Catalog — Majors and Certificate Programs — Business, Innovation, and Legal Studies — Paralegal/Legal Studies — Frequently Asked Questions

Paralegal Program Frequently Asked Questions

Interested in a Paralegal program at Bucks and unsure which is right for you? Review our program breakdown and most frequently asked questions to help differentiate between the two. The Paralegal/Legal Studies Degree and Paralegal Certificate Program are similar, though the details make all the difference.

For more information, contact Program Coordinator Heather Costello at heather.costello@bucks.edu.

At A Glance

	Paralegal Certificate	Paralegal/Legal Studies Degree
Prerequisite(s)	Associate's or bachelor's degree	None
Total Credit Hours	30 credits	64-65 credits
Avg. Program Length	12 months	2 years
Credential Earned	Certificate	Associate of Arts

Information Sessions

Take the first step towards a fulfilling career in Paralegal/Legal Studies by joining us for an online information session.

Upcoming Sessions

Program Overview

Our paralegal programs are accredited by the American Bar Association, the largest professional legal organization in the world.

Paralegal Certificate Program

Applicants must hold an associate's or bachelor's degree.
Designed for individuals seeking career advancement or a career change, such as:
- Legal secretaries seeking higher positions of employment
- State and federal employees seeking advancement in government careers
- People with life experience wanting to change careers.
Complete the same law courses required in the degree program.

Paralegal/Legal Studies Degree

Earn an Associate of Arts.
Designed for high-school graduates or non-degree holders interested in job preparedness.
Prepares you to work as a paralegal for attorneys, law offices, governmental agencies, or other entities in capacities or functions that involve the performance, under the ultimate direction and supervision of attorneys, of specifically delegated substantive legal work.

How long does it take to complete the program?

Paralegal Certificate Program

The Paralegal Certificate Program can be completed in 12 to 18 months and requires 30 credit hours. Length of completion depends on your personal needs and schedule. You will work with your advisor to design a class schedule that is right for you.

Paralegal/Legal Studies Degree

The Paralegal/Legal Studies Degree can be completed in as little as two years, earning 64-65 credit hours. To complete the degree in four semesters, you would take a full course load of 15-19 credits per semester. Length of completion depends on your personal needs and schedule. You will work with your advisor to design a class schedule that is right for you.

When does the program begin?

Classes at Bucks are offered on a rolling basis, and there is no set start date for each program. You can consult with an academic advisor to determine the best time to begin your classes.

Ready to apply? Get started.

How much does the program cost?

Tuition is calculated by credit hour and is determined by your residency* – in-county, out-of-county or out-of-state. Each course is billed at the time of registration, and so the cost per term is determined by the courses for which you register. In addition to tuition, the following fees are assessed at registration:

College Service Fee: Flat rate
Activity Fee: Per credit hour (Fall and Spring terms only)
Technology Support Fee: Per credit hour
New Student Fee: Flat rate (First term of enrollment only)

Please refer to our Tuition webpage for a full breakdown of tuition and fees for the current academic year. Financial aid and scholarships are available.

*If you are a resident of Montgomery County and enrolled in one of the Paralegal programs, you will not have to pay out-of-county tuition. Contact Heather Costello at heather.costello@bucks.edu for more information.

Can I receive in-county tuition if I live in Montgomery County?

Paralegal majors residing in Montgomery County (Pennsylvania) are eligible for the in-county tuition rate through Shared Programs.

Can I take classes online?

Yes! Both the Paralegal/Legal Studies Degree and Paralegal Certificate Program can be completed virtually. A combination of synchronous online and asynchronous eLearning classes are available.

Synchronous classes meet at an assigned time and have 'face-to-face' interaction with instructors through Zoom. Asynchronous eLearning classes do not have assigned class times and work can be completed at your convenience, although assignments must be completed by due dates. Students regularly interact through online discussions with instructors and fellow students. Times and modalities offered for a specific class can be found in Self-Service.

Our programs are approved by the American Bar Association (ABA), the largest professional legal organization in the world, which requires students take at least 9 semester credits of legal specialty courses through synchronous instruction via in-person or Zoom classes. Times and modalities offered for a specific class can be found in Self-Service. Not all classes/class modalities are offered every semester. If you don't find what you are looking for, be sure to search another semester.

Are evening classes available?

Yes! Select classes are offered in the evenings. Search classes by day and times in Self-Service.

How do I find an internship?

Both programs have an internship requirement, and you will work one-on-one with Professor Chris Simcox (chris.simcox@bucks.edu) to find a situation that fits your individual schedule and needs.

Arrangements will be made to accomodate those students who are currently employed full time to help them complete the internship requirement.

What skills and abilities are needed to be successful as a Paralegal?

To be a successful student or professional in this field, you will need to have excellent organizational ability, attention to detail, strong oral and written communication skills, research and multitasking abilities, and computer literacy. Strong writing and research skills are particularly desirable and important for success in this field.

What are the duties of a Paralegal?**

Paralegals may assist with completing administrative work related to trial preparation; conduct legal research; assist with drafting legal documents; interview clients; and collect, compile, and utilize technical information to make recommendations to an attorney. Paralegals currently may not provide legal advice or represent clients in court. The Paralegal can expect a dynamic work environment that can involve much time in court or traveling and little time behind a desk.

**Paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public except as permitted by law.

What is the career outlook for Paralegals?

Paralegals are in high demand and can expect great job security. Law is an ever-expanding field in constant need of driven, dedicated individuals. Some of the most in-demand specializations or paralegals include contract law, corporate law, healthcare law, criminal law, intellectual property law, and real estate law.

How do I register for classes?

Before you can register for class, you will need to apply to Bucks – it's fast and free!

Paralegal Certificate Program

Follow these admissions steps:

Apply to Bucks
Request an official college transcript from your prior institution. Please submit to Admissions at Bucks via email at admissions@bucks.edu.
Contact Heather Costello at heather.costello@bucks.edu for advising and registration.
Apply for Financial Aid
Find Scholarships

Paralegal/Legal Studies Degree

Follow these admissions steps:

Apply to Bucks
Complete Placement Testing and/or receive waivers.
Meet with an Advisor and Register.
- Your advisor can assist you with course registration
Apply for Financial Aid
Find Scholarships