Which Top Colleges Have Paralegal Studies Degrees in Portland, OR?

Learn about paralegal degree programs near Portland, Oregon. See degree and specialization options, program requirements and courses, and get career and salary info for the region. Schools offering Paralegal degrees can also be found in these popular choices.

Career Information for Paralegals in Portland

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, paralegals could experience 18% growth in professional opportunities from 2010-2020 due, in part, to expected growth of claims in areas such as health care and intellectual property. The BLS determined in May 2011 that the 1,590 paralegals employed in the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA, area earned a mean annual salary of about $56,000.


Certificate Programs in Paralegal Studies near Portland, Oregon

Clark College

  • Program Name: Paralegal Certificate of Proficiency
  • Program Length: 53-56 credits (roughly 4-5 quarters, full-time)
  • Tuition: $3,559 per year for residents, $8,749 for non-residents (2012)
  • School Type: 2-year, public; about 13,000 students (all undergraduate)
  • Address: 1933 Fort Vancouver Way, Vancouver, Washington 98663
  • Phone: (360) 992-2000

Located 17 miles north of Portland in Vancouver, WA, Clark College offers certificate and associate degree programs, including a certificate program for aspiring paralegals. This course of study caters to students with prior college or legal office experience. The core paralegal curriculum includes courses in criminal and civil litigation, legal theory, legal procedures and ethics. You'll also complete an internship.

Portland Community College

  • Program Name: Certificate in Paralegal Studies
  • Program Length: One year, full-time
  • Tuition: $3,124 per year for residents, $7,660 for non-residents (2012)
  • School Type: 2-year, public; about 35,000 students (all undergraduate)
  • Address: 12000 SW 49th Avenue, Portland, Oregon 97219
  • Phone: (971) 722-6111

Portland Community College (PCC) is the largest institution of higher learning in the city. PCC began its paralegal studies program in 1973. The certificate program, which is approved by the American Bar Association (ABA), consists of 45 credit hours of core paralegal coursework and electives. This is a limited entry program.


Associate Degree Programs in Paralegal Studies near Portland, Oregon

Clark College

  • Program Name: Associate of Applied Science in Paralegal
  • Program Length: Two years, full-time
  • Tuition: $3,559 per year for residents, $8,749 for non-residents (2012)
  • School Type: 2-year, public; about 13,000 students (all undergraduate)
  • Address: 1933 Fort Vancouver Way, Vancouver, Washington 98663
  • Phone: (360) 992-2000

Clark College also offers an Associate of Applied Science in Paralegal. The associate degree curriculum is designed for students with no legal experience and requires 93-96 credits to complete. In addition to core paralegal classes, the associate degree curriculum includes courses in computer business applications, such as Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint and Access. Courses in state and local government, psychology and business law are also required for the associate degree, and an internship is an integral part of the program.

Portland Community College

  • Program Name: Associate of Applied Science in Paralegal Studies
  • Program Length: Two years, full-time
  • Tuition: $3,124 per year for residents, $7,660 for non-residents (2012)
  • School Type: 2-year, public; about 35,000 students (all undergraduate)
  • Address: 12000 SW 49th Avenue, Portland, Oregon 97219
  • Phone: (971) 722-6111

Also accredited by the ABA, this program includes paralegal courses, general education requirements and electives. Some of the courses you're likely to take include estate planning, law office management, immigration law and computer research in law. Additionally, the school will provide you with the opportunity to complete on-the-job training at an approved local site. Courses are taught at multiple campuses, and some are available through distance learning.

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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