Give Your Legal Career a Strong Start

Paralegals are a vital part of any legal team, and a degree in Paralegal Studies from Davenport University may give you a distinct advantage in this high-demand career path.¹

Our American Bar Association-approved Paralegal Studies programs² are designed to support today’s legal community with multiple programs to fit your needs:

Associate of Science (A.S.) 

Our associate degree gives you a basic foundation in business and law, and the opportunity to apply legal theories to real-life legal situations. All associate degree courses transfer directly to the Davenport Bachelor of Science degree in Paralegal Studies.

Paralegal studies is an ideal foundation for and complement to an advanced degree, such as a Davenport MBA or a law degree, if you decide to further expand your skill sets for greater employment opportunities.

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) 

Our bachelor’s degree in Paralegal Studies prepares you for your paralegal career, with courses in advanced litigation skills, law office computer applications, and electives including specialties like bankruptcy, real estate, family, probate, and criminal law. This program also serves as a springboard to law school.

Post-Baccalaureate Certificate*

This certificate is designed for students who have already completed a bachelor’s degree program in another area of study. This credential can be a real asset if you’re already working in a legal environment, or you’re considering changing careers.

Classes to Meet Your Goals

Paralegal Studies classes offer legal theory as well as practical, hands-on experience, including internships, a study abroad opportunity and other clinical experiences. With every class, you’ll develop the effective communications and critical thinking skills you need for a successful career.  

DU has a wide range of elective courses:

• Bankruptcy law
• Real estate
• Estate planning
• Family law
• Criminal procedure

Why Davenport?

Davenport offers the courses, degrees, and certifications you need, and we have a proven track record of success: 

• 91% of Davenport Paralegal students pass the national certification exam, compared to a national average of 58%.
• We’re among the few Paralegal Studies programs in the country to be recognized and approved by the American Bar Association.

In addition, our instructors are practicing lawyers and paralegals, adding a unique on-the-job perspective to your classroom experience.

In-demand Careers

According to current national employment projections, demand for paralegals is expected to grow 28% through 2016 – a faster than average rate.

The projections cite specific occupations that are considered critical to the economy, including opportunities that you may pursue with a paralegal studies certificate or degree, including:

• Paralegal
• Legal Assistant
• Court Clerk
• Compliance Manager

These careers are projected to have significant employment opportunities in the future, with salaries ranging from $44,500 to $55,000 for bachelor degree graduates.

^{Source: http://www.bls.gov}

The DU Advantage

• Courses available both online and in classroom
• State-of-the-art online technology and support
• High quality coursework
• 11 campuses statewide
• Low student-to-faculty ratio
• Specializing in careers of the future
• Practical, in-field experiences

¹NOTE: While paralegals are an important part of the legal team, they cannot give legal advice or other direct legal services to clients and must work under the supervision of a licensed attorney.

²See information about our graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed the program and other employment information