AA in Legal Studies

Pursue your career as a paralegal by combining an associate degree from Washburn University with a certificate from the Legal Office Professional program at Washburn Tech. Paralegals conduct legal and factual research, draft court documents and correspondence, review and summarize records, file documents with the courts, maintain files and communicate with clients. By pursuing an associate degree, you are preparing yourself for the workforce with a well-rounded education. You will learn more about communication, math, psychology and history. An added bonus is the cost. Washburn Tech students, pursuing an eligible associate degree at Washburn, may qualify for reduced tuition. Enroll now and make a wise investment in yourself!
Career Forecast Bright OutlookAverage Salary $39,210on campus

Legal Studies Associate Degree

Students in Washburn Tech's Legal Office Professional program earn a certificate by completing 48-credit hours on the Washburn Tech campus. To earn an associate degree at Washburn, students complete an additional 39-credit hours on the main campus. You must begin working on your associate degree within six years of the Washburn Tech certificate date. You also must complete Washburn's associate degree requirements within six years of your start date at Washburn. Some Washburn University courses may have prerequisites or require placement scores.

Why pursue an associate degree at Washburn? The courses you complete serve as the foundation for a well-rounded education.

  • Technology courses will introduce you to the development of technology and its impact on today's world.
  • Communication courses will help you better communicate with employers, employees and people in general.
  • Psychology courses will help you better understand people's actions.
  • English courses will assist in writing a resume or in an office setting.
  • Music and/or art courses help relay the benefits of relaxation and hobbies.
  • Math courses will boost your skills when taking measurements and making calculations.
  • History and political courses explore what is happening around the globe and how you can participate.

One of the top benefits is the cost! Students who are concurrently enrolled in 12-credit hours at Washburn Tech are eligible for reduced tuition while completing their associate degree at Washburn University. To ensure you enroll in eligible courses, check with the WU School of Applied Studies advisor for more information at nicole.vavra@washburn.edu.

Jobs & Opportunities

CAREER FORECAST: bright outlook
Employment of paralegals and legal assistants is projected to grow 10 percent from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. As law firms try to increase the efficiency of legal services and reduce their costs, they are expected to hire more paralegals and legal assistants. Law firms also are attempting to reduce billing costs as clients push for less expensive legal services. Paralegals can be a less costly alternative to lawyers performing a wide variety of tasks once done by entry-level lawyers.

Experienced Salary

$51,640

Projected Job Openings

53

(annually)

Projected Job Growth

+10%

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