At A Glance
Enter the legal profession as a skilled paralegal, ready to work in law firms, corporations, government agencies, and more.
Gain practical experience in legal research, document drafting, legal citations, and case management.
Offered fully online.
Learn about AI and its use in the legal profession.
The program is approved by the American Bar Association.
Welcome to the Paralegal Program:
The legal world runs on meticulous research, precise documentation, and organized case management, and paralegals are the professionals who make it all possible. Lackawanna College’s Bachelor’s Degree in Paralegal Studies prepares you for a rewarding career at the heart of the legal system, working alongside attorneys in settings ranging from small law firms to major corporations and government agencies.
This program combines rigorous legal training with the practical skills demanded by today’s legal employers. You’ll learn from experienced attorneys on how to conduct legal research, draft legal documents, manage case files, and interact professionally with clients and courts.
Your Career Starts Here
According to bls.gov, paralegals are employed across virtually every type of legal practice area and setting. The median annual wage for paralegals in Pennsylvania was $63,000 in 2025, with experienced professionals in specialized fields earning significantly more. Employment for paralegals is expected to continuously grow between now and 2034. Career opportunities include positions at:
- Private Law Firms
- Corporate Legal Departments
- Government & Public Agencies
- Nonprofit Legal Aid Organizations
- Insurance Companies
- Real Estate & Title Companies
- Banks & Financial Institutions
- Healthcare Organizations
- Human Resources Departments
More About the Program
The Bachelor’s Degree in Paralegal Studies at Lackawanna College covers both the theoretical and practical dimensions of legal work. Students begin with foundational courses that introduce the American legal system, the paralegal profession, and legal writing and research before advancing to specialized courses such as civil litigation, criminal law, family law, real estate, and corporate law.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this program, graduates will be able to:
- Utilize critical and analytical thinking skills in paralegal work assignments.
- Employ professional legal writing skills.
- Develop and utilize legal research and investigative skills.
- Communicate effectively in the legal profession.
- Develop and utilize the management and organizational skills required to be an effective paralegal.
- Identify, explain, and utilize the technology necessary to assist in the delivery of legal services.
- Identify and explain the ethical rules governing paralegals and lawyers, including the limitations on the practice of law by non-lawyers.
- Explain the expanding role of paralegals in various areas of the law.
The Course Work
The Bachelor’s Degree in Paralegal Studies includes courses such as:
- Legal Writing
- Legal Research
- Civil Litigation
- Contract Law
- Criminal Law
- Professional Legal Responsibility
- AI and the Legal Profession
Vision Statement
By approaching the study of law from a theoretical, conceptual, and practical perspective, the Lackawanna College Paralegal Studies Program will prepare students for the demands of the paralegal profession. Based on a curriculum that is focused on a full range of legal specialty practice areas and a broad scope of general education perspectives, students will obtain the critical thinking, analytical processing, and legal skill sets necessary to succeed as paralegals. As a means of assuring program quality and staying well targeted to the dynamic demands of the legal profession, the College evaluates the program curriculum and student services on a continual basis and incorporates changes identified through the evaluation process. In collaboration with legal practitioners, employers, and professional associations, the College continues working toward the ultimate goal of improving and increasing the utilization of paralegal services. The primary goal of the Lackawanna College Paralegal Studies Program is to prepare students for rewarding careers in the legal industry as paralegal professionals working under the direct supervision of lawyers in the public and private sector. Lackawanna College strives to prepare students with an understanding of the substantive knowledge and practical skills necessary to meet the standards of industry proficiency, professional integrity, and academic excellence that are expected and required to serve the legal community.
Accreditation
This program is approved by the American Bar Association (ABA). The ABA approves only paralegal programs that meet rigorous standards for curriculum, faculty qualifications, student support, and continuous program evaluation. Choosing an ABA-approved program means you are enrolling in a program that has been independently reviewed for quality and is recognized throughout the legal profession. It is important to note that paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public except as permitted by law.