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Columbia Paralegal Associate’s Degree Programs

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Program Description

Are you looking for paralegal associate’s degree programs in the Columbia area? Consider South University – Columbia. Our Paralegal Studies program provides educational preparation for individuals to serve as paralegals or legal assistants. The program consists of specialized course work and a supervised externship in selected legal settings such as law firms, real estate and title companies, banks and state or federal governmental agencies, Extensive practical training prepares graduates working under the supervision of a licensed attorney to perform many tasks in a legal office, including but not limited to, interviewing clients and witnesses, preparing legal documents and otherwise assisting attorneys with the preparation of their cases.

This program is approved by the American Bar Association. The partially online format for the Paralegal Studies degree program is only available through our Savannah campus.

The ABA has approved the South University Paralegal and Legal Studies Programs at Savannah, GA., Montgomery, AL., West Palm Beach, FL., and Columbia, SC. Legal and Paralegal Studies programs offered at our Novi, Richmond and Virginia Beach campuses will not be eligible to apply for ABA approval until they have graduates and have been operating for at least two years. Only the South University program at Savannah has had courses approved in an alternative (online) delivery format by the ABA. Additionally, those who enroll in the partially online Paralegal and Legal Studies Programs in Savannah must complete LGS 1005 Legal Research and Writing I and three other paralegal/legal studies courses of their choice, with guidance from their program director or academic counselor in the traditional classroom format on a South University campus or other institution that meets our transfer criteria.

End your search today for paralegal associate’s degree programs in the Columbia area with South University – Columbia.

Program Outcomes

The AS in Paralegal Studies program prepares graduates to work directly under the supervision of an attorney in entry-level positions and perform general background work for the legal firm.

About Paralegals

Quick Facts*

  • Approximately 7 out of 10 work for law firms; others work for corporate legal departments and government agencies.

  • Most entrants have an associate’s degree in paralegal studies, or a bachelor’s degree coupled with a certificate in paralegal studies.

  • Employment is projected to grow much faster than average, as employers try to reduce costs by hiring paralegals to perform tasks formerly carried out by lawyers.

  • Competition for jobs should continue; experienced, formally trained paralegals should have the best employment opportunities.

*Provided by the U.S. Department of Labor and the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Tuition Data for this program at South University — Columbia, SC

Below is the current tuition cost for this program for a full-time student completing the entire program in normal time. All tuition and fees are subject to change.

Books & Digital Resources$4000
Program Fees$175
Room & Board*$0
Tuition$41960
*optional where available



  • Gainful Employment Information for this program –-

    Program Costs
    Q:

    How much will this program cost me?

    A:

    Below is the institution tuition cost for this program for a full-time student completing the entire program in normal time. All tuition and fees are subject to change.

    Books & Digital Resources$3348
    Program Fees$175
    Room & Board*$15140
    Tuition$41960
    *optional where available

    Median Debt
    Q:

    What are my financing options to pay for the program?

    A:

    Data for this program is unavailable. If you have questions, please talk with your admission representative.

    Success
    Q:

    How long will it take me to complete this program?

    A:

    The program could take as little as 24 months to complete.

    33% of graduates from this program finished in this time.

    Q:

    What percentage of students find employment in their field or a related field?

    A:

    According to EDMC calculations, the job placement rate for students who graduate from this program is 100%.

    Q:

    What are the job opportunities for graduates of this program?

    A:

    For more information on job opportunities in this field of study: ONET Online. The job opportunities link is for general information purposes. The program you have selected could have different outcomes. Please check with your admissions registrar for detailed information.