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Bachelor of Science in Paralegal Studies and Litigation Technologies

Advance Your Paralegal Career with a Bachelor's Degree

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Bachelor's Degree in Paralegal Studies

Career Outlook and Growth

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, paralegal and legal assistant jobs are expected to grow much faster than average at a growth rate of 11% or higher through the year 2031 with projected job openings of 45,800 in the United States.1

Furthermore, U.S. News ranked Paralegal as one of the best social service jobs of 2022.2 Trends also suggest that employers are becoming more selective and placing greater preference on paralegal candidates with a four-year degree.3

Earning your degree now means you’ll be prepared for the jobs of the future.

1See https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/23-2011.00. Also see Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2020/21 Edition, Paralegals and Legal Assistants, on the Internet at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/legal/paralegals-and-legal-assistants.htm. Site visited on 1/20/2023. Also, job market conditions are dynamic and can change. This data is not intended to predict the market conditions that will be present when you graduate from your program and may differ based on your geographic location and other factors.
2See U.S. News Best Social Service Jobs 2022.
3Robert Half©2015 Salary Guide for the Legal Field

Expanding Career Opportunities

As a graduate of the Bryan University Bachelor’s Degree in Paralegal Studies and Litigation Technologies, career opportunities4 may include:

  • Corporate Paralegal
  • Litigation Paralegal
  • Discovery Paralegal
  • Legal Analyst
  • Legal Support Specialist
  • Legal Assistant
  • Litigation Clerk

4 Example occupations shown herein do not imply a guarantee of employment. Students are responsible for conducting occupational research for their chosen program. Employers have unique hiring practices and job-specific requirements, which may include years of experience for manager positions. Graduates with little to no prior experience should expect an entry-level position.

Attractive Employers Include

  • Local and international law firms
  • Corporate legal departments
  • Professional services firms
  • Finance and insurance firms
  • Government agencies
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Career & Job Search Services for Students & Grads

You’ll receive a dedicated career services advisor that provides job search assistance, job networking best practices, interview preparation, and helps you create an eye-catching resume.

Employers Who Have Hired BU Grads

Program Highlights

120
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Total Credits
100%
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Online
2
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Courses at a Time
8
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Weeks per Course

Get the Skills Employers Want

Bryan U programs are aligned with employers’ needs to ensure you get the most current and relevant skills, including:

Bachelor's Degree

  • Managing attorney- and client-support functions
  • Conducting investigation of facts and performing legal research related to a case
  • Compiling evidence and preparing materials for trial
  • Directing and coordinating law-office operations
  • Preparing and indexing legal documents, reports and other litigation materials using computer software
  • Maintaining electronic databases and all electronic materials and documents related to law cases using relevant e-Discovery software

Gain Valuable Experience

Bryan University’s Paralegal Studies Bachelor’s Degree is aligned with current competencies that law firms need and developed in collaboration with industry experts. You’ll gain real-world practice experience online combined with assignments that simulate job tasks to ensure you’re job-ready upon graduation.

Use our proprietary ELSSA™ simulation lab (E-Discovery Lab for Software, Simulation & Applications), use industry software to practice and build your electronic discovery skills.

Simulated Job Tasks

Complete course assignments that are based on real-world cases and simulate related job tasks.

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Upgrade Your Skills & Career Options: Stackable Programs with Dual Enrollment

All Bryan University programs are stacked, which means once you earn your Paralegal Studies Certificate and Paralegal Studies Associate Degree, you can transfer these credits directly into the Bachelor’s Degree in Paralegal Studies and Litigation Technologies. If you already obtained college credit or an associate degree from another accredited school, we’ll accept as many credits as possible to accelerate your completion time.

Hear from Our Successful Graduates

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“I’ve never met a group who care about students the way the instructors do at Bryan. It was an awesome experience.”
–Brandon Granger, BU Graduate
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"The experience at Bryan University exceeded my expectations and improved my life." 
–Claire Cielinski, BU Graduate

Meet Your Program Faculty

Christine Leavitt
Christine Leavitt
Program Director, Bryan University

Christine Leavitt is an attorney who is licensed to practice in Arizona, California, and Utah. Christine works in the field of employment and labor law as Associate General Counsel to one of the largest private insurance brokerages, a job which she has held for the past six years. In 2011, Christine was invited to be a guest lecturer in Ukraine as part of the U.S. Build Initiative, and she taught at five law schools in western Ukraine. Christine also externed with the U.S. District Court for the District of Utah, Utah Legal Services, and the Beaver County Public Defender’s office, for which work she received the J. Reuben Clark Public Service Award.

