Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon Portland Community College

Paralegal

Apply to Paralegal

To join this program, you must apply for admission. This moderately competitive program accepts up to 50 students each Fall, Winter, and Spring Term. Candidates will need strong writing skills and a high GPA.

Questions? Take a campus tour or talk with a program advisor.

How to apply

  1. Apply to PCC

    Complete this step as soon as possible so you can start using PCC resources. On the application, choose Associate of General Studies for your major. (Your major will be updated after you’re admitted to the program.)
    Apply to PCC angle right

  2. Take prerequisites

    If you have a qualifying prior degree, you are eligible for the certificate program. The degree program is for students who do not yet have a degree. Prerequisites depend on which award you’re pursuing:

    Application timeline

    Applications are evaluated as they are received: this means the sooner you apply, the more likely you are to get in.

    Term you
    want to
    start    		 Apply to Paralegal
    Fall
    2021    		 Early: Jun 1–20
    Regular: Aug 1–Aug 20
    Winter
    2022    		 Early: Oct 1–20
    Regular: Nov 15–Dec 5
    Spring
    2022    		 Early: Jan 15–Feb 5
    Regular: Mar 1–Mar 15
    Certificate
    • One of the following: Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Associate of Arts, or Associate of Science. Degree must be from an accredited US institution with a minimum GPA of 2.0 (or foreign equivalent). Submit transcripts to PCC before applying for this program.
    Degree
    • WR 121: English Composition I
    • One communications class
    • One political science class

    Talk to our program advisor if you have questions about which program is a better choice to meet your career goals.

  3. Write a letter of application

    Write a 1-2 page letter about your interest in the Paralegal program. You will upload this letter with your application, below. The letter should cover:

    • Why you are interested in this program
    • Your proficiency level with writing
    • Your proficiency level with office software, including word processing, spreadsheets, and databases. If you have formal training, we’d love to hear about it.
    • Your career goals
  4. Update your resume

    You’ll include a copy of your current resume with your application. If you need help, consult with Career Services or use their starter resume template.

  5. Submit application

    Complete the application:

After you apply

Notification emails will be sent to your MyPCC email address. You’ll hear back about your status within a few weeks after the application closes. If you’re not admitted, you’re welcome to re-apply at any time.

Course planning meeting

If accepted, your next step will be to meet with a program specialist and plan your class schedule. Check your notification email for instructions on making an appointment. You won’t be able to register for paralegal classes until completing this meeting.

Deadline for the course planning meeting for admitted students:

  • Fall: September 18
  • Winter: January 4
  • Spring: March 29

How are applicants selected?

Applicants are evaluated based on:

  • Quality of presentation of application materials
  • Quality of writing in a letter of application
  • Prerequisite and overall GPA
  • Commitment to program completion as demonstrated in the letter of application
  • Potential to contribute to a diverse and productive learning community demonstrated in the letter of application
  • Potential for successful employment as an entry-level paralegal upon graduation
  • Existing legal and office experience

Paralegals may not practice law and may not provide legal services directly to the public except as permitted by law.