. To be successful in the paralegal occupation, the person must be able to practice proper legal terminology. In the Ethics course, students learn about the responsibilities professionals face dealing with maintaining confidentiality and avoiding malpractice. Students study how to conduct interviews by learning the types of questions typically asked and then dealing with the information gained through the interview.

Business Law 1 and 2 teach students about American court practices, environmental law, international law, and contract law. Legal Research and Writing provide students with the type of work that actual paralegals would need to perform. In An Introduction to Criminal Law, students learn about practical aspects of criminal justice, criminal procedure, and the theory of criminal law. Students are required to take three general education elective courses.

Disclaimer:
*Residents of Minnesota will receive the Associate of Applied Science upon completing this program.

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100% Online

School Accreditation & Licensing

Penn Foster is accredited by:

Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC)

Penn Foster High School, Penn Foster Career School, and Penn Foster College have all met the high standards of integrity and performance set by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC), which is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (USDE) and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). 

Penn Foster Career School is regionally accredited for non-degree granting postsecondary programs, and Penn Foster High School is accredited for grades 9 through adult, by the Commission on Secondary Schools of the Middle States Association for Colleges and Schools.

Penn Foster Career School has been accredited as an Authorized Provider by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET)

All Penn Foster programs are affiliated with DANTES, which qualifies U.S. military personnel for tuition reimbursement.

Program Requirements & Restrictions

Minimum Education

High School or Equivalent

Application Requirements

Official High School Transcript/GED Score

Additional Info

  • Some programs may require 15 credits of general education prior to enrollment.

Restricted States

California