A paralegal is the right arm of an attorney. Legal research, client interviews, document drafting, all this can be done by a paralegal under the supervision of an attorney. Though a paralegal cannot practice law, they have the chance to make a difference in the world, every day… and the educational requirement for a paralegal is typically an undergrad degree, and there is no requirement to pass the bar exam!

Finding the right educational program to start your career as a paralegal can be tough. Westwood College offers an online program that can be completed in as little as 20 months. Upon completion, students will have achieved an Associates of Applied Science in Paralegal Studies, and will be qualified as entry-level legal assistants or paralegals. Westwood College offers this online program, allowing students to study and learn at their own pace, on their own time, without having to travel to and from campus. The convenience of online learning with a real classroom feel is what puts Westwood College at the forefront of online studies.

Product: Westwood College Associate of Applied Science in Paralegal Degree

Price: Unable to determine cost

Consumer: Those seeking a higher education online

The purpose of acquiring an Associate of Applied Science in Paralegal Degree is to be able to pursue a career as a paralegal.

Pros: The legal system is huge, and the employment opportunities are also huge for those who are educationally prepared to pursue careers in the legal system at any level -- national, state, or local.

In about 20 months a student can earn an Associate of Applied Science in Paralegal Degree from Westwood University Online and do so from the comfort of their home or office. There are many advantages to obtaining an Associate of Applied Science in Paralegal Degree. According to the Westwood University Online website, "The value of a paralegal education is great, not only for the career aspects, but also because of the great benefits of a serious civic education. By earning a paralegal degree you will learn more about the American legal system and our government. Our program focuses on aspects of immigration law, family law, business law, legal research and writing and more. Our instructors are experienced professionals in the industry, bringing career-related insight to their teaching."

Cons: Those who pursue a college degree online miss out on the campus-related activity associated with attending college, but they also save a great deal of money and are afforded the same opportunities for career success as those who attend college on campus.

Guarantee: There is no guarantee of learning or success offered and there isn’t one that would apply.

Value for money: Cost could not be determined so value cannot be determined. However, there are a great many opportunities for employment as a paralegal so it seems that an Associate of Applied Science in Paralegal Degree would have considerable value.

Where to buy:

Students must take a wide variety of courses, including Introduction to Law and Ethics, where they are given an overview of the American legal system. Students use this introductory class as a foundation for the rest of their degree. Legal terminology and ethical considerations are just two of the topics this course touches. As students progress in their degree, they move on to courses like Criminal Law, Legal Research and Writing, and Civil Litigation. Law library techniques, conducting preliminary legal investigations and drafting basic legal documents are important skills that paralegal students learn in these courses.

All courses are taught by industry professionals, with real-world experience. This career-driven program allows students to learn at their own pace. Find out more about Westwood College’s Associate of Applied Science in Paralegal Studies degree, and find out how YOU can make a difference.