Christine graduated with a Juris Doctor Degree from Brigham Young University’s J. Reuben Clark Law School with honors. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Southern Utah University, where she double majored in Political Science and Spanish, graduating with high honors and as Valedictorian of her class. Christine is very energetic and passionate. She loves learning and enjoys meeting new people. She is also the mother of four, an accomplished pianist, and a long distance runner. Her hobbies include traveling and spending as much time as possible exploring the outdoors with her family.

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Christine Leavitt
Christine Leavitt Program Director, Bryan University

Christine Leavitt is an attorney who is licensed to practice in Arizona, California, and Utah. Christine works in the field of employment and labor law as Associate General Counsel to one of the largest private insurance brokerages, a job which she has held for the past six years. In 2011, Christine was invited to be a guest lecturer in Ukraine as part of the U.S. Build Initiative, and she taught at five law schools in western Ukraine. Christine also externed with the U.S. District Court for the District of Utah, Utah Legal Services, and the Beaver County Public Defender’s office, for which work she received the J. Reuben Clark Public Service Award.

Christine graduated with a Juris Doctor Degree from Brigham Young University’s J. Reuben Clark Law School with honors. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Southern Utah University, where she double majored in Political Science and Spanish, graduating with high honors and as Valedictorian of her class. Christine is very energetic and passionate. She loves learning and enjoys meeting new people. She is also the mother of four, an accomplished pianist, and a long distance runner. Her hobbies include traveling and spending as much time as possible exploring the outdoors with her family.

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Tiffany Bratt
Instructor, Bryan University

JD, Brigham Young University Law School; BA, English, Brigham Young University

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Tiffany Bratt Instructor, Bryan University

JD, Brigham Young University Law School; BA, English, Brigham Young University

Marty Chadwick
Marty Chadwick
Instructor, Bryan University

Marty Chadwick is a political science graduate of Columbia College and has a J.D. from Western New England University. A resident of Gilbert, Arizona, he is an active member of the Arizona State Bar and prior member of the Massachusetts Bar and the Virginia Bar; where he practiced contract, criminal, elder, juvenile, and estate planning law. He is a professional mediator with his own Arizona firm, Mediation Path, where he mediates divorce, family law, employment, and elder conflicts. He has also mediated for the Pinal County Courts, the Office of the Arizona Attorney General, the Maricopa County Justice Courts, and the EEOC. Prior to this, Marty had a long career as a C-level executive in Healthcare.

Prior to teaching at Bryan, Marty was an adjunct instructor in the Lamson College paralegal program. His significant other, sons and several grandchildren in the area keep him busy, humble, perplexed, and delighted. He also enjoys volunteer work with the fire department, hiking, golfing, cooking, creative writing, and experimenting with water coloring

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Marty Chadwick
Marty Chadwick Instructor, Bryan University

Marty Chadwick is a political science graduate of Columbia College and has a J.D. from Western New England University. A resident of Gilbert, Arizona, he is an active member of the Arizona State Bar and prior member of the Massachusetts Bar and the Virginia Bar; where he practiced contract, criminal, elder, juvenile, and estate planning law. He is a professional mediator with his own Arizona firm, Mediation Path, where he mediates divorce, family law, employment, and elder conflicts. He has also mediated for the Pinal County Courts, the Office of the Arizona Attorney General, the Maricopa County Justice Courts, and the EEOC. Prior to this, Marty had a long career as a C-level executive in Healthcare.

