What Top Colleges Have Paralegal Studies Degrees in Charlotte, NC?
Find out which Charlotte schools offer paralegal degree programs. See requirements and school information, and learn about the job outlook and salary info for a paralegal career in Charlotte, NC. Schools offering Paralegal degrees can also be found in these popular choices.
Career Info for Paralegals in the Charlotte Area
Paralegals typically hold an associate degree in the field, or else a bachelor's degree in a different area and additional paralegal studies certificate, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). If you're seeking training in the Charlotte area, several schools offer degree programs as well as some other options. Although certification is not required for paralegals, you can find organizations, including the National Association of Legal Assistants and National Federation of Paralegal Associations, that offer voluntary professional credentials which BLS notes might help you get a job.
Salary and Employment Outlook
As of 2011, the BLS reported that there were 2,280 paralegals and legal assistants working in the Charlotte area, and these professionals earned a mean salary of approximately $43,000. The BLS predicted a nationwide employment increase of 18% for paralegals and legal assistants between 2010 and 2020.
Paralegal Associate Degree Programs near Charlotte, NC
Central Piedmont Community College
- Program Name: Associate in Applied Science in Paralegal Technology
- Program Length: 2 years, full-time
- Tuition: $69 per credit hour for NC residents, $261 per credit hour for non-residents (costs for Fall 2012)
- Prerequisites: At least a 'C' in introductory English
- School Type: 2-year, public; almost 20,000 students (all undergraduate)
- Address: 8120 Grier Road, Bldg. 1, Suite 204, Charlotte, NC 28215
- Phone: 704-330-4857
The paralegal associate degree program at Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC) includes general education requirements and courses in areas like word processing and public speaking, as well as professional instruction in areas like legal ethics, family law and legal research. CPCC's paralegal program is approved by the American Bar Association and, upon graduation, you'll be prepared to pursue a legal assistant or paralegal position. Also available at the school is a paralegal technology diploma option for those already holding a bachelor's degree.
Gaston College
- Program Name: Associate in Applied Science in Paralegal Technology
- Program Length: 2-3 years, full-time
- Tuition: $66.50 per credit hour for NC residents, $258.50 per credit hour for non-residents (costs for 2011-2012 academic year)
- School Type: 2-year, public; approximately 6,500 students (all undergraduate)
- Address: 201 Highway 321 South, Dallas, NC 28034
- Phone: 704-922-2382
Gaston College's Dallas campus is located about 20 miles west of Charlotte. To obtain the paralegal associate degree from Gaston, you'll need to complete 65-66 credits. Paralegal classes cover topics such as commercial law, bankruptcy, civil litigation and legal writing. You can also earn up to six credits for related professional experience while completing the program, which is offered through the school's cooperative education division.
South Piedmont Community College
- Program Name: Associate in Applied Science in Paralegal Technology
- Program Length: 2 years, full-time
- Tuition: $69 per credit hour for NC residents, $261 per credit hour for non-residents (costs for Fall 2012)
- School Type: 2-year, public; around 2,800 students (all undergraduate)
- Address: 4209 Old Charlotte Highway, Monroe, NC 28110
- Phone: 704-290-5100
South Piedmont Community College (SPCC) has a paralegal associate degree program which requires a combination of general and legal education courses, as well as study in subjects such as computers and accounting. You can find elective courses that cover related topics like income taxes and court procedure, while your required classes include surveys of criminal law, corporate law and ethics. Some college credit may be awarded for external work experience, and there is a course available that allows you to discuss your professional experiences and challenges with the instructor and your peers. SPCC also offers certificate and diploma program options in paralegal technology.
To continue researching, browse degree options below for course curriculum, prerequisites and financial aid information. Or, learn more about the subject by reading the related articles below:
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