Paralegal Studies BA

About the Paralegal Bachelor's Degree at Loyola

Paralegals are essential to the legal field, providing valuable assistance in research, documentation, case preparation, and more to attorneys in various settings. If you are interested in exploring the legal workplace, a paralegal credential from Loyola University Chicago will prepare you for meaningful work in this exciting sector.

For those with an associate degree in paralegal studies, Loyola's BA in Paralegal Studies will help you refine your skills and earn a bachelor’s degree, which is required by most large legal employers.

ABA-approved and including an embedded Dual Litigation & Corporate Practice Certificate, our paralegal studies program opens doors to your career success in the legal community.

Paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public except as authorized by law.

Program Structure

The paralegal studies major comprises 40 credit hours towards the 120 credit hours required for a bachelor’s degree. Students can begin the program during any of the five 8-week sessions throughout the academic year (late August, mid-October, mid-January, mid-March, and June). Classes are held weekday evenings (and occasionally on Saturday mornings) online or at Loyola's Water Tower Campus, conveniently located off the Red Line in the heart of Chicago. All courses are offered online at least once per year. The paralegal degree can be pursued full-time or part-time.

Why Choose Loyola for Your Paralegal Degree?

Loyola's BA in Paralegal Studies will enhance your writing, research, and paralegal skills to expand your career opportunities.Our program allows students with an Associates in paralegal studies to gain an expeditious route to a bachelor's degree, which most large employers require for paralegal positions.

American Bar Association (ABA)-approved

Loyola’s Institute for Paralegal Studies meets rigorous academic, curricular, and professional standards set by the American Bar Association. The ABA is well recognized by attorneys and law firms and denotes superior education for paralegal careers with an emphasis on professional competence, and more.

Take courses around your schedule with in-person or online evening classes. Choose from four start dates throughout the year and complete your certificate full time in as little as 10 months.

Learn from attorneys who are experts in their fields, including experience in immigration, environmental law, employment law, civil litigation, real estate, and bankruptcy.

Prepare for your paralegal career through Loyola's Institute for Paralegal Studies, which has offered ABA-approved paralegal credentials since 1991. The majority of our paralegal studies graduates (90%) gain employment in the field within six months of graduation.

Meet the Faculty

Loyola is proud to have talented and nationally-recognized scholar-teachers as part of our diverse community of exceptional faculty, students and staff. Loyola faculty are known for their commitment to teaching, the dissemination of knowledge through innovative and interdisciplinary scholarly research, and a commitment to social justice and cura personalis, or care for the whole person. Visit the School of Continuing and Professional Studies faculty and staff directory to learn more about the teachers and mentors involved with the Paralegal Studies BA program.

Faculty and Staff

Curriculum and Program Outcomes

While courses for the Paralegal Studies BA program may vary from semester to semester, Loyola’s extensive Academic Catalog will always house the official listing of courses, programs of study, academic policies, degree requirements, and specialization or concentration options.

Additionally, this resource will provide Paralegal Studies BA learning outcomes, showcasing the commitment to specific skills and growth graduates can expect to achieve following completion of the program.

2023-2024 Catalog
Browse Academic Catalog

Costs, Scholarships, and Aid

Loyola University Chicago is committed to making your return to school a reality. Our Cost & Financial Aid page can help better inform you about the costs and potential funding opportunities through scholarships, loans, and aid for graduate and professional education.

Additionally, you may apply for a Jean Hellman Ryan Paralegal Scholarship.

Tuition and Costs

Students in the School of Continuing and Professional Studies will likely have the ability to influence their total cost through the use of transfer credit and non-traditional credit. Please keep that in mind when reviewing the total cost for the Paralegal Studies BA below.

The estimated tuition and fees for the Paralegal Studies BA totals $91200.00, or 120 (includes Loyola academic credit and potential transfer credit and non-traditional credit) credit hours at a cost of $760.00 per credit hour. Please note that tuition and fees for all of Loyola's academic programs are subject to change.

For more detailed information about tuition and fees, and a breakdown of how these costs are calculated on a yearly basis, please visit Tuition and Fees from the Office of the Bursar.

Visit and Connect With Us

Take advantage of a variety of different visit opportunities to find your place in our Loyola community. Loyola offers graduate open houses, information sessions, individual appointments, open Zoom and text sessions, and a multitude of other ways to get to know us better.

Schedule an Appointment

Early in your search?

Connect with an Enrollment Advisor

Already submitted an application?

Connect with an admissions team member to help you through the process.

School of Continuing and Professional Studies
To explore the School of Continuing and Professional Studies digitally, follow us on social or read up on our recent news below.
News and Stories

School of Continuing and Professional Studies Events

Jun
12
12:00PM - 12:45PM

Join Associate Dean, Jennifer Gettings, for an online information ses...

Register Now
Jun
14
12:00PM - 01:00PM

We’ve invited current students in our instructional design program to...

Register Now

Application Process

Application Deadlines

The available start terms and corresponding application deadlines for the Paralegal Studies BA are listed below. We encourage you to apply early as decisions may take longer during busy periods.

Rolling applications, recommended deadlines are:

Summer 2023: May 18, 2023
Fall I 2023: August 4, 2023
Fall II 2023: October 6, 2023
Spring I 2024 December 21, 2023

Application Requirements

Application requirements for the Paralegal Studies BA include:

  • 2.0 Minimum GPA

International Student Requirements

Additional information regarding the application process for international students can be found on the International Student Requirements page.

Additional Details

For general information and a step-by-step guide to applying for graduate and professional study, please visit our Admission Process page.

Apply Now
Request Information
Loading...