• provide students with fundamental knowledge of substantive and procedural law and the necessary skills to perform legal research.
• provide students with critical thinking skills to enable them to analyze problems by identifying and evaluating alternative solutions.
• provide students with oral and written communication skills, including interviewing and investigation skills.
• provide students with the knowledge of the ethical guidelines governing the conduct of attorneys and paralegals.
• encourage students to participate in continuing education activities and maintain memberships in professional organizations.
• measure key student learning outcomes continuously and identify and implement opportunities for improvement.

Offered at Brooklyn Center, Independence, Mall of America, Overland Park, Rapid City, Roseville, Sioux Falls and Zona Rosa (pending state approval).

The Rapid City program is approved by the American Bar Association.

Any person convicted of a felony may not serve as a paralegal in the State of South Dakota without the approval of the South Dakota Supreme Court.

Educational Goals for the Associate of Applied Science Degree in Paralegal Studies

The program will:

• provide students with fundamental knowledge of substantive and procedural law and the necessary skills to perform legal research.
• provide students with critical thinking skills to enable them to analyze problems by identifying and evaluating alternative solutions.
• provide students with oral and written communication skills, including interviewing and investigation skills.
• provide students with the knowledge of the ethical guidelines governing the conduct of attorneys and paralegals.
• encourage students to participate in continuing education activities and maintain memberships in professional organizations.
• measure key student learning outcomes continuously and identify and implement opportunities for improvement.

Offered at Brooklyn Center, Independence, Mall of America, Overland Park, Rapid City, Roseville, Sioux Falls and Zona Rosa (pending state approval).

Under the supervision of an attorney, a paralegal may interview clients and witnesses; draft court pleadings and other legal documents; perform legal research; investigate medical, police, and other records; attend hearings; assist in trial preparations; and assist at trial. A paralegal may not give legal advice, represent a client in court, or set fees.

Students receive their paralegal education from experienced attorneys. During their academic career, paralegal students use National American University's 5,000-volume law library (Rapid City) and WESTLAW® computer-assisted research service, which enables students to research statutes and court decisions from across the nation. As part of their course work, students observe criminal and civil trials and bankruptcy hearings at the state and federal courthouses. Students also receive valuable experience during their internships in law firms and other law-related offices.

Any person convicted of a felony may not serve as a paralegal in the State of South Dakota without the approval of the South Dakota Supreme Court.

Educational Goals for the Bachelor of Science Degree in Paralegal Studies

The program will:

• provide students with fundamental knowledge of substantive and procedural law and the necessary skills to perform legal research.
• provide students with critical thinking skills to enable them to analyze problems by identifying and evaluating alternative solutions.
• provide students with oral and written communication skills, including interviewing and investigation skills.
• provide students with the knowledge of the ethical guidelines governing the conduct of attorneys and paralegals.
• encourage students to participate in continuing education activities and maintain memberships in professional organizations.
• measure key student learning outcomes continuously and identify and implement opportunities for improvement.

Offered at Brooklyn Center, Independence, Mall of America, Overland Park, Rapid City, Roseville, Sioux Falls and Zona Rosa (pending state approval).

The Rapid City program is approved by the American Bar Association.

An associate of applied science degree in Paralegal Studies is offered for those students who wish to pursue a course of study emphasizing basic paralegal skills. Credits earned in this program will apply toward a bachelor of science degree in Paralegal Studies. Students can normally achieve the Bachelor's degree in six additional quarters.

Any person convicted of a felony may not serve as a paralegal in the State of South Dakota without the approval of the South Dakota Supreme Court.

Educational Goals for the Associate of Applied Science Degree in Paralegal Studies

The program will:

• provide students with fundamental knowledge of substantive and procedural law and the necessary skills to perform legal research.
• provide students with critical thinking skills to enable them to analyze problems by identifying and evaluating alternative solutions.
• provide students with oral and written communication skills, including interviewing and investigation skills.
• provide students with the knowledge of the ethical guidelines governing the conduct of attorneys and paralegals.
• encourage students to participate in continuing education activities and maintain memberships in professional organizations.
• measure key student learning outcomes continuously and identify and implement opportunities for improvement.

The Rapid City program is approved by the American Bar Association.