Prior to teaching at Bryan, Marty was an adjunct instructor in the Lamson College paralegal program. His significant other, sons and several grandchildren in the area keep him busy, humble, perplexed, and delighted. He also enjoys volunteer work with the fire department, hiking, golfing, cooking, creative writing, and experimenting with water coloring

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Meet Your General Education Faculty

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Valerie Akbulut Instructor, Bryan University

MA in Interpersonal Communication, University of Central Florida; MA in Multicultural Communication, DePaul University; BA in Journalism, Integrated Communications: Public Relations and Advertising, Butler University

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Valerie Akbulut portrait
Valerie Akbulut Instructor, Bryan University

MA in Interpersonal Communication, University of Central Florida; MA in Multicultural Communication, DePaul University; BA in Journalism, Integrated Communications: Public Relations and Advertising, Butler University

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Kelly Baker Instructor, Bryan University

DPA in Public Administration from West Chester University; MA in Communication Studies from West Chester University and BA in Communications from Immaculata University

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Kelly Baker portrait
Kelly Baker Instructor, Bryan University

DPA in Public Administration from West Chester University; MA in Communication Studies from West Chester University and BA in Communications from Immaculata University

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Emily Chaffin Instructor, Bryan University

MA in English, Arkansas State University; BA in English, Faulkner University

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Emily Chaffin Instructor, Bryan University

MA in English, Arkansas State University; BA in English, Faulkner University

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Program Learning Outcomes

Following the completion of this program, students will be able to:

  • Develop and utilize client support functions.
  • Perform attorney support functions.
  • Logistically identify and utilize legal research.
  • Acquire administrative level documents.
  • Support global business communications.
  • Provide beneficial clerical support.
  • Solve issues to support team functionality and delivery.
  • Critically think through and draft specific legal documents such as contracts, depositions, and pleadings.
  • Develop comprehensive knowledge, skills, and abilities to research, investigate facts and create supportive legal arguments for trial.
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Explore Paralegal Courses

  • EDS-210, 3.0 credits
    ESI and E-Discovery Skill Building
    This course provides an understanding of electronically stored information (ESI) fundamentals and the opportunity to build practical e-discovery paralegal skills using current software applications housed within the Bryan University E-Discovery Lab for Software, Simulation, and Applications (ELSSA).
    expand details
  • EDS-200, 3.0 credits
    Foundations of E-Discovery
    This course explores the procedures associated with e-discovery. Students gain a comprehensive understanding of the Electronic Discovery Reference Model (EDRM) and the role of the paralegal in each phase. Topics include the pre-trial litigation process and the forms and phases of general discovery.
    expand details
  • IND-300, 3.0 credits
    Current Events in the Industry
    This course provides an opportunity for students to explore current events in the industry. Topics include issues, trends, legislation, and ethics within the student's chosen field.
    expand details
  • EDS-450, 3.0 credits
    E-Discovery Project Management
    Students will learn the fundamental principles of traditional project management and how to apply these principles to the management of an e-discovery project. Students will work within a process framework using methodology to effectively manage the scope, time and cost of an electronic discovery project.
    expand details
  • EDS-400, 3.0 credits
    Analytics and Technology Assisted Review
    This course will introduce students to analytics technologies designed to make document review and analysis more efficient. Students will gain experience with data analytics tools and also gain a general understanding of technology assisted review or predictive coding, and the tools and processes associated with machine learning and the auto- categorization of documents.
    expand details
  • EDS-380, 3.0 credits
    Legal Office Productivity and Database Management
    This course focuses on essential productivity applications. Students will explore tools and methods essential to modern paralegal tasks and will learn the importance of databases to EDiscovery applications. Topics include data analysis, indexing, and database structures.
    expand details

Pagination Testimonials

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A legacy of graduate success since 1940.

Accreditation & Approvals

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Benefits for You

Included in Tuition

As a Bryan University student, you’ll receive these benefits and services included in tuition at no extra cost.

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    Industry Certifications & Credentials

    Prepare for third-party certifications – one certification exam attempt paid for by the university.

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    Electronic Books & Courseware

    We give you easy access to your e-textbooks and software.

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    Tutoring & Academic Support

    Our tutors and academic staff provide personalized support whenever you need it.

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    School Starter Kit

    You’ll receive a starter package to ensure you’re ready to succeed in your program.

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    Accelerated Programs & No Waiting Lists

    Finish in the shortest time possible and never get wait-listed for course registration.

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    Refresher Classes

    As a graduate, audit previously completed courses free to keep your skills sharp.

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    Personal Success Coach

    You'll receive dedicated support to help you succeed in and out of the classroom.

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    Career Services

    Get expert help to ensure you're job-ready and connect with employers.

