The Bachelor of Science in paralegal studies has been approved by the Pennsylvania Board of Governors giving Clarion University a program in a growing industry.
"This is an area that has a 17 percent growth rate," said Jerry Belloit, Ph.D., chair of the finance department.
The combination of an Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International-accredited and ABA-approved paralegal program provides the best of both worlds.
"(Paralegals) who work in business earn a mean salary of $62,020. In certain sectors business paralegals earn a higher mean salary, such as software publishing companies who pay paralegals a mean wage of $77,140," Belloit said.
A BSBA in paralegal studies opens a wide range of doors for the graduate from corporate board rooms to the criminal justice system, enabling the student to use the legal knowledge for the betterment of society.
Frank Shepard, Ph.D., will head the program. Beginning in 1990, he spearheaded the effort for the associate in paralegal studies to be approved by the ABA. Since that time, under his direction, the program evolved as necessary and maintained ABA standards. He has elected to leave the associate program to create new and advanced paralegal offerings.
Earlier this spring, the Board of Governors approved letters of completion in paralegal studies and paralegal studies – oil and gas. While the letters of completion are available to all degree seeking students, the 24-credit letter of completion is 18 additional credits for business majors, all of which are eligible as business electives. Either letter qualifies the student to be an employable, effective paralegal.
"The growing trend among employers is to demand that paralegals possess a bachelor's degree. Allowing a student enrolled in a current Clarion degree program to add the additional credential of a paralegal certificate creates a very employable graduate," Shepard said. "It is a rare field that does not require some knowledge of law. For example, BSN students could add this certificate and be a valued, well-paid expert for malpractice litigation, workers compensation, etc., while a business major could position herself for a lucrative career in the natural gas industry. The possibilities are endless, as law touches everything."
For information about the paralegal studies program or letters of completion, contact Shepard.