Legal Studies/Paralegal

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 affordableaccessible 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

Fees shown are 2023-2024 fees; 2024-2025 fees will be available as soon as they are approved.

Tuition

Occupational

  • $146.20 per credit (resident)
  • $219.30 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

  • $4.50 minimum per course Material Fee
  • $12.50 per-credit Supplemental Fee for Undergraduate courses
  • $10 minimum per credit Online Course Fee (Fee suspended for 2023-2024)
  • $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.

Course Requirements

Plan of Study Grid
Semester 1Credits
103-159 Computer Literacy - Microsoft Office 1
106-120 Document Formatting 1
110-101 Introduction to Paralegalism 3
110-102 Civil Litigation 3
110-168 Criminal Law 3
801-136 English Composition 1 3
890-101 College 101 2
 Credits16
Semester 2
106-182 Information Management 3
110-104 Legal Research 3
110-105 Legal Writing 3
110-106 Family Law 3
110-114 Administration of Estates 3
809-122 Introduction to American Government 3
 Credits18
Semester 3
101-184
Principles of Accounting
or QuickBooks
3
105-160 Business Law 3
110-130 Real Estate Law 3
Mathematics Course 3
Social Science Course 3
 Credits15
Semester 4
110-107 Legal Aspects of Business Organizations 3
110-136 Legal Ethics 3
110-169 Legal Office Applications 3
Communication Course 3
Behavioral Science Course 3
 Credits15
 Total Credits64

Program Outcomes

  • Apply ethical principles in a legal environment.
  • Process legal documents.
  • Perform legal research.
  • Apply critical thinking skills to address legal issues.
  • Demonstrate professionalism in a legal environment.

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