Paralegal Studies is an associate degree program intended to train a generalist paralegal. Graduates from the associate degree program will have a strong foundation in the areas of legal research and writing, contracts, torts, criminal law and property law.

The Associate of Science in Administration of Justice: Legal Studies Emphasis course of study is designed to prepare students for entry-level positions in municipal and county law enforcement agencies (i.e. police or sheriffs departments), and/or to transfer to Bachelor's degree programs in Criminal Justice or related fields to prepare for federal or state-level law enforcement positions (i.e., FBI, DEA, INS, etc.)

The Associate of Applied Science degree, Paralegal is approved by the American Bar Association and designed to train students for careers working as paralegals or legal assistants in law firms, governmental agencies, corporate legal departments, public service organizations, and other institutions. Paralegals work under the supervision of an attorney and are not licensed to practice law.

Associate in Science in Administration of Justice for Transfer (AS-T) The Associate in Science in Administration of Justice for Transfer (AS-T in Administration of Justice) is designed to provide a clear pathway to a CSU institution for students who plan to transfer and complete a CSU major or baccalaureate degree in Administration of Justice. The Associate in Science in Administration of Justice for Transfer (AS-T in Administration of Justice) is an innovative social science program that emphasizes critical thinking about corrections, crime and delinquency, legal studies, and working with diverse communities. This multidisciplinary program explores the connections between law, crime, and justice.

This program prepares individuals to perform research, drafting, investigatory activities, record-keeping, and related Paralegal administrative functions under the supervision of an attorney in a law firm, public or private entity, and/or within a courtroom setting. This includes instruction in legal research, drafting legal documents, appraising, pleading, courthouse procedures, and legal specializations.

Students pursuing the Legal Practice Assistant Associate's degree option will be provided with training in legal office procedures and the preparation of legal documents. Internship experience in a law-related office is an integral part of the Legal Practice Assistant curriculum.

The Business Administration program gives students general business knowledge in managerial controls, economics of business, human resource management, labor relations, business risks, interaction of government and business law, production and distribution. The program provides students with a general understanding of the foundational areas of business specialization, including accounting, finance, economics, marketing, management, and entrepreneurship.

Complete your Administrative Office Systems Legal, Associate in Applied Science (AAS). This program provides an up-to-date curriculum that adapts to the rapidly changing workplace. In an interactive online learning environment, students master Microsoft Office 365 and digital literacy. They observe, practice, and train, then apply their skills in a real-world business environment.

Paralegals assist lawyers by investigating facts, preparing legal documents, researching legal precedents, and conducting research to support a legal proceeding, formulate a defense, or initiate legal action. The Peninsula College Paralegal degree prepares students for employment as paralegals and legal assistants in all types of organizations, but most will work for law firms, corporate legal departments, and government agencies. The program offers practicum experiences and opportunities for service learning experiences with local employers.

The paralegal program is intended to prepare students for employment as paralegals in both the private and public sectors following graduation. The American Bar Association (ABA) By-Laws Section 21.12 uses the terms paralegal and legal assistant interchangeably referring to persons who, although not members of the legal profession, are qualified through education, training, or work experience and are employed or retained by a lawyer, law office, governmental agency, or other entity in a capacity or function which involves the performance, under the direction and supervision of an attorney, of specifically delegated substantive legal work.

The Associate of Applied Science Degree in Paralegal Studies provides students with comprehensive, substantive, and skills-based education and training in preparation to enter the paralegal profession.

The legal field presents more opportunities than ever. To meet growing needs, today’s firms and organizations are seeking qualified graduates with broad knowledge of the law and legal practices. At Berkeley College, the Bachelor’s and Associate’s Legal Studies degree programs provide the analytical, technical, and research skills to enter a career in many different areas of legal support services. The program also offers a Pre-Law Advisory Center, which provides special resources and support for students considering law school and other advanced studies in law.

The Associate of Science in Paralegal Studies program offers students the opportunity to study legal principles at a depth that will give them a competitive edge in the paralegal field and advance their careers.

The Associate Degree in Paralegal Studies, approved by the American Bar Association, will prepare students to perform effectively in today's legal and business communities.

Interested in a career in Corrections or Law Enforcement? Our Associate of Science Degree in Criminal Justice provides students with a basic foundation of the American criminal justice and corrections systems.