The paralegal studies option is designed to prepare and qualify students for employment as paralegals in the private and public sectors. As such it provides opportunities for a variety of individuals to become acquainted with the field of law. A paralegal is essentially a legal assistant who works under the supervision of a lawyer and functions as a vital member of a law office team. Such paraprofessional positions have been created by many public and private agencies, and government law offices to help meet the increasing demands for their services.

Paralegal work involves doing legal research, interviewing clients, representing clients before some administrative agencies, assisting in the drafting and interpreting of legal documents and participating in various other paraprofessional activities. Those with an interest in legal studies will find the program rewarding as an introduction to the area of legal studies or as an in-depth study of some one aspect of law.