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Associate of Applied Science in Paralegal Studies

Department of Government

College of Letters, Arts & Social Sciences

Associate of Applied Science in Paralegal Studies

Department of Government

College of Letters, Arts & Social Sciences

On-Campus & Online

Options

64 Credit Hours

to Graduate

On-Campus: $410 Per Credit Hour

Online: $443 Per Credit Hour

(On-campus rate is for in-state students)

Free Books

for All Students

Enter the Workforce Quickly in Entry-Level Paralegal Jobs

The associate in paralegal studies degree program is designed to prepare students quickly and effectively to enter the paralegal workforce. Students who choose this program can complete it in as few as 21 months of full-time study. It is designed to prepare students to enter the workforce quickly and successfully in several entry-level paralegal jobs. Graduates are well positioned to complete their bachelor’s degree and further increase their employment opportunities.

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Career Outlook


The number of individuals employed as paralegals and legal assistants is projected to rise 14 percent through 2031.

– U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

EKU’s paralegal programs not only provide you with critical skills to help you excel, but also provide excellent job placement assistance.

Job Titles Include:

  • Paralegal/Legal Assistant
  • Contracts Administrator
  • Real Estate Title Insurance Adjuster
  • Legal Affairs Coordinator for State/Federal Government Agency
  • Corporate Compliance Specialist

EKU paralegal graduates high job placement rates and rewarding careers.

Employers Include:

  • Dinsmore & Shohl LLP
  • Commonwealth Attorney’s Office
  • Morgan & Morgan
  • CSI Leasing, Inc.
  • Fowler Law Firm

The Office of Academic and Career Services is a one-stop shop for all your career and professional development needs.

Services Include:

  • Creating/updating your resume and cover letter
  • Interviewing tips and coaching
  • Career documents review
  • Job search

Why EKU?

  • Free textbooks through EKU BookSmart
  • No application fee
  • Reduced tuition for active-duty military members and their spouses
  • Approved by the American Bar Association (ABA)
  • Active job placement assistance for all graduating students —90% of graduates are employed or attending graduate or law school within six months of graduation
  • Respected charter member of the American Association for Paralegal Education (AAFPE)
  • All faculty hold Juris Doctorate (J.D.) degrees

Attend Online

Choosing an online program doesn’t mean completing your education alone. EKU Online strives to provide students with unparalleled staff and faculty access, rich engagement opportunities and every resource possible to succeed. We are committed to helping you find success in your coursework, as well as identifying and pursuing employment opportunities upon graduation. We are here to help you every step of the way.

Online students have access to:

  • Accelerated 8-week terms
  • Courses begin 6 times per year
  • No campus visits required
  • Personal advisors stay with you from application to graduation
  • Free online tutoring and career services assistance 

Curriculum & Admission


Focused on paralegal best practices and producing excellent student outcomes, EKU’s curriculum blends academic and professional preparation through course topics such as legal research and writing, litigation, legal administration and computer applications, family law, criminal law and probate practice.

Online Program Option: The paralegal program is a 100% online program. A minimum of 9 semester credit hours of legal specialty coursework are completed through synchronous online instruction.

A minimum of 64 credits are required to graduate.

View the degree requirements:

Please review the admissions requirements before applying for this or any program. If you have questions about the program or are planning to register for classes, please speak to the program advisor.

Note: The laws of Kentucky and other states prohibit paralegals from engaging in the practice of law or providing legal services directly to the public, except as permitted by law. Therefore, completion of a major, minor, or certificate in Paralegal Studies/Sciences does not entitle one to practice law, provide legal services directly to the public, or render legal advice, except as provided by law.

Paralegal Internships
All students in the EKU Paralegal Baccalaureate and Associate degree programs complete a 280-hour Paralegal Internship (LAS 399) in the law office or legal environment of their choice.

The goals of the paralegal internship are as follows:

  • To gain understanding of the structure and functions of the law office environment.
  • To gain insight into professional interpersonal relationships and the paralegal profession.
  • To apply the knowledge and skills learned in the classroom to actual paralegal tasks in a law office.
  • To exercise the ethical responsibilities of a paralegal as set forth under the Code of Professional Responsibility and applicable laws.
  • To reflect upon and personally evaluate the internship experience so that the student is better informed when choosing future employment.

