A convenient, affordable and streamlined approach to earn the Bachelor of Arts in Paralegal Studies degree.
Who can enroll in the program?
- Students who have completed or intend to complete an Associate in Applied Sciences (AAS) in Legal Studies degree at COD.
- New students to College of DuPage (COD) who indicate their intent to enter the 3+1 program.
How does the program work?
- Students complete 64 hours of coursework at COD that will include both the Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree.
- Upon completing the AAS degree, students then complete 28 credit hours of additional COD courses while enrolled at Lewis University.
- Students then complete 36 credit hours of Lewis University coursework.
- Students should apply for admission to Lewis one semester prior to enrolling in Lewis coursework.
- All classes are held at the COD Glen Ellyn campus, online or at the Lewis University main campus in Romeville.
- The final 36 Lewis University credit hours are offered at a discounted tuition rate.
The Advantage
The 3+1 program allows for students to complete their Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree. Once completed, students are then allowed to take additional courses beyond the AAS degree from College of DuPage (COD) paying our much lower tuition rates. The final year of classes are taught by Lewis University faculty and are offered at a significantly reduced rate, making the goal of continuing an education a reality for more students. This program exemplifies College of DuPage's mission to make education more affordable for its students while stressing academic quality, first-class faculty and extraordinary learning environments.
Baccalaureate to Masters Option
During Year 4, students have an opportunity to apply to the Baccalaureate to Master’s program. Upon admission to the program, students may substitute up to three Criminal Justice graduate courses (see 500-level coursework) for three Paralegal Studies undergraduate courses. Tuition for the graduate coursework will be charged at the 3+1 tuition rate and financial aid will apply. After conferral of the bachelor’s degree if the student continues to the graduate program in Criminal Justice, s/he can complete the program in one year if the student completed three graduate courses as an undergraduate student. Additionally, the student will be given a 20% Frequent Flyer tuition discount.
Term-by-term Plan
- COD AAS total credits: 64
- Courses listed in italics are Lewis courses; all other courses are COD courses.
| 1st Semester Courses | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| ENGLI 1101 - English Composition I | 3 |
| POLS 1101 American Government | 3 |
| MATH 1218 | 3 |
| PLGL 1150 Drafting Legal Documents | 3 |
| PLGL 1100 Intro to Paralegal Studies | 3 |
| 2nd Semester Courses | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| PHILO 1110 - Ethics | 3 |
| SPEEC 1100 - Fundamentals of Speech Communication | 3 |
| Science with a lab | 4 |
| OFTI 1200 MS Office for Professional Staff | 3 |
| PLGL Program Elective | 3 |
| 3rd Semester Courses | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| PLGL Program Elective** | 3 |
| PLGL 1200 Civil Litigation | 3 |
| PLGL 1250 Legal Ethics and Law Office Organizations | 3 |
| PLGL 1500 Intro to Legal Research and Writing | 3 |
| PLGL 2500 Personal Injury, Tort and Insurance Law | 3 |
| 4th Semester Courses | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| PLGL 2100 Advanced Legal Research and Writing | 3 |
| PLGL 2425 Law Office Technology | 3 |
| PLGL 2600 Paralegal Practicum | 3 |
| PLGL Program Elective | 3 |
| PLGL Program Elective | 3 |
| OFTI 2600 Professional Development | 3 |
Completion of AA Degree: 64 credit hours
*Students may elect to lighten their course loads during the first four semesters and beyond by taking some of their COD courses over the summer term.
**Preference for program electives other than Family Law and Immigration Law
Lewis University total credits = 36 and COD additional credits = 28
****Courses listed in italics are Lewis courses; all other courses are COD courses.
| 5th Semester Courses | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| CSJS 20000 - Courts and Probation | 3 |
| ENGLI 1102 English Composition II | 3 |
| *POLS 2203 Comparative Politics | 3 |
| Humanities & Fine Arts (Humanities) | 3 |
| Science non-lab | 3 |
| Humanities & Fine Arts (Fine Arts) | 3 |
| 6th Semester Courses | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| CSJS 44500 - Criminal Procedure/ CSJS 53600 Criminal Procedure | 3 |
| Humanities & Fine Arts | 3 |
| Social Science | 3 |
| *Any non-duplicated COD course | 3 |
| *Any non-duplicated COD course | 3 |
| *Any non-duplicated COD course | 1 |
- Lewis University total credits = 36 and COD total credits = 21
- ****Courses listed in italics are Lewis courses; all other courses are COD courses.
| 7th Semester Courses | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| PHIL 31000 Philosophy of Law | 3 |
| CSJS 43000 - Elements of Criminal Law/ CSJS 55500 Criminal Law | 3 |
| PRLG 33000 Immigration Law | 3 |
| THEO 1000 Search for Faith | 3 |
| PRLG 30200 Interviewing and Investigation | 3 |
| 8th Semester Courses | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| PRLG 40100 Paralegal Capstone Practicum | 3 |
| PRLG 31800 Family Law | 3 |
| SOCI 29000 - Diversity and Social Justice | 3 |
| POLS 36100 Western Political Thought | 3 |
| PRLG 30300 Ethics and Professional Responsibility/ CSJS 53300 Ethics and Integrity | 3 |
Students may elect to lighten their course loads during the first four semesters and beyond by taking some of their COD courses over the summer term.
Please note all COD coursework must be completed before the student's final Lewis year
**** Students utilizing financial aid must apply and be accepted into Lewis University prior to taking any classes beyond the AAS degree. It is recommended that students using financial aid should begin applying to Lewis University one semester before completing the AAS degree and ask for the financial aid consortium agreement. Students also need to apply for graduation from the AAS degree program at COD. Not doing so will result in not receiving financial aid.
Important Notes
- Students are encouraged to meet with a College of DuPage advisor for help planning for the College of DuPage portion of the program.
- Courses are not listed in sequence. Please consult your academic advisor and the current course schedule to determine when courses should be taken.
- A student must earn a minimum of 128 credit hours to qualify for graduation with a bachelor's degree. At least 36 of the 128 credit hours for graduation must be completed through Lewis University. Students follow the degree requirements for the catalog year in which they enter Lewis University.
- Students cannot take College of DuPage courses during their last semester before graduation from Lewis University.
**** Students utilizing financial aid must apply and be accepted into Lewis University prior to taking any classes beyond the AAS degree. It is recommended that students using financial aid should begin applying to Lewis University one semester before completing the AAS degree and ask for the financial aid consortium agreement. Students also need to apply for graduation from the AAS degree program at COD. Not doing so will result in not receiving financial aid.
+ Only one science needs to have a lab.
Contact Information
Counseling, Advising and Transfer Services
Student Services Center (SSC), Room 3200
(630) 942-2259
Michelle Mega
Director Academic Partnerships
Lewis University
megami@lewisu.edu
(815) 836-5342