Paralegal Studies

Associate of Applied Science Degree

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The UCC two-year AAS in Paralegal Studies Degree, which offers classes fully online, prepares students for highly responsible entry-level positions as paralegals or legal assistants. Students take first year courses that provide them with basic competencies and practical skills.

In the second year, students broaden their education by taking classes in specialty areas targeted to achieve the legal skills necessary to assist in the legal activities of law firms, businesses, insurance companies, financial institutions, public agencies, title companies, or government offices. The curriculum is designed to prepare students with both a theoretical understanding of the world of law and the practical skills necessary to succeed.

Students with a criminal record are strongly urged to research employability before entering the paralegal program. If students enter the paralegal program with a felony conviction, they should disclose this information to their paralegal adviser and any Cooperative Work Experience (CWE) employer.

Ready to get started?

It's easy and only requires TWO steps.

Step 1

Fill out our response form. This will alert us that you are interested in the Paralegal Studies program.

Step 2

If you are new to UCC (you've never taken a class), apply to UCC. Otherwise, you are done for now. You will be contacted about the next steps.

Careers

Upon completion students may gain employment in law firms, businesses, insurance companies, financial institutions, public agencies, title companies, or for Federal, State, County, or City government offices.

According to the Oregon Department of Labor, the projected growth rate in this industry state wide is expected to exceed 14% over the next year. Graduates with an AAS degree can earn $14 - $19 per hour.

For more information about this field, you may want to explore the Oregon Labor Market Information System website.

View / Download Career Pathways information for Paralegal Studies

Catalog Info

View / Download catalog information for Paralegal Studies (AAS Degree)

Program Requirements

• A grade of C or better must be attained in all LA (Legal Assistant) courses or courses must be retaken.
• Students who cannot accurately keyboard at least 45 wpm should plan to take OA 110 Alphabetic Keyboarding or OA 124 Keyboarding Skill Enhancement early in the program.
• If required by placement test results, students will need to take WR 115 to reach the WR 121 requirement.
• Acceptance into the Paralegal Program will be postponed if placement is below WR 115.
• A working knowledge of MS Word.

Please contact the counseling center for their hours to take your placement testing.

Scheduling requirements may prevent all courses from being offered every term. Consultation with an adviser is critical to student’s selection of courses.

Residents of WA, ID, NV, and CA

If you are from Washington, Idaho, Nevada, or California, you pay Oregon resident tuition rates. That's a big discount! You might also be interested in what life is like around UCC. Find out.

Why UCC?

At UCC, you can earn a variety of certificates and degrees that can enhance your current career or place you in the workforce sooner. Plus, UCC offers:

• Expert faculty dedicated to teaching
• Personal attention and small class sizes
• Online classes

Contact

Prospective students should visit Advising and Career Services to get started and then see a program advisor (below) to develop a more focused educational plan.

Crystal Sullivan - Contact
Chair, Associate Professor, Paralegal
Phone: 541-440-4663