Paralegal Studies

The Law and Paralegal Studies Department proudly offers a bachelor of science degree in Paralegal Studies. This program is the first of its kind within the public college system in New York State. As the paralegal profession evolves, there has been a notable shift in employer expectations, with more law firms and corporate legal departments in New York increasingly seeking candidates who possess a bachelor’s degree. This trend underscores the importance of higher educational qualifications in securing employment in the competitive legal field.

Our degree provides a thorough and well-rounded education that meets and exceeds the minimum educational requirements for pursuing law school. This comprehensive curriculum ensures that our graduates enter law school with a distinct advantage, familiar with essential legal concepts, terminology, and research methods typically encountered in legal studies.

The upper-level courses in our program delve into specialized areas of law, such as trial preparation, immigration law, bankruptcy law, intellectual property law, and legal technology, while enhancing students’ oral and written communication skills and technical skills, an essential asset in today’s digital and interconnected legal landscape.

Additionally, this degree provides an optional internship opportunity where students may be placed in law firms, government legal departments, the courts, or nonprofit agencies to apply the concepts and skills learned in the classroom to the legal workplace. Furthermore, it offers evening courses in person and online to accommodate the needs of busy working students.

Graduates of our program are well-positioned to secure advanced roles within various sectors, including government agencies, prestigious law firms, mid-sized firms, solo practitioners, corporate legal departments, and nonprofit organizations.

Many graduates choose to further their education by pursuing postgraduate studies, or law school, providing them additional career opportunities.

It is essential to highlight that while paralegals play a vital role in the legal system by supporting attorneys in their work, they are not permitted to practice law.

Accreditation and Affiliations

The American Bar Association (ABA) accredits the BS degree program in Paralegal Studies, reflecting the program’s commitment to high educational standards and quality.

This accreditation assures students of the rigor of their education, as a leading authority in the legal education community recognizes it.

Additionally, our Paralegal Studies program is an active member of the American Association of Paralegal Educators (AAfPE), a prestigious organization dedicated to advancing high-quality paralegal education.

This affiliation develops educational standards and promotes professional growth, ensuring our graduates are fully prepared to take on significant roles in legal services.

Learning Outcomes

• KNOWLEDGE Develop knowledge from a range of disciplinary perspectives, and develop the ability to deepen and continue learning.

• SKILLS Acquire and use the tools needed for communication, inquiry, analysis, and productive work.

• INTEGRATION Work productively within and across disciplines.

• VALUES, ETHICS, AND RELATIONSHIPS Understand and apply values, ethics, and diverse perspectives in personal, professional, civic, and cultural/global domains.

Program Goals:

Graduates with a bachelor of science degree in Paralegal Studies should be able to:

• Understand their ethical and professional responsibilities as a member of the legal team working with diverse clientele and/or in diverse settings.

• Research and join a legal professional organization/association to expand their knowledge base, engage with other paralegal/legal assistant
  students or those working in the field, and remain current with the latest developments in their profession.

• Apply time management skills, prioritize tasks/assignments, and manage information utilizing computer databases/software programs.

• Access and evaluate legal and non-legal data available on the internet for reliability and validity of information.

Recognize and appreciate special and complex issues involved in advocacy and litigation in relation to both the required and elective bachelor degree courses.

Admission Requirements

A student can enter the program as freshmen if they meet the general college admissions criteria. These students will follow the associate-level curriculum for the first 60 credits and may choose to receive the associate in applied science upon completion of that degree. Students may transfer from the associate program in paralegal studies before or after completing that degree.

Students may enter from other programs at City Tech or from different colleges if they meet college transfer admission criteria. The Law and Paralegal Studies Department will accept a maximum of 25 credits in legal specialty courses from colleges offering paralegal courses, except if an AAS in Paralegal Studies is transferred from a CUNY college.

However, a majority of upper-level law courses have a prerequisite as stated in the catalog: AAS degree in legal assistant studies or completion of 27 credits in legal specialty courses which may affect credit evaluation. Transfer students should schedule a meeting with the department chair prior to beginning study in the program.

Alternative delivery courses are reviewed individually on a case-by-case basis. Students with questions should consult the Office of Admissions.

Progression Requirements

• A minimum grade of C must be earned in each course designated with the prefix LAW.

• Students may repeat a LAW course once if they have received a D or F grade.

Accreditation and Professional Organization Affiliation

The American Bar Association (ABA) Standing Committee on Paralegals develops policies on paralegal education, employment, and training. Through its Approval Commission, it sets standards for paralegal education.

The American Association of Paralegal Educators (AAfPE) promotes high standards in paralegal education, support professional growth for educators, organize conferences and seminars, offer technical assistance, advance research, and collaborate with the ABA on program approval.

Advisement Information

Students meet periodically (minimum of once a semester) with their faculty advisor to review the student’s progression towards completion of their degree. 

All students are assigned a faculty advisor by the chair of the department.

 You can find your advisor's name in Navigate (log in with your CUNYfirst information and look at your Success Team) or in CUNYfirst — in your student center, it is viewable in the Academic Records section under “Advisor.”

You can also reach us by email at LAWadvisement@citytech.cuny.edu.