The prerequisites for completing the internship include 18 hours of major (LAS) courses (including LAS 300 – Legal Research and Writing II). You must complete the internship application process and obtain director approval of the internship site.

The following documents will provide further information regarding the Paralegal Internship (LAS 399):

If you would like further information regarding the Paralegal Internship at EKU, please contact Prof. Lynnette Noblitt, Director, Paralegal Programs at (859) 622-5931 or lynnette.noblitt@eku.edu.

General education, free electives, and other courses fulfilling university graduation requirements will be accepted for transfer at EKU following the policies and procedures set forth in the Transfer Student Information section of the EKU Undergraduate Catalog.

Transfer of paralegal specialty (LAS) courses follow the same policies and procedures as all other courses and will be subject to the following additional program-specific policies and procedures:

Only paralegal courses taken at ABA-approved paralegal programs will be eligible for transfer as a paralegal specialty course at EKU. The transferred paralegal specialty course must be substantially the same course in content and learning outcomes as the equivalent paralegal specialty course at EKU. The paralegal program director will review each request for transfer, confirm ABA approval of the paralegal program at the time of course enrollment, and compare the prior course description to determine if the course meets the transfer criteria. The paralegal program director reserves the right to request that the student seeking transfer of such courses provide course syllabi, assignments, or other information to confirm course content and/or ABA approval. The program does not grant course credit by portfolio or examination.

Transfer students must take a minimum of 15 semester hours of paralegal (LAS) courses at EKU to earn a paralegal degree, minor, or certificate.

Paralegal majors, minors, and certificates must take a minimum of nine semester credits of paralegal specialty courses from major/minor requirements in a synchronous format. This includes traditional in-person instruction or Skype-like technology in which all students and instructors can interactive in real-time. No courses taken in an asynchronous online or web-based format can count towards this nine semester credit requirement. Transfer students may be asked to provide evidence that courses were taken in a synchronous format to qualify for transfer.

On-Campus Deadlines
Online Deadlines

All applicants must provide an application and evidence of appropriate scholastic achievement through prior educational experience.

Please note that certain degree programs have special admission requirements. Admission to the University does not mean automatic admission to all degree programs.

The completed application and all required supporting documentation must be received by the University no later than:

• August 1 for fall enrollment
• December 1 for spring enrollment
• May 1 for summer enrollment

To apply for undergraduate admission to Eastern Kentucky University (EKU), submit an application at apply.eku.edu and submit any required materials electronically or by mail to:

Office of Admissions
Eastern Kentucky University
Whitlock Bldg. 112, CPO 54
521 Lancaster Avenue
Richmond, KY 40475-3154.

The EKU Online Paralegal Program is approved by the American Bar Association and meets the guidelines set forth by the ABA. The American Bar Association’s Standing Committee on Paralegals states that its purpose in approving programs is “to foster high quality paralegal education and training and the development of educational standards.”

Each ABA-approved paralegal program goes through a rigorous approval process and is subject to ongoing review by ABA representatives, including periodic on-site visits and review of detailed reports submitted by the program.

Students who graduate from an ABA-approved course of paralegal studies are automatically qualified to sit for the Certified Kentucky Paralegal Exam.

Enrolling & Advising Information


EKU’s College of Letters, Arts, and Social Sciences is committed to delivering high-quality enrollment and academic advising for our students. We strive to create an atmosphere of mutual trust and meaningful engagement to help students reach their academic goals and have a rewarding educational experience.

Interested in enrolling? Reach out to the enrollment counselor for your preferred program.

Photo of Kelsi Butcher

Kelsi Butcher 

College Enrollment Counselor

859-622-2705
kelsi.butcher@eku.edu

Lauren Seaman

Online Enrollment Advisor

859-622-2088
Lauren.Seaman@eku.edu


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Related Programs

B.A. in Political Science

Common Job Titles: policy analyst, community service manager, nonprofit managers, public administrators, lobbyist

Modalities: online and on-campus

Credit Hours: 120

B.A. in Paralegal Science

Common Job Titles: paralegal

Modalities: online and on-campus

Credit Hours: 120


Contact Information

Department of Government

Commonwealth Hall
Room 1510
4374 Kit Carson Drive
Richmond, KY 40475

859-622-5931
Fax: 859-622-8019