How to Choose a Paralegal Educational Program
Have you been considering a career as a paralegal? Are you thinking of getting a degree in Paralegal Studies? There are a wide variety of programs offered to prepare a paralegal for a career in the legal. You can find anything from a certificate program lasting several months, to a bachelor’s degree which requires four years to graduate. The courses are delivered in various ways. Some are on-campus classes, while others are offered online. There is also a lot of variation in pricing. The list that follows is by no means meant to be an exhaustive list of available programs. These are just a few we found to give you an idea of the differences in programs and pricing.
1) Liberty University offers an online certificate program and an online Associate’s degree in Paralegal Studies. The certificate program is 18 credits, totaling 18 hrs. The Associate’s program is a one-year program (if students follow the one-year completion plan). The program totals to 60 hours. Each credit hour amounts to $340.
2) Duke University is one of the top paralegal programs in the country despite not being an ABA-approved program (American Bar Association). Duke has been quoted to not apply for ABA approval because they do not know if it’s in the best interest of their students as it may change tuition costs. Duke offers a classroom-based program as a well as an online global program. The classroom-based program is in Durham, North Carolina.
The Paralegal Studies Program is an intensive 300-hour course of study. It is a qualified program by the NC State Bar and graduates can apply for the Graduate Bar Paralegal Exam. Tuition is $5,395 (excluding costs of textbooks).
The Online Global program teaches essential skills for paralegals. It is a 156-hour course of study. The tuition is $6,995 (excluding cost of textbooks).
3) Kaplan University – Maine Campus is one of the more expensive options at $66,780 or $371 per credit for a total of 180 credits. However, their Bachelor of Science courses in Paralegal Studies are intensive and they boast a 90% job placement rate upon graduation. Their retention rate may be on the lower side, but that could be due to a variety of reasons. Most graduates find work upon graduation and are even eligible to take the Paralegal Advanced Competency Exam (PACE).
4) George Washington University offers a 32-credit Master’s program in Paralegal Studies. For those who have already graduated from an undergraduate school and want to advance their degrees, GWU may be a preferred option. Classes are held online or at the Foggy Bottom Campus. Each credit costs $750.
5) Pace University offers a certificate program and boasts that students can complete it within five months. Students are taught applicable skills such as learning to use research engines such as LexisNexis and Westlaw. Students are also given “real world” assignments to prepare them for work. Tuition and further information is not displayed on the site, so prospective students will have to fill out their information on Pace.edu to request further information.
6) Los Angeles City College is an ABA-approved program. The objective of the school is to thoroughly prepare students in substantive and procedural law to complete any paralegal task in an efficient, professional, and ethical manner. The school only offers a 60-hour Associate’s degree. Since it is a city college, tuition is cheaper. Out-of-state residents pay $188 per unit and in-state residents pay through a determination of their expected family contribution and financial need.
7) University of San Diego is another ABA-approved program. They offer “day and evening classes, employment assistance, financial aid, and internship opportunities.” Full-time students (12-18 units) are charged a base tuition each semester. Tuition for the 2013-14 school year is $40,900 or $20,450 per semester. Part-time students pay $1,410 per unit for up to 11 units.
8) Long Island University’s Brooklyn Campus offers a 328-hour, non-credit certificate, ABA-approved program designed to prepare students to work at a law firm, a government agency, law department, bank, real estate company, and insurance company. This program offers a diverse background. Tuition is not based on credits, but program courses. Course tuition ranges from $110 to $825 per class.
When comparing paralegal programs, be sure to speak to representatives of the school. Ask to also speak to current students and former students. Paralegals in your community are another helpful resource. Ask paralegals in your area for advice on how to choose a good paralegal program that is right for you.
If you enjoyed this article, you might also like “3 Organizations That Could Help You Advance Your Paralegal Career”.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Susan Kay is a Co-Founder and Co-Owner of Brown & Jones Reporting, Inc. Connect with her on LinkedIn and Google+.
Tags: Paralegals, tips for paralegals
