Begin a Legal Career with an Associate Degree in Paralegal Studies

An associate degree in Paralegal Studies provides the right balance of comprehensive theory and hands-on practice to prepare students for a Paralegal profession. This degree serves as a pathway to pursue a career as a paralegal.

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Enroll in an Associate Degree in Paralegal Studies Designed for You

The Associate of Applied Science Degree in Paralegal Studies degree program is designed to provide graduates with an understanding of the law and the United States court systems. An emphasis is placed on legal terminology, legal research and writing, and technology used in the legal field. Graduates are prepared for employment in a law firm or government agency, with career possibilities such as legal secretary, legal assistant, and paralegal.

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Are You a New Student?

Build a solid foundation for a promising career with our Associate of Applied Science in Paralegal Studies. Blue Ridge CTC offers a blend of real-world knowledge and additional workforce skills employers look for in qualified applicants.

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Transferring Schools?

You are not alone, as almost a third of students transfer schools! Check our transfer evaluation tool to save money and time while transferring to our Associate of Applied Science in Paralegal Studies.

387,000

New jobs

Projected for various paralegal professions by 2030!

12%

Job Growth

In various roles related to the paralegal profession between 2021 to 2030!

$56,230

Average Salary

For occupations like paralegals and similar roles within the legal industry.

54%

of BRCTC Alumni

Continue their education after earning a certificate or Associate degree.

    • As per BLS, there will be 387,000 new jobs in the paralegal industry by 2030.
    • BLS predicts a 12% projected growth in jobs within the paralegal industry by 2030.
    • BLS predicts an average annual salary $56,230 for paralegals, legal assistants, and similar occupations.
    • As per Blue Ridge CTC Annual Graduate Report, 54% of graduates continued their education after earning a degree or certificate.

Why Pursue an Associate Degree in Paralegal Studies?

The flexible two-year associate degree in Paralegal Studies is designed to provide graduates with an understanding of the law and the United States court systems. An emphasis is placed on legal terminology, legal research and writing, and technology used in the legal field. Graduates are prepared for employment in a law firm or government agency, with career possibilities such as legal secretary, legal assistant, and paralegal. Outcomes of the program include:

    • Identify legal terminology needed to communicate with professionals in the legal field.
    • Demonstrate professional skills necessary to a paralegal career, including oral and written communication and technology skills.
    • Describe the sources of law, hierarchy and powers of various state and federal courts.
    • Utilize appropriate ethical behavior within the legal field.
    • Apply critical thinking and research skills within a legal context.
    • Analyze a variety of legal sources, including statutes and case law, and apply them to a given set of facts.
    • Compose various types of legal correspondence and legal documents.

Start a Rewarding Career with a Paralegal Studies Associate of Applied Science Degree

Want to gain extensive knowledge in law and legal matters? The Paralegal Studies Associate of Applied Science degree gives students an enriched learning experience with the right blend of theory and practice for seeking or growing meaningful careers!

Throughout the coursework, students learn about various legal terms, how to describe and analyze legal sources, apply critical thinking and research skills in legal context, and technical skills required for a paralegal profession. Students can choose electives applicable towards future degrees or university programs.

Earn this associate degree in Paralegal Studies from our School of Professional Studies and University Transfer!

2-year

Degree Program

Formats

On-campus, Hybrid, Online

60

Credit Hours

Ready to Enroll?

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What Will You Learn - Curriculum Overview

With our Associate of Applied Science Degree in Paralegal Studies, students learn the foundation of law and legal systems with effective communication skills for securing employment in the legal service industry.

The industry-driven curriculum imparts academic and practical application of concepts such as introduction to law and legal system, legal terminologies, legal office technology, legal ethics, business law, America’s court system, laws of domestic relations, and much more. The curriculum helps students to:

    • Develop critical thinking and research skills in the legal field. 
    • Describe law sources, hierarchy, and powers of federal courts.
    • Develop capacity to make ethical decisions, compose legal documents and correspondence.
    • Demonstrate professional and technical skills required in the paralegal profession.

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Build Your Future With Blue Ridge CTC

Blue Ridge CTC offers an industry-focused approach to learning, leading to a path-breaking career and continuing education opportunities.

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    4000+

    Students Per Semester

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    60+

    Degree and Certificate Programs

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    14:1

    Student-Faculty Ratio

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    Fully

    Accredited

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What You Experience at Blue Ridge CTC

Blue Ridge CTC acts as a catalyst to career goals, gives students exposure to real-time career prospects, and provides a learning environment supporting personal and professional growth.

World-class Pedagogy That Shapes Future Leaders!

