Drury University: Drury GO Associate of Science in Paralegal Studies

Associate of Science in Paralegal Studies

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Named a Best Online Programs for Associate's in Paralegal Studies

The Associate of Science in Paralegal Studies provides you with an essential understanding of principles and structures in the American legal system. You’ll also gain practical application in the real practice of law as you complete a professional practicum with a practicing attorney.

Drury's Online Paralegal Program Among Best in Nation

Drury University’s Associate of Science in Paralegal Studies program has once again been ranked among the best online programs in the country for its value, quality and convenience. In a national study, BestColleges.com has ranked Drury’s program No. 3 on its list of best online paralegal degrees of 2018. The ranking is a repeat recognition for Drury, which also appeared at second on BestColleges.com’s 2016 ranking of best online paralegal studies programs.

This marks the third time in the past year that Drury’s program has been recognized by college rankings companies. A consistent honoree, Drury’s paralegal degree program was also ranked third and fourth in studies by Open Education Database and TheBestSchools.org, respectively.

Drury’s Associate of Science in Paralegal Studies program is offered through the university’s College of Continuing Professional Studies and can be completed entirely online. By providing a conceptual appreciation for the essential principles, doctrines, rules and structural elements required for the practice of law, the degree provides a strong basis for paralegals seeking employment in a wide variety of legal practices.

All three rankings websites acknowledged Drury’s program for balancing classroom learning with real-world experience. As part of their education, Drury students participate in a law practicum internship with a practicing attorney.

BestColleges.com also recognized the convenience of Drury’s program for students with jobs, familial responsibilities, or other commitments, noting that “the internship can be completed within a students’ own community, and the rest of the program uses a fully-online format with no set class times.”

Job prospects for paralegal degree seekers are promising. The paralegal profession has been growing steadily and continues to accelerate as companies seek to employ more paralegals. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, paralegal and legal assistant jobs are expected to grow by 15 percent through 2026, more than twice as fast as the average for all occupations.

To earn this degree, you will complete General Education courses plus 21 hours specific to the Associate of Science in Paralegal Studies degree.

LEGA 110: Introduction to Law and Legal Reasoning

3 credit hours

The survey of law includes extensive study of the judicial branches of government, including the function of judge, jury, plaintiff and defendant. The course also looks at substantive law, and provides an introduction to the process of applying legal rules to specific factual situations.

LEGA 120: Legal Research and Writing

3 credit hours

This course is designed to introduce, explore and use the systems, methods, and practical realities of traditional and electronic legal research. Through a variety of realistic and relevant legal writing projects, the student will gain an understanding of how strong legal research is translated into strong, effective legal writing. The projects include legal memoranda, trial briefs, and appellate briefs. Students will be expected to demonstrate proficient, flexible, and accurate writing skills, and proper use of legal citations.

LEGA 201: Interviewing and Investigating

3 credit hours

Prerequisite: LEGA 110, ENGL 150 or ENGL 207. This course emphasizes communication skills the paralegal must have to function. As a lawyer excels in written and verbal skills, so must the legal assistant excel. Interviews of clients and statements of witnesses are prepared by students under supervision. Demonstrated proficiency is required for successful completion.

LEGA 261: Litigation

3 credit hours

This course includes study of Missouri and federal civil procedures, trial preparation including discovery, trial and post-trial matters. Designed for the paralegal candidate.

LEGA 262: Tort Law

3 credit hours

This course explores the different causes of action comprising tort law. Negligence, strict liability, workers compensation, and intentional torts will be covered.

LEGA 264: Family Law

3 credit hours

This course introduces the basics of family law such as the law surrounding juveniles and marriage.

LEGA 275: Professional Practicum

3 credit hours

It is recommended this course be completed after 45 hours of acceptable degree credits. This course is a practicum experience. Each student individually coordinates the course with the program coordinator under the approval of the dean of the College of Continuing Professional Studies. The practicum provides the student with a practicum experience in a law office. S/U Grading.