Legal Studies: Paralegal - Associate Degree
Paralegals perform work under the supervision of a lawyer in a variety of settings – a private law firm, insurance company, corporation, bank, private business, legal clinic, government agency, legal aid office, law department, special interest group, public defender’s office, prosecutor’s office, service company, or consulting firm. The Paralegal program is approved by the American Bar Association and is also a member of the American Association for Paralegal Education. Paralegals are not authorized to provide legal services directly to the public except as permitted by law.
Program Costs & Financial Aid
See costs of tuition, books, and supplies.This program is fully eligible for financial aid.
Estimates based on in-state residency. Learn more about tuition and fees.
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Follow Your Path
All credits from the following certificate(s) apply toward this associate degree:
Law Office Administration, 611101
Delivery
How do I get started in this program?
Requirements for Program Entry
- Apply at www.nwtc.edu/apply.
- Submit high school, GED, or HSED transcripts and college transcripts (if applicable) to transcripts@nwtc.edu.
- Tip! Our admission advisors will assist you through every step. Have questions? Connect with NWTC Admissions at start@nwtc.edu or 920-498-5444.
A Special Note to Learners Holding a Bachelor's Degree
- Learners holding a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution have the option of pursuing a Post-Baccalaureate Technical Diploma for Paralegal. For more information, contact Enrollment Services at 888-385-6982.
What are my courses?
Curriculum
The Paralegal associate degree is offered in the day and in the evening. Students following the study plan below will complete the Paralegal associate degree in the number of semesters shown.
First Semester
8 Week 1
8 Week 2
Second Semester
8 Week 1
8 Week 2
Full Semester
Third Semester
8 Week 1
8 Week 2
Fourth Semester
8 Week 1
8 Week 2
Full Semester
- Students must take 2 of 4 Selective Courses:
- 10110122 Creditor/Debtor Relations 3
- 10110115 Administrative Law 3
- 10110103 Civil Trial Advocacy 3
- 10110162 International Law & Immigration 3
- Curriculum Note: Per ABA requirements, at least 9 credits (135 hours of class attendance) of the program's legal specialty courses must be taken in person or in a live online format (i.e., online courses that meet a specific time each week, whether in person in a classroom or in person via web-conference).
- A grade of "C" or better must be achieved in 10-110-101 Paralegal Intro/Legal Ethics in order to enroll in any 10-110-xxx course for which 10-110-101 is designated as a prerequisite.
- The credit for 10-890-101, College 101 is an Institutional Requirement for graduation. Consequently, it is not part of the program requirements, but must be passed with a C or better.
- The following courses are offered as full semester: 10-110-104 Legal Research, 10-110-105 Legal Writing and 10-110-199 LS/Paralegal Career Experience
Program Outcomes
- Apply ethical principles in a legal environment.
- Process legal documents.
- Perform legal research.
- Synthesize various sources into a supportable legal conclusion.
- Demonstrate professionalism as a member of a legal team.
What careers are in my future?
Graduate Employment
with 0% in field
Employment Potential
Paralegals perform work under the supervision of a lawyer in a variety of settings. Paralegals are not authorized to practice law. A graduate may be employed by a private law firm, insurance company, corporation, bank, private business, legal clinic, government agency, legal aid office, law department, special interest group, public defender's office, prosecutor's office, service company, or consulting firm.
Employment opportunities with additional education
- Law Office Administrator
- Law Office Manager
- Paralegal Supervisor
- Paralegal Instructor
- Corporate Compliance Officer
- Regulatory Specialist
- Research Analyst
What's next after graduation?
Start here. Finish at a four-year.
NWTC transfer programs are offered through collaborative agreements with our four-year college and university partners. See where your associate degree credits will transfer.
What else do I need to know about the program?
Accreditation
Programs in the College of Business at Northeast Wisconsin Technical College are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs. ACBSP's accreditation process follows the Baldrige model. The accreditation focuses on recognizing teaching excellence, determining student learning outcomes, and a continuous improvement model. ACBSP’s student-centered teaching and learning approach, which is measured and analyzed for quality, ensures that students gain the right skills from their educational investment. Institutions with programs accredited by ACBSP are committed to continuous improvement that ensures their business program will give students the skills employers want. ACBSP - World Headquarters 11520 West 119th Street Overland Park, KS 66213 Phone: (913) 339-9356 www.acbsp.com
Credentials
The Paralegal Program is approved by the American Bar Association (ABA) and is also a member of the American Association for Paralegal Education.
American Bar Association
541 North Fairbanks Ct.
Chicago, IL 60611
Phone: (312) 988-5617
Study Abroad Opportunities
The International Programs staff continually seeks opportunities for students to travel abroad for educational experiences that may be offered in association with program courses.
Learn more about upcoming study abroad opportunities.
Defy expectations and follow your passion
Dream jobs have nothing to do with gender. Discover the benefits of nontraditional occupations.
- Online
-
Classes wherever you have an internet connection.
- An in-person career experience, such as an internship, practicum, or credit for prior learning, may be required.
- Some online courses may be held at specific dates/times.
- Day
- Classes between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.
- Evening
- Classes between the hours of 5:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.
- Weekend
- A combination of online classes and Saturday and/or Sunday classes.
- Full-time
- 12 or more credits per term.
- Part-time
- Fewer than 12 credits per term.