Paralegal Academic Programs
Times have changed and now for an individual to become a paralegal, he will likely be required to earn a education in the field. There are around 600 programs in the United States geared toward training paralegals. Your choice of the institution will greatly determine your education as they all vary in different ways. Programs vary in the time spent and the matters covered. Available are Associate, Baccalaureate, and Master’s degrees as well as certificate programs.
Associate Degree
To be awarded with an associate, you must pass between 60 and 70 credited units which can be obtained through community colleges, four-year universities and business schools. The semester units will be comprised of a grouping of paralegal courses, general education courses and other areas that relate. These will be separated into two different halves of study.
Baccalaureate Degree
These programs are comprised of a total 120 to 130 semester units, which 30 to 60 of those are paralegal and related courses all of which will be accessible at four-year colleges and universities that allow paralegal studies major, minor, or concentrations with a major.
Certificates
Less time is needed to obtain your certificate; only 18 to 60 semester units for completion. Different educational institutions make these certificates available, which are very closely similar to associate degrees, which are slightly longer and include general education and paralegal courses.
Master’s Degree
If interested, look for the colleges and universities that offer undergraduate paralegal degree programs since they often offer advanced degrees that focus on paralegal studies.
