Paralegal Studies Major
Paralegal Studies is the study of how to support lawyers with legal research, writing, and case management. It is a major within Social Sciences.
Paralegal Studies prepares students to work as legal professionals who assist attorneys with the essential day-to-day work of law practice. The major teaches students how to conduct legal research, draft documents, manage case files, and understand the structure of the legal system. Students learn practical skills like how to locate and interpret laws and court decisions, how to organize evidence and information, and how to communicate clearly in written and spoken form within a legal context. The coursework emphasizes accuracy, attention to detail, and the ability to support lawyers in serving clients across different areas of law.
Students drawn to paralegal studies typically have an interest in the legal system and how it works, a detail-oriented mindset, and the desire to contribute meaningfully to legal practice without pursuing a law degree. The major typically begins with foundational courses that explain how courts operate, what the law is, and how the legal profession is organized. From there, students move into more specialized work that applies these principles—learning specific techniques for research and writing, studying particular legal fields in depth, and often gaining hands-on experience through internships or practical coursework alongside practicing professionals.
Typical coursework
Course requirements vary by school, but a Paralegal Studies program commonly includes topics such as:
- Legal research
- Legal writing
- Civil litigation
- Contracts
- Torts
- Legal ethics
Most programs also include general-education requirements and, in many fields, a capstone project, internship, or research experience.
Degree levels
Paralegal Studies is commonly offered at these levels:
- Associate
- Bachelor's
Availability differs by institution, and program names can vary (for example, a Bachelor of Arts versus a Bachelor of Science track).
Common career directions
Graduates with a Paralegal Studies background pursue a range of paths. Some roles related to this field of study include:
- Paralegal
- Legal assistant
- Litigation support specialist
- Compliance assistant
Many careers require additional steps beyond the major — such as a graduate degree, a license, or a certification — and many graduates work in fields unrelated to their major. What you study is one factor among many in where your career goes.
General career information is drawn from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook. Career paths vary widely by person, school, and region; this is not a list of guaranteed jobs or earnings.
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Find degree programs →Frequently asked questions
What is a Paralegal Studies major?
Paralegal Studies is the study of how to support lawyers with legal research, writing, and case management. It is part of social sciences, and combines foundational coursework with more focused study as you advance.
What courses do Paralegal Studies majors take?
Coursework varies by school, but commonly includes topics such as legal research, legal writing, civil litigation, contracts, and others, plus general-education requirements.
What can you do with a Paralegal Studies major?
Graduates pursue a range of paths, including roles such as paralegal, legal assistant, litigation support specialist. Many roles require additional steps such as a graduate degree, license, or certification. This is general information, not a guarantee of any job or salary.
What degree levels is Paralegal Studies offered at?
It is commonly offered at the associate, bachelor's level, though availability varies by institution.