Paralegal

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Paralegal

A paralegal performs specifically delegated legal work for which a lawyer is required. This exciting and challenging occupation is among the fastest growing, and the U.S. Department of Labor tells us the trend will continue. Our paralegal program, which is offered exclusively online, provides the course work and experience to prepare you for employment as a paralegal or legal assistant. You will get a basic orientation and academic exposure to a variety of subjects, including legal research and drafting, civil litigation, real estate law, wills and estate planning, family law, and legal ethics. You will complete an internship in a law office. There are also elective courses in criminal law, evidence, bankruptcy, and constitutional law.

A two semester, 32-credit Paralegal Studies certificate program has been developed for students with baccalaureate degrees who would like to pursue a paralegal credential to enhance their employment and professional opportunities.

The degree may be completed in two or three semesters if you have prior college credits or a prior degree. Contact the program chair for more information.

Online Program

The entire program can be completed online, and the paralegal courses are offered exclusively online. These courses are asynchronous so they do not require any specific meeting times. The program may be commenced in any semester.

Degree Requirements

• Paralegal, A.A.S.
• Paralegal Studies Certificate
• Microcredential: Special Education Advocacy
  Please contact admissions. Financial aid restrictions apply. Student must complete 50% of microcredential coursework at TC3 to earn credential.
  • ENGL100, Academic Writing I
  • PARA101, Introduction to Paralegalism
  • PARA130, Legal Research and Drafting
  • PARA206, Special Education Law & and Advocacy

Careers on Career Coach

Paralegals work for attorneys; corporations; federal, state, and local governments’ court systems; or community legal services. Specializations include real estate, criminal law, estate planning, family law, labor law, litigation, and corporate law. Related occupations include adjudicators, abstractors, patent agents, title examiners, escrow officers, government hearing officers, appeals referees, contract checkers, and legal investigators. Learn more about related jobs: 

Program Chair

Robert Sarachan

Professor, Paralegal

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Transfer Options

Although the curriculum of this program is not designed primarily for transfer, many graduates have continued their education at four-year institutions. Graduates have successfully transferred to:

• Binghamton University
• SUNY College at Brockport
• SUNY College at Canton
• Cornell University
• SUNY College at Cortland
• Empire State College
• Hilbert College
• Syracuse University
• Utica College