With all the paralegal degrees and programs available out there, how do you choose a paralegal degree program is suited to your needs? Depending on many factors such as your past experience, education, your interests, and your schedule-the type of program you choose may vary.
The best thing to do is get acquainted with the various programs available and which one is the best fit for you and your needs.
Here is a list of paralegal degrees and programs available for you to consider.
Paralegal Certificate Programs
Paralegal certificate programs are the most widely available. They are available at many business, vocational, two-year schools, and community colleges. They are also available at some larger universities, however, most are available at community colleges. Their duration vary widely as well, and can run from three months to two years.
Some paralegal programs do not require a bachelor’s or community college degree if the applicant can demonstrate sufficient experience as a legal assistant or secretary.
These programs typically offers studies in law, research, and other legal fundamentals, while the more lengthy programs with a GE, such as an associate’s degree program. It is highly recommended that you do some research as to whether the institution you want to work at will except a certificate training program alone is sufficient work preparation.
Paralegal Studies Associates Degrees
Paralegal studies associate degrees are usually obtained after a full two years of study full-time. They are usually offered at business, vocational, and community colleges, as well as, some four year colleges. These are usually GE type courses along with legal courses.
A 2008 survey conducted by the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA), concluded that 36% of paralegals obtained associates degrees in paralegal studies. Associates program can be transferred to four-year colleges and applied to a bachelors degree, which is very appealing to many.
Paralegal Studies Bachelors Programs
Paralegal studies bachelors programs are not as common as the associates or certificate programs, and most four year colleges won’t have a major and paralegal studies but they may offer it as a minor or a concentration within a major such as criminal justice.
Future paralegals are recommended to attain a bachelors degree by top paralegal associations. However, whether this is necessary or not really depends on the lawyer and whether they are okay with an Associates degree or paralegal certificate. This is often the case. Surveys indicate that about 42% of paralegals have a bachelors degree, making it the most popular among them.
Bachelor’s degrees in paralegal studies offer a solid foundation in business and liberal arts, as well as in-depth training for future paralegals who want to work for law firms.
Advanced Paralegal Degree Programs
Masters degrees in paralegal studies separate those looking for advancement as a paralegal as opposed to simply finding a job they are offered by four-year colleges and graduate schools and take a minimum of two years to complete. They are usually referred as science degrees in law, legal administration or legal studies degrees.
Masters degrees vary widely, some are intended for existing paralegals to receive top notch paralegal training, while others are simply for people coming from other fields who want to advance in the legal profession.
Some law firms may offer tuition assistance and benefits to those who acquire advanced education.
