What Universities in Arlington, TX Have Paralegal Studies Degrees?

Learn about paralegal studies programs in the Arlington, TX, area. 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.

Certification and Career Info for Paralegals in Texas

Earning paralegal certification isn't required in Texas. However, Texas does offer voluntary certification options through the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. After completing a paralegal program, bachelor's degree program or four years of relevant work experience, paralegals can earn certification in one of seven areas by passing an exam in an area of legal specialty, some of which include civil trial law, criminal law, estate planning and probate law and personal injury trial law. Optional national certifications can also be earned through organizations like the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) and the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA).

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported in May 2011 that 252,250 paralegals and legal assistants were employed nationwide. During the same reporting period, the BLS ranked Texas as the fourth highest employer of paralegals and legal assistants in the nation, with the state employing 16,730 of these professionals. In the Arlington-Fort Worth region of Texas, 960 paralegals and legal assistants earned an average salary of approximately $48,500, which is slightly less than the state average of about $50,000.

Paralegal Studies Certificate Programs in the Arlington, Texas, Area

Tarrant County College District

  • Program Name: Certificate of Completion in Paralegal Studies
  • Program Length: 33 credit hours (roughly 1.5 years, full-time)
  • Tuition: $52 per credit hour for Tarrant County residents, $76 per credit hour for out-of-county Texas residents, $171 per credit hour for nonresidents (as of spring 2012, excluding fees)
  • Prerequisites: Bachelor's degree
  • Admission Requirements: At least 17 (unless admitted under special circumstances), basic skills test
  • School Type: 2-year, public; about 50,100 students (all undergraduate)
  • Address: 1500 Houston St., Fort Worth, Texas 76102
  • Phone: (817) 515-5100

The certificate program in legal studies is designed for students who already hold a bachelor's degree and who wish to take certification exams through NALA. While enrolled, you take courses that cover legal skills, such as helping lawyers prepare for meetings, trials and other legal functions. You also complete an internship.

Texas Woman's University

  • Program Name: Certificate in Legal Studies
  • Program Length: 18 credit hours (roughly one year, full-time)
  • Tuition: $171.84 per semester hour for residents, $201.84 per semester hour for Oklahoma residents, $522.84 per semester hour for nonresidents (as of fall 2012, excluding fees)
  • School Type: 4-year, public; over 8,300 undergraduates, nearly 6,400 graduate students
  • Address: 304 Administration Dr., Denton, Texas 76201
  • Phone: (940) 898-2133

Texas Woman's University offers a legal studies certificate program with elective courses that can benefit individuals interested in becoming paralegals. Alternatively, you can take courses designed for law school applicants. The program is designed for individuals who have already completed an undergraduate degree or who are in the process of earning one. It consists of 18 hours of coursework and may include classes like legal research, civil litigation and trial practice and family law. You can also complete a paralegal internship prior to graduation.

Paralegal Studies Associate's Degree Programs in the Arlington, Texas, Area

El Centro College

  • Program Name: Associate in Applied Science in Paralegal Studies
  • Program Length: Two years, full-time
  • Tuition: $45 per credit for Dallas County residents, $83 per credit hour for out-of-district residents, $132 per credit hour for out-of-state and international students (on-campus cost for 2012-2013 academic year, excluding fees)
  • Admission Requirements: Proof of meningitis vaccination
  • School Type: 2-year, public; about 12,000 students (all undergraduate)
  • Address: 801 Main St., Dallas, Texas 75202
  • Phone: (214) 860-2037

El Centro College offers an Associate in Applied Science in Paralegal Studies, which is the only American Bar Association-approved program of its kind in north central Texas. The curriculum includes core and elective classes in law-related subjects such as family law, legal research, bankruptcy, wills and trusts, criminal law and civil litigation. Credit for general education courses can be transferred from another institution, but you must take at least 25% of your total credits at El Centro.

Tarrant County College District

  • Program Name: Associate of Applied Science in Paralegal Studies
  • Program Length: 65 credit hours (roughly 2.5 years, full-time)
  • Tuition: $52 per semester hour for Tarrant County residents, $76 per semester hour for out-of-county Texas residents, $171 per semester hour for nonresidents (as of spring 2012, excluding fees)
  • Admission Requirements: At least 17 (unless admitted under special circumstances), basic skills test
  • School Type: 2-year, public; about 50,100 students (all undergraduate)
  • Address: 1500 Houston St., Fort Worth, Texas 76102
  • Phone: (817) 515-5100

The paralegal studies degree program at Tarrant County College (TCC) is offered through TCC's business and social sciences divisions. The courses required for this degree are available only at the Northeast Campus. The general education requirements include courses in health and wellness, social and behavioral science, communications, math and humanities.

The Associate of Applied Science in Paralegal Studies program examines legal research and writing, wills and trusts, civil litigation, family law and personal injury. To earn your degree, you also need to participate in a legal internship and a cooperative internship designed to give you experience working in a law office environment.

Paralegal Studies Bachelor's Degree Program in the Arlington, Texas, Area

Texas Wesleyan University

  • Program Name: Bachelor of Science in Paralegal Studies
  • Program Length: 124 credit hours (roughly 4-5 years, full-time)
  • Tuition: $10,420 per semester (cost for 2012-2013 academic year, including fees)
  • School Type: 4-year, private not-for-profit; over 1,700 undergrads, nearly 1,500 graduate students
  • Address: 1201 Wesleyan St., Fort Worth, Texas 76105
  • Phone: (817) 531-4941

Texas Wesleyan University offers a Bachelor of Science in Paralegal Studies that can prepare you for entry-level careers as a paralegal or legal assistant and provide the education necessary to apply to law schools. This 124-hour course of study can train you in practical paralegal techniques, as well as legal theory and justice systems. Some of the courses you can take include business law, criminal law, constitutional law, intellectual property law and administrative law. You also need to complete an internship to graduate.

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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