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    Mentoring from Expert Faculty

    Learn from faculty with real-world experience in their field.

Highly Recommended by Students & Grads

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Why Learn Online

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Flexible & Convenient

We recognize that life can be busy and complex, so we’ve designed the learning experience around you. You have the option to complete your homework assignments online each week at days and times convenient to you. You have the flexibility to resubmit homework to improve your grades and gain greater mastery of the course content.

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Learn Faster & Retain More

We provide you with user-friendly learning technology such as adaptive digital textbooks and simulated job tasks to help you learn faster, easier, and retain more knowledge. All your efforts are recorded so you can track your progress and plan your time more effectively.

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Live Classes & Academic Support

Studying online with Bryan lets you learn from the comfort of home while connecting you in live events with peers, teachers, industry professionals, and mentors. If you happen to miss the event, we record them so can you watch them later and not miss a beat. Whenever you need help with an assignment, you can schedule a tutor at any time online with the click of a button.

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Connect with Peers, Faculty & Industry Experts

At Bryan, we don’t think learning online means learning alone. Connect with faculty, peers, and student support conveniently from your smartphone, tablet, or computer using Zoom, a user-friendly video app. You’ll join a vibrant community that includes industry experts who will provide support, expand your professional network, and celebrate your success along the way.

How You Learn Online

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Live Classes on Zoom

Most programs provide live classes that are also recorded in case you miss them and need to watch them later - click here for a list of live classes by program.

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Re-submit Homework for Mastery

Didn't get the grade you wanted? At Bryan U, you can resubmit your homework to improve your grades.

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User-Friendly Learning Technology

You'll learn using a program that adapts to your knowledge level while helping you learn faster and retain more.

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Share Your Interests

Engage with others in class using a social platform to share your thoughts on topics you're interested in.

BU Student Experience

Affording College

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Tuition Lock Guarantee

Bryan offers affordable tuition rates for all students, no matter where they reside. We don't differentiate between residents or non-residents. We also lock-in your tuition rate when you enroll, so you can rest assured that your tuition will never increase over the length of your program.

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Transfer Credits

If you apply to Bryan University with prior college credits and/or a degree, we’ll accept as many credits as possible to validate the hard work you’ve already completed. If you complete a Bryan U associate degree or undergraduate certificate, these credits are transferrable to a higher degree, such as a bachelor’s degree.

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Financial Aid if You Qualify

As an accredited institution, students of Bryan University who are residents of the United States may qualify for federal financial aid. Our team of dedicated financial advisors can also help you understand what other options are available to you. To learn about those who qualify, please visit our financial aid page.

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Active-Duty Military & Veterans

For students who are veterans or active-duty members of the U.S. military, you may also use your military educational benefits, if qualified. Please see our military benefits page for more details. You may also complete the Request Information form or call us at 888-721-9773 to receive immediate assistance.

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Tuition Rates Go Down the Longer You're in School

As you progress through each credential level (e.g., certificate to associate degree, or associate degree to bachelor's degree), your tuition decreases. Plus, your tuition is locked in once you enroll so that it never goes up as long as you remain continuously enrolled in good academic standing. For a current listing of Bryan University's tuition rates by program, please visit our tuition rates page.

Admission Requirements

To be admitted to Bryan University, prospective students must complete the following requirements:

  • Earn a high school diploma or its equivalent.
  • Be at least 17 years of age. If a student is under the age of 18, they will be required to have a parent or legal guardian counter-sign enrollment forms.
  • Fill out the University’s Application and pay a $25 registration fee.
  • Pass a computer and internet speed assessment to ensure technology minimums are met. Please see the university’s course catalog to see detailed technology requirements.
  • Complete all required forms for admission.
  • For transfer credit evaluation, submit official transcripts from past colleges and universities attended.
  • Complete an online introductory course – “LaunchPad” – to demonstrate the ability to navigate online coursework.
  • Attend online orientation to meet your faculty and classmates.
  • For all healthcare, public health, and paralegal programs, applicants must complete and pass a required criminal background check, which is provided by the university.
  • Note that students applying to healthcare programs may need to identify a practicum site. The university provides a list of approved practicum sites and will support students in site selection.

To begin this process, we invite you to contact a member of our admissions team at 888-768-6861 or complete the Request Information form.

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