Legal Studies

Associate Degree Program

The practice of law is comprised of a team including paralegals. In modern law offices, paralegals are assuming a growing range of legal duties and perform many of the same tasks as lawyers. Delaware Tech’s ABA-approved Legal Studies program will prepare you to use a range of research methods and information necessary to complete a variety of legal activities including producing the documents necessary for a functioning law office. To supplement classroom knowledge and applications, you’ll also be required to complete an internship allowing you to gain the valuable work experience that employers seek. As a graduate of the program, you’ll be able to pursue career opportunities in federal, state and local governmental agencies, law firms, the court system, banks, insurance companies, private business, and corporations.

Students must take a minimum of 9 semester credits of legal specialty courses through traditional on campus face-to-face or synchronous web conferencing class instruction.

Paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public, except as provided by law.

This program is offered at the Dover and Georgetown campuses.

What You Can Do

In this program, you will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to prepare you for positions such as:

• Paralegal
• Legal assistant
• Legal office manager
• Legal records clerk

What You Will Earn

Competitive starting salaries range from $ 21,000 - $35,000. 

What You Will Learn

Program Graduate Competencies

The Program Graduate Competencies listed below identify the major learning goals related to your specific program of study and identify the knowledge and skills you will have when you graduate to be successful in your chosen field.

1. Explain the present and potential role of the paralegal within the legal system.
2. Produce documents necessary for a functioning law office.
3. Comply with the profession's Code of Ethics within the legal system.
4. Use a range of research methods and information necessary to complete a variety of legal activities.
5. Apply acquired knowledge of legal specialty areas in the workplace.

Core Curriculum Competencies

The Core Curriculum Competencies listed below identify what you will be able to do as a graduate, regardless of your program of study. You will acquire these core competencies through general education courses and program-specific coursework. You will be expected to use relevant technology to achieve these outcomes:

1. Apply clear and effective communication skills.
2. Use critical thinking to solve problems.
3. Collaborate to achieve a common goal.
4. Demonstrate professional and ethical conduct.
5. Use information literacy for effective vocational and/or academic research.
6. Apply quantitative reasoning and/or scientific inquiry to solve practical problems.

Pursuing a Bachelor's Degree? 

This is a Connected Degree program that enables you to complete your associate degree and then transfer to a four-year degree program as a junior. See a program advisor for details!