Program Overview
Duquesne University's fully online Paralegal Studies program equips students with the knowledge and skills to excel as paralegals in various legal settings. The program's comprehensive curriculum, taught by experienced faculty, covers essential legal concepts, research methods, and ethical responsibilities. Graduates are prepared for a wide range of careers in the legal field, with a strong career outlook and projected growth in employment.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Paralegal Studies program at Duquesne University is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to work as paralegals in various legal settings. The program is fully online, allowing students to study from anywhere in the country or world. Courses are taught both synchronously and asynchronously by faculty with extensive professional backgrounds and real-life experiences working in the legal field. The program's objectives are to:
- Provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the legal system, its processes, and alternatives
- Develop students' analytical and judgment abilities
- Teach students how to conduct legal and factual research using both traditional and emerging technology tools
- Develop students' sound legal writing skills
- Prepare students for the ethical and professional responsibilities of paralegals
Outline:
The Paralegal Studies program consists of 10 courses, seven of which are required core courses. The remaining three courses are electives.
Core Courses:
- Introduction to the Legal System and Paralegalism
- Professional Responsibility and Paralegal Practice
- Civil Litigation I
- E-Discovery
- Technology in the Law Office
- Legal Research Methods
- Legal Writing and Case Analysis I
Elective Courses:
- Sports Law
- Health Care Law
- Estates, Wills and Trusts
- Domestic Law
- Real Estate Law
- Criminal Law
- Torts/Personal Injury Law
- Internship
- Corporate and Business Law
- Immigration Law and Procedure
- Intellectual Property Laws and Procedures
- Advanced Legal Research
- Legal Writing and Case Analysis II
- Constitutional Law
Assessment:
Students in the Paralegal Studies program are assessed through a variety of methods, including:
- Exams
- Quizzes
- Assignments
- Projects
- Presentations The program also requires students to complete an internship in a legal setting.
Teaching:
The Paralegal Studies program is taught by a team of experienced faculty with extensive professional backgrounds in the legal field. The faculty use a variety of teaching methods, including:
- Lectures
- Discussions
- Case studies
- Simulations
- Projects The program also provides students with access to a variety of resources, including:
- An online library
- A writing center
- A career services center
Careers:
Graduates of the Paralegal Studies program can pursue a variety of careers in the legal field, including:
- Legal assistant
- Paralegal
- Document review specialist
- Litigation support specialist
- Corporate compliance specialist
- Bankruptcy paralegal
- Estate planning paralegal
- Immigration paralegal
- Real estate paralegal The program has a strong career outlook, with employment of paralegals and legal assistants projected to continue to grow by 12 percent through 2030, faster than the average for all occupations.
