Completion of the paralegal program requires 72 credit hours. Students will take legal courses such as legal research and writing, bankruptcy, family law, law office management and civil litigation. Students are also required to take a course in business computer applications and word processing. The program offers students the option of choosing a real estate specialty. Students also have the option of gaining credit hours through work experience.
Amarillo College
2011 S. Washington St.
Amarillo, TX 79109
806-371-5000
actx.edu
Elms College offers four options for paralegal education. These are associate of arts, advanced certificate, bachelor of arts in paralegal studies and bachelor of arts in social services/paralegal. The associate of arts path requires 30 hours of general education courses and 30 hours of paralegal coursework. The advanced certificate is an option for current degree-holders would like to add a paralegal certificate to their education credentials. The advanced certificate requires completion of 27 hours in legal coursework. Students who would like to graduate with a bachelor's degree in paralegal studies will complete the general education requirements as well as 52 credit hours of legal courses. For those taking the social service/paralegal path, the major requirements are 58 credit hours which are a combination of legal courses and social work courses. Completion of any of these programs earns the student an ABA-approved professional certification.
Elms College
291 Springfield Street
Chicopee, MA 01013
413-594-2761
elms.edu
Fayetteville Technical Community College offers an associate degree in paralegal technology. The 76-credit hour program takes five semesters to complete. Students will take courses such as civil litigation, wills and estates and investigations. Students are also required to participate in co-op work experience.
Fayetteville Technical Community College
2201 Hull Road
Fayetteville, NC 28303
910-678-8400
faytechcc.edu
The paralegal certification program at the University of California San Diego is for those who already hold an associate's or bachelor's degree. The part-time schedule allows students to continue their career obligations while pursuing their education on the side. The courses meet one day a week and students can expect to complete the program in 12 to 24 months depending on how many courses they take each semester. An accelerated option is also available for those holding a bachelor's degree. The accelerated option takes 12 weeks to complete and classes are held four days a week for seven hours a day.
University of California San Diego
9600 N. Torrey Pines Rd.
La Jolla, CA 92037
858-534-3400
ucsd.edu