Paralegal Degrees
Paralegals are trained to assist lawyers with legal preparation and research for court hearings and may help with actual court proceedings. Some of the most common job duties performed by a paralegal include preparing documentation and forms, filing paperwork with the clerk of courts office and organizing and tracking court documents for clients. Once trained as a paralegal you can seek out employment with law firms, law libraries, large corporations or government agencies.
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Associate Degree
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Students can earn an associate degree in paralegal studies after two years of full-time study at a business, vocational, community college or select four year colleges and universities. Courses required for an associate degree include classes focusing on legal studies and general education courses such as English, math, history and science. You can find a job in the paralegal field with an associate degree and can work toward a bachelor's degree.
Bachelor's Degree
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Few universities offer a bachelor's degree in paralegal studies and it can be earned with a concentration along with another major. Although the National Federation of Paralegal Associations encourages paralegals to pursue a bachelor's degree in paralegal studies, employers still accept an associate degree or certificate as proper paralegal training. This degree will offer students more in-depth training that will be needed for future work or promotions within a law firm.
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Master's Degree
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Some four-year colleges, universities and graduate schools offer a master's degree in paralegal studies. This type of degree is generally considered as part of a master's of arts or science in law, legal studies or legal administration and takes approximately two years to complete. The master's degree is for paralegals looking to advance their legal skills and looking to advance their current careers.
Schools
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Paralegal degrees are available at technical schools, community colleges, four-year universities, graduate schools and online. The level of degree you are seeking will determine which type of school you will need to apply to. Some online and technical schools include Keiser College, Kaplan University and Everest College. Some state and private colleges and universities offering paralegal degree programs include Virginia College, George Washington University and Brookline College.
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