Where Can I Earn a Paralegal Studies Degree in Houston, Texas?

Learn about paralegal programs in the Houston, Texas, area. Get information about degrees available and program requirements to make an informed decision about your education. Schools offering Paralegal degrees can also be found in these popular choices.

Career Info for Texas Paralegals

Paralegals typically hold an undergraduate degree in paralegal studies, but if you've already completed a degree in another field, there are also paralegal studies certificate programs that can prepare you for this career. Certification isn't required, but you can voluntarily earn certification credentials from different professional paralegal organizations. Completing one or more certification exams could open up employment opportunities.

For example, you might consider the Certified Legal Assistant or Certified Paralegal credentials from the National Association of Legal Assistant (NALA). You could also earn an Advanced Paralegal Certification from NALA. NALS, the association for legal professionals, administers the Professional Paralegal designation. The National Federation of Paralegal Associations offers the Registered Paralegal credential. You usually need to fulfill education and experience requirements. Specific to paralegals in Texas, the Texas Board of Legal Specialization has specialty certifications.

Salary and Job Outlook for Paralegals in the Houston Area

The BLS reported in May 2011 that paralegals and legal assistants in the Houston-Sugar Land-Baytown area of Texas earned approximately $52,000 on average each year. Between 2010 and 2020, these professionals could expect to see employment increase nationally by 18%. This average growth was predicted due to employers reducing costs by allowing paralegals to take on tasks previously attributed to lawyers.

Paralegal Associate's Degree Programs in the Houston Area

Houston Community College - Central College Campus

  • Program: Associate of Applied Science in Paralegal Technology
  • Program Length: 2 years, full time
  • Tuition: $1,625 per year for in-district students; $3,233 per year for in-state students; $3,629 per year for out-of-state students (tuition and fees for 2011-2012)
  • Prerequisite: Algebra I
  • Admission Requirements: Must meet the Texas Success Initiative (TSI) requirements
  • School Type: 2-year, public; about 63,000 undergraduates
  • Address: 1300 Holman, Houston, TX 77004
  • Phone: 713-718-6505

In this school's program, you take a variety of law and general education classes, in addition to elective choices in paralegal technology. One course option is ProDoc software for paralegals, which can prepare you to take the certification exam offered by ProDoc, Inc. To fulfill this paralegal program's requirements, you must take part in several cooperative work experiences that also include lecture components.

Lee College

  • Program: Associate of Applied Science in Paralegal Studies
  • Program Length: 2 years, full time
  • Tuition: $1,500 per year for in-district students; $2,220 per year for in-state students; $3,540 per year for out-of-state students (tuition and fees for 2011-2012)
  • Admission Requirements: Possible testing to fulfill TSI requirements
  • School Type: 2-year, public; about 6,400 undergraduates
  • Address: 511 S. Whiting, Baytown, TX 77520
  • Phone: 281-427-5611

Located about 30 miles east of Houston, this school's program includes legal courses in wills and trusts, contracts, litigation, torts law and finance. During your last semester, you choose to take either an internship or a class in advanced legal document preparation.

Lone Star College System - North Harris Campus

  • Program: Associate of Applied Science in Paralegal Studies
  • Program Length: 2 years, full time
  • Tuition: $1,408 per year for in-district students; $3,088 per year for in-state students; $3,448 per year for out-of-state students (tuition and fees for 2011-2012)
  • Admission Requirements: Proof of a bacterial meningitis vaccination
  • School Type: 2-year, public; about 63,000 undergraduates
  • Address: 2700 W.W. Thorne Drive, Houston, TX 77073
  • Phone: 281-618-5400

The 62-credit curriculum requires you to take classes in civil procedure, American government, business law and public speaking. Some of these courses are available online. During your last semester, you have the option to participate in an internship.

San Jacinto College - North Campus

  • Program: Paralegal Associate of Applied Science
  • Program Length: 2 years, full time
  • Tuition: $1,182 per year for in-district students; $1,782 per year for in-state students; $2,982 per year for out-of-state students (tuition and fees for 2011-2012)
  • Admission Requirements: Must take TSI admission tests
  • School Type: 2-year, public; about 29,400 undergraduates
  • Address: 5800 Uvalde Rd., Houston, TX 77049
  • Phone: 281-458-4050

You acquire skills in client and witness interviewing, legal research, writing, document preparation and assisting lawyers in trials. You also complete at least 18 hours of legal coursework and an English composition class. An internship experience is available for credit.

Advanced Paralegal Certificate Programs in the Houston Area

Lee College

  • Program: Certificate of Completion in Paralegal Studies
  • Program Length: 18 months, full time
  • Tuition: $1,500 per year for in-district students; $2,220 per year for in-state students; $3,540 per year for out-of-state students (tuition and fees for 2011-2012)
  • Prerequisite: Must earn a bachelor's degree or have junior standing
  • School Type: 2-year, public; about 6,400 undergraduates
  • Address: 511 S. Whiting, Baytown, TX 77520
  • Phone: 281-427-5611

In this 33-credit program, you take classes in legal research, family law, personal injury and property law. You also can select two elective courses related to the legal field. A final capstone course involving legal document preparation takes place during your last semester.

Lone Star College System - North Harris Campus

  • Program: Advanced Technical Certificate in Paralegal Studies
  • Program Length: About 18 months, full time
  • Tuition: $1,408 per year for in-district students; $3,088 per year for in-state students; $3,448 per year for out-of-state students (tuition and fees for 2011-2012)
  • Prerequisites: Associate's or bachelor's degree
  • Admission Requirements: Provide proof of a bacterial meningitis vaccination
  • School Type: 2-year, public; about 63,000 undergraduate students
  • Address: 2700 W.W. Thorne Drive, Houston, TX 77073
  • Phone: 281-618-5400

In addition to the required coursework in this ABA-approved program, you select two legal elective courses. Your capstone class requires you to engage in advanced legal research and writing. In order to earn this certificate, you must complete 35-36 credit hours.

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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