To learn more, visit: https://www.morainepark.edu/academics/programs/legal-studies-paralegal/
Program Number: 10-110-1
Associate of Applied Science Degree
Campus: Online
This program is eligible for financial aid
Prepare for a rewarding career in the growing legal field with a Legal Studies/Paralegal associate degree from Moraine Park Technical College.
About the Program
Paralegals, also known as legal assistants, assist lawyers with a variety of tasks (please note: paralegals do not provide legal advice).
What You'll Learn
Students in the Legal Studies/Paralegal program learn to interview clients, prepare for hearings and trials, and research the law. Graduates are skilled in preparing legal documents and legal correspondence. Paralegals are also skilled investigators and analyzers. Paralegals need to be detail-oriented, organized and have strong communication skills.
Transfer Opportunities
Your academic journey can continue at a four-year college or university. Earn your associate degree at Moraine Park and then apply those credits toward a bachelor’s degree. Starting at MPTC makes completing a bachelor’s degree affordable, accessible and convenient. You can go anywhere as MPTC has transfer agreements with colleges and universities both in Wisconsin and throughout the country.
Visit the Transfer to a Four-Year College page for more information on credit transfer agreements between Moraine Park and four-year colleges, both public and private.
Admission Process
Standard Admissions steps details
Credit for Prior Learning
Transform the skills and abilities developed through previous experience into college credit through MPTC’s Credit for Prior Learning process.
- Transfer credit from other colleges/universities
- Earn college credit for your military training and experience
- Earn college credit via Advance Placement, CLEP, DANTES/DSST or MPTC Challenge Exams
- Earn college credit from previous/current work and life experiences
Visit MPTC’s Credit for Prior Learning page for more information.
Approximate Costs
Tuition
Occupational
- $149.50 per credit (resident)
- $224.25 per credit (out-of-state resident)
Associate of Arts/Associate of Science
- $188.90 per credit (resident)
- $283.35 per credit (out-of-state resident)
Online students are not charged out-of-state fees.
Student Fees
- $5.00 minimum per course Material Fee
- $13.45 per-credit Supplemental Fee for Undergraduate courses
- $4.50 per term mandatory Student Accident Insurance Fee
Please refer to Tuition & Fee Information for additional enrollment fee information.
Financial Aid
Financial Aid is available for associate degree and technical diploma programs (those that are 2 semesters in length and typically with 28 credits or more). Processing can take 4-5 weeks after a student's completed Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is received. Visit the Financial Aid page to learn more.
While attending Moraine Park during the 2024-25 school year, your estimated cost of attendance for one full year includes tuition of $4,462 (15 credits for fall and spring semester), fees of $338, food and housing of $3,008 (if living with parents, $9,147 if living on your own), books and supplies of $1,465, personal expenses of $3,608, and transportation of $4,017 for a total of $17,002. Your direct costs (those costs paid directly to the college) include tuition & fees. The indirect costs (costs not paid to the college) can vary from individual to individual and your own personal needs.
Career Opportunities
Paralegal or legal assistant in any of the following:
- Law Office
- Government Agencies and Departments
- Corporate Human Resources or Legal Department
- District Attorney's Office
- Insurance Company
- Title Company
- Trust Department of a Bank
- Legal Aid Office
- Public Defender's Office
- Legal Advocate
Statewide Median Salary for Recent Graduates
$41,991
