What Top Colleges Have Paralegal Studies Degrees in Albuquerque?

Career and Wage Information for Paralegals in Albuquerque, New Mexico

Although paralegals don't have formal state requirements for employment, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported in 2011 that most paralegals have a degree or certificate in paralegal studies. The BLS predicted that the demand for paralegals would increase by 18% from 2010-2020. In May 2011, the BLS reported that the 1,170 paralegals in the Albuquerque, NM, area earned an average salary of about $43,000 per year.

Certificate Programs in Paralegal Studies near Albuquerque

Central New Mexico Community College

• Program Name: Certificate in Paralegal Studies
• Program Length: 32 credits
• Tuition: $1,310 per year for residents, $6,168 for non-residents (2012)
• School Type: 2-year, public; about 28,000 students (all undergraduate)
• Address: 525 Buena Vista SE, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87106
• Phone: (505) 224-3000

Central New Mexico Community College's School of Health, Wellness and Public Safety offers a paralegal studies program that has been approved by the American Bar Association. If you already have an associate or bachelor's degree, you can enroll in the paralegal studies certificate program. This 32-credit hour program takes two semesters to complete. The associate degree program curriculum includes general education courses, while the certificate program only focuses on core paralegal topics. This program requires you to complete an internship before being eligible to graduate.

Santa Fe Community College

• Program Name: Certificate in Paralegal Studies
• Program Length: 28 credits
• Tuition: $1,329 per year for residents, $3,084 for non-residents (2012)
• School Type: 2-year, public; about 4,900 students (all undergraduate)
• Address: 6401 Richards Ave, Santa Fe, New Mexico 87508
• Phone: (505) 428-1000

Santa Fe Community College (SFCC) is located approximately 50 miles northeast of Albuquerque. The School of Business, Education and Professional Studies at SFCC offers an associate degree or certificate in paralegal studies. The 28-credit hour certificate program requires one year of paralegal coursework, and the curriculum covers legal research, legal writing and civil litigation.

Associate Degree Programs in Paralegal Studies near Albuquerque

Central New Mexico Community College

• Program Name: Associate of Applied Science in Paralegal Studies
• Program Length: Two years
• Tuition: $1,310 per year for residents, $6,168 for non-residents (2012)
• School Type: 2-year, public; about 28,000 students (all undergraduate)
• Address: 525 Buena Vista SE, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87106
• Phone: (505) 224-3000

The paralegal program at Central New Mexico Community College confers an Associate of Applied Science (AAS). The 4-semester AAS in Paralegal Studies program includes coursework in civil litigation, probate, legal research and law practice. Like Central New Mexico Community College's certificate program, this course of study also requires you to complete an internship, which will help you gain professional experience before entering the workforce.

Santa Fe Community College

• Program Name: Associate of Applied Science in Paralegal Studies
• Program Length: Two years
• Tuition: $1,329 per year for residents, $3,084 for non-residents (2012)
• School Type: 2-year, public; about 4,900 students (all undergraduate)
• Address: 6401 Richards Ave, Santa Fe, New Mexico 87508
• Phone: (505) 428-1000

The 65-credit hour associate degree program at Santa Fe Community College could prepare you to work as a paralegal or legal assistant at law offices, government agencies or private corporations. This course of study takes about two years to complete and includes general education courses in addition to classes that train you in practical paralegal techniques. Courses cover forensic science, legal research, legal writing or civil litigation.