Effective faculty is the backbone of any school. Our faculty are committed teachers and scholars who:

Deliver real-world learning to shape a students’ job market competency.

Impart teaching that promotes creativity and sets the base for further 4-year programs.

Extend a smart learning model that raises job prospects.

Integrate best-in-class learning formats and resources to drive focused learning.

Student Support Services and Spaces for Balanced Learning!

We provide comprehensive Student Support Services to promote student success.

Student Services provides a variety of support, including tutoring, accessibility accommodations, and more!

We provide high-tech classes, supporting labs, and study areas to promote a balanced education.

We recognize talent and celebrate performance with awards and acknowledgments.

We have supportive staff to help with personal, professional, and academic challenges.

Placement Assistance to Nurture Careers!

We support students from admission through the career search! Career Services assists students:

Find the right kind of job with a career inventory assessment.

Get assistance on resume writing and referral to participating employer partners.

With interview preparation to boost their morale and get prepared with the right narration to win job negotiations.

Get a holistic learning environment, where they are nurtured to become the next set of professionals entering the workforce.

Promoting Equity to Develop an Intercultural College Environment!

As a community of students, faculty, staff, and external stakeholders, we strive for diversity, equity, and inclusion on our campuses, both inside and outside of the classroom.

Campus diversity encourages open dialogue on campus.

Equity removes barriers and ensures equal opportunities are afforded to all.

Our campus offers an inclusive, welcoming environment where all are valued, celebrated, and included.

The campus community promotes diversity and inclusion through a variety of speakers and events.

Hands-on Training and Internship Opportunities

We are committed to providing students with real-time training and internship opportunities to enter the workforce directly after graduating.

We provide industry expert instruction to strengthen job-specific skills needed for real-world challenges.

We assist students with internship opportunities to find their way to a successful career.

We provide industry-certified expert supervision and guidance to raise students’ job prospects in the Government and Private sectors.

Our campus is well equipped with state-of-the-art laboratories, machinery, hardware, and software required to provide the technical skills needed for real jobs.

Our Learner’s Voice

Learn more about alumni who successfully reached their goals by earning an education at Blue Ridge CTC!

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Worried About Paying for College? Many Options Exist for Financial Aid

Blue Ridge CTC provides need-based financial aid to qualified applicants, ensuring all students have equal access to quality education.

Whether you are a student worrying about tuition fees or are a parent assisting a child paying for college, we have a wide variety of financial resources available.

    • State and Federal Grant Programs 
    • Student Work-Study Opportunities 
    • Student Loans 
    • Special Grant Funding Opportunities
    • Blue Ridge CTC Foundation Scholarship opportunities

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Have Questions? Talk With an Admissions Counselor Today!

Admissions Counselors and Academic Advisors at Blue Ridge Community and Technical College help students navigate career paths throughout their academic career.

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Expand Your Choices

Explore other program options that may meet your skills, talents, and personal qualities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions about an associate degree in Paralegal Studies? We can help!

Admission requirements to Blue Ridge CTC Paralegal Studies associate degree program include a high school diploma or equivalent and a complete application packet. Students who have earned credits at other Colleges or Universities must also provide official copies of those transcripts. There is also a $25 application fee that can be paid at any time once an application is submitted.
To choose a relevant degree program for Paralegal Studies, students must consider the time to complete, cost of tuition, and quality of the instruction provided. Students who need additional insight into career options should consider getting a free career inventory assessment before exploring course options that align with personal and professional interests.
The Paralegal Studies associate degree program is a good option for students who want to build a strong foundation for the legal profession or further education in law and the legal industry. Students who plan to transfer to a four-year college can save time and money by earning an associate degree by taking advantage of one of the many transfer agreements currently in place with Blue Ridge CTC. After pursuing an associate degree, students may seek direct workforce entry positions and become qualified for many lucrative career opportunities available in the local economy as paralegal assistants. The program incorporates real-world skills and content-specific knowledge needed to successfully land the career of dreams.
For the Paralegal Studies associate degree Program, students do not require ACT or SAT scores to qualify. Students may need ACT or SAT scores, or free placement testing to qualify for courses such as English, Math, or Chemistry. Placement testing can be scheduled at any time during the application process.

Disclaimer

Note: All salary projections are based on the current position and educational needs. BRCTC cannot guarantee that job titles or the projections given will be the salaries students or graduates will ultimately receive. Two year completion is approximate and based on full-time enrollment. Student testimonials, income statements, and examples on the College website are the results of real students. These testimonials are not intended to guarantee that anyone will achieve the same or similar results. Each individual’s success depends on his or her desire, commitment, dedication, and motivation to pursue academic and workforce opportunities. Testimonials are not intended to create a contract between a student and the College.

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