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What You'll Be Doing

Gannon University believes in the many ways analytically-minded people can apply their skills to make our society a better place. Entering the field of law as a legal assistant or paralegal is one of them. If you are interested in working in private law firms, the real estate industry, insurance companies, hospitals, nursing homes, government offi ces or financial institutions, Gannon’s legal studies program can help you develop the skills and knowledge you’ll need. As a legal studies student at Gannon, you will have the choice of completing a two year associate’s degree, four year bachelor’s degree, and/or a legal studies certificate in addition to another degree of your choosing.

The paralegal profession ranks among the fastest growing occupations in the country, and an increasing number of law firms and other employers with legal staffs are hiring paralegals to improve the availability and efficiency of legal services. Community legal service programs that provide assistance to the poor, elderly, minorities and middle income families also seek qualified paralegals. The average annual salaries for paralegals range from $34,600 to $59,000, plus bonuses.

Associate Degree Program

The two year, associate degree program requirements are: 18 credits in liberal studies, 28 credits in professional studies including an internship, 6 credits of supplementary work and 12 credits of unspecified cognate classes. All work taken may be applied toward a four year degree.

Legal Studies Certificate

The certificate may be earned as a post-associate degree or the equivalent thereof, or a post-bachelor degree. It may also be taken in conjunction with any four year degree program, if the program director of the student’s major accepts the required 18-25 credits as cognates or electives.

College Connections

Gannon’s legal studies program is approved by the American Bar Association (ABA)and is also part of the American Association of Paralegal Educators.

Classrooms used for the legal studies program are housed in the Palumbo Academic Center, which provides access to professors and other attorneys and paralegals who teach legal specialty courses.

The director of the legal studies/paralegal program is also the pre-law advisor.

Legal studies/paralegal students have opportunities to join the Paralegal Club and/or Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity.

Legal studies faculty specialize in the areas of law in which they teach courses. The most recent accolade was to the Honorable Stephanie Domitrovich, a faculty member who attained the first Judicial Ph.D. in the United States.

The Gannon Advantage

• Students at Gannon enjoy internships, co-ops and study abroad opportunities. In addition everyone completes our "Liberal Studies Core" -- 39 credits that will help prepare you for life.
• Gannon's Career Development Services Office reports that 97% of Gannon's recent graduates are employed or are enrolled in graduate studies.
• On our urban campus, students can enjoy all the conveniences of city living while feeling at home in Gannon's caring community.
• An overall 13:1 student to faculty ratio ensures that students receive the genuine commitment and personal attention they are seeking.
• Gannon's Career Service Center helps students search for graduate school or job opportunities, develop interviewing skills and design a professional resume.
• Over 70 clubs and organizations as well as 18 NCAA Division II athletics provide students the chance to be involved.