Which North Carolina Schools Offer Courses to Become a Paralegal?

Paralegal studies in North Carolina are offered at the certificate, associate's degree and post-degree levels. Courses you may encounter in these programs could include criminal law, legal research and writing, law office management and ethics. Most programs will require you to participate in an internship or cooperative work experience. Here you will learn about several schools in North Carolina offering paralegal programs along with related requirements and costs.

What You Need To Know

In North Carolina, paralegal programs may be found at 2- and 4-year schools. You could earn a certificate in paralegal technology, with specializations in civil litigation or real property available. You might also pursue a 5-semester associate's degree program that includes a required cooperative work experience. Select programs offer evening or hybrid format classes. If you already hold an undergraduate degree, shorter post-degree diploma or certificate paralegal programs might interest you. Some programs are approved by the American Bar Association, and most will help you to prepare for the state certification exam. Keep reading to determine which program meets your needs.

Certificate Programs for Paralegals in North Carolina

Cape Fear Community College

At Cape Fear Community College, you have the option of pursuing a certificate track geared toward civil litigation or real property. Each program consists of 18 credit hours. Courses in the civil litigation program cover investigation, trial preparation and civil litigation procedures, as well as civil, family and commercial law. In the real property track, you take courses in topics such as wills, trusts, bankruptcy, commercial law and property law.

• Program Name: Certificate in Paralegal Technology
• Fields of Study: Civil litigation, real property
• Program Length: Three semesters (part-time)
• Tuition and Fees: $2,748 per year for state residents; $8,892 per year for nonresidents (costs as of 2018-2019)
• School Type: 2-year, public; around 8,378 students (all undergraduate)

Associate's Degree Programs for Paralegals in North Carolina

Cape Fear Community College

The associate's degree program in paralegal technology at Cape Fear Community College consists of 75 credit hours, of which 16 are general education requirements. Courses include legal research and writing, criminal law and procedure, law office management and ethics, as well as real property, family law and administrative law. In addition, you're required to complete a cooperative work experience, complemented by a seminar.

• Program Name: Associate in Applied Science in Paralegal Technology
• Program Length: Five semesters (day classes, full-time) or 13 semesters (night classes, part-time)
• Tuition and Fees: $2,748 per year for state residents; $8,892 per year for nonresidents (costs as of 2018-2019)
• School Type: 2-year, public; around 8,378 students (all undergraduate)

Central Carolina Community College

This program consists of 75 credit hours and can be completed in two years, including a summer session. You take courses in legal research and writing, criminal procedures and case analysis, as well as commercial, corporate and administrative law. You may have the option to pursue some of the courses in the evening or by way of a hybrid delivery system, in which some requirements may be completed online. You're required to complete a cooperative work experience at a school-partnered firm.

• Program Name: Associate of Applied Science in Paralegal Technology
• Program Length: Five semesters (full-time)
• Tuition and Fees: $2,544 per year for state residents; $8,688 per year for nonresidents (costs as of 2018-2019)
• School Type: 2-year, public; around 5,190 students (all undergraduate)

Southwestern Community College

This associate's degree program is made up of 74 credit hours and includes a summer semester during which you focus on criminal law and procedure as well as civil litigation. Other courses cover wills, trusts, professionalism, legal research and writing, financial accounting, case analysis and real property. You're also required to complete a co-op work experience at a college-approved local employer. Upon graduation, you're eligible to sit for the North Carolina paralegal certification examination.

• Program Name: Associate of Applied Science in Paralegal Technology
• Program Length: Five semesters (full-time)
• Tuition and Fees: $2,213 per year for state residents; $7,589 per year for nonresidents (costs as of 2018-2019)
• School Type: 2-year, public; around 2,366 students (all undergraduate)

Post-Degree Programs for Paralegals in North Carolina

Central Carolina Community College

Included in this 43-credit program are courses in such areas as commercial, criminal and family law. Legal research and writing, bankruptcy and collections, ethics, real property and civil injuries are also covered. The third semester takes place during the summer immediately following the second semester and consists of courses in accounting, civil litigation and law office writing.

• Program Name: Paralegal Technology Diploma
• Program Length: Three semesters
• Tuition and Fees: $2,544 per year for state residents; $8,688 per year for nonresidents (costs as of 2018-2019)
• Prerequisites: Associate's or bachelor's degree, including completion of stipulated English and general education coursework
• School Type: 2-year, public; around 5,190 students (all undergraduate)

Meredith College

This certificate program is approved by the American Bar Association and is intended to be completed over two semesters inclusive of three evening sessions a week. It consists of four core courses and one specialty course. You study law office management and legal research as well as take a legal survey course and professional development course, in which you develop a resume, presentation letter and professional portfolio. You must select one specialty course in business and organization, civil litigation or real estate.

Though not required, you may be able to serve in an 8-week internship with a local law firm or government agency. Upon graduation, you're eligible to sit for the North Carolina paralegal state certification examination.

• Program Name: Paralegal Certificate
• Program Length: One year
• Tuition and Fees: $37,176 per year (costs as of 2018-2019)
• Prerequisites: Bachelor's degree
• Admission Requirements: Two letters of recommendation, personal statement of interest, resume, interview with the program director
• School Type: 4-year, private not-for-profit; around 1,603 undergraduate and 302 graduate students

As a North Carolina paralegal student, you can earn a Certificate in Paralegal Technology from Cape Fear Community College; an associate's degree from Cape Fear Community College, Central Carolina Community College, and Southwestern Community College; and post-degree programs are offered through Central Carolina and Meredith College.