Program Overview
Quality Courses, Practicing Lawyers, Better Resources
Since 1973, our Paralegal program has provided students with the fundamental skills and training necessary for success. The program is recognized for providing high quality training and education for students. The program provides a balance of legal background and hands-on practical skills through training from lawyers practicing in the fields in which they teach. A wide selection of courses allows students flexibility in choice of elective courses.
Our broad-based curriculum offers introductory courses in such areas as family law, employment law, real estate, and criminal law, while also providing courses in skills training that give you a competitive edge. Specialized skills training courses include: interview techniques; investigation; litigation; legal research and writing; and others.
We realize that experience makes a difference. Some of our faculty offer more than 30 years of experience practicing in the field. This experience means that students benefit from learning closely from seasoned professionals who know the intricacies of the law and the paralegal profession. We also offer counseling in career development that help you to manage your career. Our Career Services department provides daily and weekly updates about paralegal employment opportunities for paralegals.
Our students show their involvement through dedication and commitment. In 2005, students founded a Paralegal Club, which provides social and academic opportunities, including strategy seminars. We’re committed to providing you with the best possible resources. In the fall of 2006 we installed a new Paralegal Department Law Library. The new library provides students with the ability to perform legal research and legal writing courses on campus, and it is a valuable resource for other paralegal courses.
Academic Overview
A recent survey of graduates shows that from 2001-2005, at least 62% of our graduates are now working as paralegals or in a related field; of those who are not employed in the field, 14% are still attending college. Our graduates take pride in striving to succeed, which means that you have a wealth of resources from which to draw, year after year.
Our program offers two options:
- an Associate of Applied Science in Paralegal Studies; and
- a one-year certificate.
In addition, if you wish to begin coursework at PCC and transfer to another institution, Portland State University and other colleges accept paralegal classes on transfer as electives for a four-year degree; if you wish to transfer to another school, you should check with that school for transferability.
Degrees and Certificates
To obtain an associate of applied science you’ll need 90 credit hours, including 21 hours of required paralegal courses; 24 credit hours of elective paralegal courses; 16 credits of general education courses; and 29 credits of other electives. In order to earn the one-year certificate, you’ll need 45 credit hours, including 21 credit hours of required paralegal courses and 24 credit hours of elective legal assistant courses.
Before entry into the program, students must:
- Take the placement test, COMPASS (math and English skills assessment unless waived by the Department chair).
- Attend an advising appointment with a Paralegal program advisor.
- Complete WR 121 as prerequisite for Paralegal classes and LA 101. (Waived for 4 year and most 2 year degrees.)
While in the program, students must:
- Maintain a “C” average in all required courses.