General Studies Paralegal studies

[Raine]

I am looking for a paralegal degree to bolster my chances of getting a good job in that field. I was looking into schools and found charter oak. I am wondering what my official transcripts will say, will it say Bachelor's of General Studies in Paralegal studies? If so has anyone found that to be hinderance to them finding a job?

[Vle045]

I am looking for a paralegal degree to bolster my chances of getting a good job in that field. I was looking into schools and found charter oak. I am wondering what my official transcripts will say, will it say Bachelor's of General Studies in Paralegal studies? If so has anyone found that to be hinderance to them finding a job?

Hello!   Do you live in Connecticut?  I see their program is CBA approved (Connecticut Bar Association).  
In my opinion, I do think it is best to do a Paralegal program in the state where you live - or plan to work. An ABA program is best (American Bar Association), as some firms will prefer it.  I found that my paralegal work was pretty specific to Pennsylvania and didn’t necessarily apply to Ohio when I moved.  (Which also depends on what area of the law you work in).

[Raine]

I am looking for a paralegal degree to bolster my chances of getting a good job in that field. I was looking into schools and found charter oak. I am wondering what my official transcripts will say, will it say Bachelor's of General Studies in Paralegal studies? If so has anyone found that to be hinderance to them finding a job?

Hello!   Do you live in Connecticut?  I see their program is CBA approved (Connecticut Bar Association).  
In my opinion, I do think it is best to do a Paralegal program in the state where you live - or plan to work. An ABA program is best (American Bar Association), as some firms will prefer it.  I found that my paralegal work was pretty specific to Pennsylvania and didn’t necessarily apply to Ohio when I moved.  (Which also depends on what area of the law you work in).

No I don't live in Connecticut but I am having a hard time finding paralegal programs. It seems there are not a a lot of them. I have read a criminal justice degree with substitute but other people say it won't.

[Vle045]

Criminal Justice is completely different. What state do you live in (if in the US)

[bjcheung77]

COSC degree is a General Studies with a Paralegal Studies concentration, if that works for you, then go for it. I would supplement it with a Masters CJ since you're wanting to ladder up, I would not go for a Bachelors CJ. MS CJ can be had for inexpensively at Walden U, especially when they have discounts available and you can finish fast...

[Raine]

Criminal Justice is completely different.  What state  do you live in (if in the US)

I live in Illinois.

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COSC degree is a General Studies with a Paralegal Studies concentration, if that works for you, then go for it.  I would supplement it with a Masters CJ since you're wanting to ladder up, I would not go for a Bachelors CJ.  MS CJ can be had for inexpensively at Walden U, especially when they have discounts available and you can finish fast...

I am considering going to law school one day, but I am worried employers will see "General studies" on my transcripts and not hire me because of it. I don't know if that is a problem or not in the employment field.

[Vle045]

If you have an ABA approved program near you but it is expensive, You might want to look in to how many credits they would transfer in.  There aren’t any ABA programs that are fully online.  Your local paralegal program will have some useful classes that you would want to take locally if possible.  My legal research class had us at the Law library learning how to use the books and resources to research case law.  My Real estate law class had us down in the court house learning how to do a title search, and litigation had us at the courthouse watching live trials.  I can’t begin to imagine getting anywhere near the same experience online.   I did transfer in some of the general and lower level courses and finished it up at Gannon which was ABA approved at the time. I don’t know if they still have that program.


I don’t know of any employers that ask for a diploma or transcripts, so that shouldn’t be too much of a concern.  If you want to go to law school eventually, definitely look for that ABA program.  If they look at anything, it will be that before the diploma or transcripts.

Check out this site to see if any of these are near you.  
https://ipaonline.clubexpress.com/conten..._id=169283

[Raine]

If you have an ABA approved program near you but it is expensive, You might want to look in to how many credits they would transfer in.  There aren’t any ABA programs that are fully online.  Your local paralegal program will have some useful classes that you would want to take locally if possible.  My legal research class had us at the Law library learning how to use the books and resources to research case law.  My Real estate law class had us down in the court house learning how to do a title search, and litigation had us at the courthouse watching live trials.  I can’t begin to imagine getting anywhere near the same experience online.   I did transfer in some of the general and lower level courses and finished it up at Gannon which was ABA approved at the time. I don’t know if they still have that program.


I don’t know of any employers that ask for a diploma or transcripts, so that shouldn’t be too much of a concern.  If you want to go to law school eventually, definitely look for that ABA program.  If they look at anything, it will be that before the diploma or transcripts.

Check out this site to see if any of these are near you.  
https://ipaonline.clubexpress.com/conten..._id=169283

Thanks so much!

[bjcheung77]

Just to be on the safe side of things - You may want to check the requirements for law school in your state, just make sure to hit all those requirements needed, for example, if you need X graded credits, make sure to hit that 30-60 credit number minimum.

[ss20ts]

Have you checked with local community colleges or community colleges in your state? In NY there are several community colleges that have associate degrees in paralegal studies and help with job placement. Many have online programs as well. Might be worth checking in your home state.