Turn Attention to Detail into a Paralegal Career
Prepare for a legal career with STLCC’s associate in applied science (AAS) in legal studies for the paralegal. Developed in cooperation with the Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis, the program introduces you to legal terminology, federal and Missouri law, court systems and key areas of legal practice.
You’ll learn how to support attorneys, work with clients, analyze legal issues and prepare legal documents. Graduates are prepared for paralegal roles across law firms, corporations, government agencies and other organizations.
What is Legal Studies at St. Louis Community College?
The legal studies for the paralegal AAS prepares you to work alongside attorneys and legal teams in professional settings. This program focuses on how courts, laws and procedures work in everyday practice and how paralegals support cases from start to finish.
You’ll learn how the court system operates, how rules are applied and how documents are prepared and organized. Coursework introduces federal and Missouri laws, research and writing used in paralegal work, and professional office procedures.
You’ll also have the opportunity to explore areas of interest through elective courses, such as:
- Contract law.
- Tort law.
- Family law.
- Real estate law.
- Employment law.
This program is a good fit if you enjoy detail-focused work, organization, research and supporting attorneys in real-world environments.
What Can You Do with a Legal Studies for the Paralegal Associate Degree?
A paralegal associate degree prepares you for entry-level paralegal and legal assistant roles.
Graduates often work in settings such as:
- Law firms.
- Corporate legal departments.
- Government agencies.
- Real estate offices.
- Insurance companies.
In these roles, you may help with research, prepare and organize documents, manage case files and assist with day-to-day office tasks. This degree is designed to help you start working in the field while building experience in professional legal environments.
AAS in Legal Studies for the Paralegal
- Degree offered: Associate in applied science
Certificate of Proficiency (CP) also available - Locations: Meramec, Online
- AAS Hours to complete: 60
- CP Hours to complete: 33
- Program contact name: Barbara E. Wiseheart
- Program contact email: bwiseheart@stlcc.edu
Tuition for district residents is $122 per credit hour for in-district students. Find out more about our straightforward and low-cost tuition structure.
Why You Should Choose STLCC's Legal Studies for the Paralegal Associate Program
Graduate With Little or No Debt
We believe cost should never be a barrier to achieving your potential. Save more than $4,700 per year with tuition that's one-third less than other local institutions. Plus, we'll help you navigate scholarship options and financial aid.
Caring for Students
STLCC goes beyond academics with support services, ranging from stress and anxiety management to grants for childcare, emergency crisis support, clothing and free meals through Archers' Market and Brown Bag Café food pantry. We offer free tutoring on campus or online.
Schedules Built for Your Busy Life
Fitting a quality education into your busy life is easy with the flexibility STLCC offers: day and evening, in-person, live virtual lecture, online and hybrid.
Extensive Course Variety
No matter which areas of law interest you most, STLCC's AAS in legal studies for the paralegal program is sure to provide it. With elective courses in tort, family, contract, real estate, administrative, and employment law, you'll be prepared to become a paralegal in multiple fields.
STLCC. What's your reason?