Paralegal Studies

The Paralegal Program at Ivy Tech Community College strives to accelerate greatness and excellence in it's curriculum. To achieve such a standard, the Program provides knowledge in many substantive areas of law and engages the students in an environment where they receive practical skills.

According to the Indiana Code, a paralegal is defined as a person who is:

1. qualified through education, training, or work experience; and
2. employed by a lawyer, law office, governmental agency, or other entity; to work under the direction of an attorney in a capacity that involves the performance of substantive legal work that usually requires a sufficient knowledge of legal concepts and would be performed by the attorney in the absence of the paralegal.  (Indiana Code 1-1-4-6)

The overall Program goal is to give the students the necessary skills and knowledge to be successful as entry level paralegals, working under the supervision of lawyers, or successful transfer to a four year institution. Paralegals are not licensed attorneys and are not able to render legal advice.

The Program's objectives are that students and graduates of the paralegal program will be able to:

• Practice as a legal assistant or paralegal in either the private or public sector;
• Apply ethical reasoning;
• Communicate effectively  in written and oral forms;
• Perform legal research, and
• Demonstrate critical and creative thinking

Check out the Ivy Tech Guided Pathway to Success (Ivy Tech GPS) icons to map out your pathway for success.

WHY CHOOSE THE PARALEGAL STUDIES PROGRAM?
Students who are intrigued with various areas of law and have a passion for helping people should join the Paralegal Studies program. A student who enters into the field of law must be detailed, learn great writing and communication skills and have a basic desire to see justice be done. Whether it's assisting an attorney with representation of a client in trial or conducting an initial comprehensive interview with a witness, paralegals are the back-bone of any great attorney and an incredible asset to any legal team.

SAMPLE CAREERS IN THIS FIELD
Legal Secretary, Paralegal

DEGREES AVAILABLE
Associate of Science, Associate of Applied Science, Associate of Applied Science via Ivy Tech Online. NOTE: The number of credits required for a degree or certification is based on students who are program-ready and does not include non-academic skills courses. Availability of degrees varies by campus. Contact your campus of interest below for more information.

ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE IN PARALEGAL STUDIES
(Minimum of 60 credit hours)

The Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Paralegal Studies will give you the knowledge and skills for career entry or advancement in a current job. Associate of Applied Science degree programs are two-year programs that prepare students for careers, career changes and career advancement. Students who need to take longer to complete the degree because of job or family obligations can take the program over a longer period of time. AAS programs may also prepare students for transfer to four-year institutions. These programs offer education in recognized technical areas and specialties with emphasis on analysis, synthesis and evaluation. The program content, which is approximately 30% general education and 70% professional/technical, provides depth and breadth in conceptual and professional/technical skills. The general education courses equip students with the problem solving, communications, scientific and mathematical skills to compete successfully in the job market. Professional/technical courses equip students with the skills to obtain employment and to advance in the workforce.

This degree is also available online. See below for more information.

ASSOCIATE OF SCIENCE IN PARALEGAL STUDIES
(Minimum of 60 credit hours)

The Associate of Science degree prepares you for transfer to a university to pursue a baccalaureate degree. The Associate of Science degree in Paralegal Studies transfers to many Indiana public and private colleges and universities.

To find out information about your transfer options to public and private universities, contact your academic advisor or the transfer office of your local Ivy Tech. You are also encouraged to contact the institution and consult the current catalog and web page of the institution to which you wish to transfer.

IVY TECH ONLINE DEGREE OPTIONS

You also have the option to earn an Associate of Applied Science via distance education options. This option provides students with the same content and knowledge as our traditional program, but is delivered at least partially through our distance education delivery systems. Some on campus classes, internships, or other on site requirements exist specifically for this program.  Please discuss these with your advisor to be sure you understand the specific requirements of the degree and course offerings available through your region.

• Associate of Applied Science in Paralegal Studies via Ivy Tech Online (Minimum of 60 credit hours)

• Associate of Science in Paralegal Studies via Ivy Tech Online (Minimum of 60 credit hours)