Paralegal Programs Greenville, SC
Greenville, South Carolina has various schools to pursue a career as a paralegal. You can start on this path by choosing from a number of available options, such as a certificate, diploma, or degree (associate’s degree or bachelor’s degree).
Though there are many schools in Greenville that provide a good start to a paralegal career, it’s better if you stick to ABA-approved programs.
Paralegal Certificate, A.S. and Bachelor Degree Programs in Greenville, SC
There are multiple pathways that you can opt for. They include a certificate from a technical school that’s generally 2-6 months long to bachelor’s degrees that can last for up to 4 years. The middle ground is to get an associate’s degree which is often the best option for the majority of students.
Paralegal Certificate or Diploma Programs
Certificates are issued by technical schools and institutes. Diplomas are offered by accredited universities. Both certificates and diplomas are popular ways to get started as a paralegal in South Carolina, if you already have a degree from another discipline.
These are generally shorter courses, ranging from 2-6 months in most cases
Paralegal A.S. Degree Programs
Associate’s Degrees (such as AA, AS, AAA, and AAS) are good preparatory courses for higher education and are suitable for undergraduates.
Though some programs are good for getting started, not all associate degrees are held in equal regard when you go for jobs – so do your research before choosing the right school.
Paralegal Bachelor Degree Programs
Bachelor’s Degrees (such as BA, BS, BFA) are longer degrees that, upon completion, make you a “graduate.” A Bachelor’s Degree is typically double the duration of an Associate’s Degree. It’s also the minimum educational qualification for the vast majority of professions in the world.
Paralegal Schools in Greenville, SC
Listed below are the top paralegal schools in Greenville. Read on for details on what the courses they teach.
1. Greenville Technical College
Program: AAS, Paralegal Program
Address: 506 S. Pleasantburg Drive, Greenville, SC 29607-2420
Delivery: On-Campus
ABA Approved: Yes
Tel: (864) 250 8491
Website
Greenville Technical College provides a Paralegal Associate of Applied Science program. This is an ABA-approved program. Though day and evening formats are available, you can also do this course online via Zoom meetings.
This 64-credit program from GTC costs roughly $13,800 for state students and $25,000+ for out-of-state students. A high school diploma or GED is required to get admission into the program. You’ll learn about a variety of topics ranging from legal writing and claims investigation to property law and legal bibliography.
All in all, this is a good course to get started as a paralegal.
2. Bob Jones University
Program: AS-Paralegal Studies; Minor-Paralegal Studies
Address: 1700 Wade Hampton Blvd., Greenville, SC 29614
Delivery: On-campus
ABA Approved: No
Tel: (864) 242-5100
Website
Bob Jones University has a Paralegal Associate of Science program. This 2-year program encompasses all the fundamentals as well as some advanced topics. For example, the first year has an introduction to law & ethics, legal writing, family law, torts law, and other topics while the second year takes you through the basics of civil litigation, real estate law, will & trusts, economics, business ethics, and more. This one includes a paralegal internship as well at its close.
The paralegal courses at Bob Jones University cover many different topics and are segmented by subject codes. For example, PL 101 is an introduction to law & ethics and PL 131 is legal research & bibliography. With these two as prerequisites, you finally have the PL 381 – paralegal internship.
The program focuses on applying a Christian worldview or biblical standards to the different practices of the legal field. The program also includes subjects such as Christianity & the arts, exploring the Bible for life, and interpreting the Bible for life.
Paralegal Training FAQs
What is the best degree for a paralegal?
Generally, an associate of science (AS) or associate of applied science (AAS) is considered to be the best degree for a career as a paralegal. Though paralegals don’t directly practice law, but rather help attorneys as assistants, even a certificate can be sufficient in many cases while getting a bachelor’s in legal studies later on.
How do you become a paralegal in SC?
Paralegals can enter the profession (for example, as an assistant to an attorney or as an intern in a law firm) without any minimum educational or training requirements in South Carolina.
Employment can begin with a simple certificate. Generally speaking, the best course of action is to get an associate’s degree and then apply for a job or seek out attorneys who might be looking for some help.
Firms and attorneys often save costs by hiring paralegals to handle secondary work.
How long is the paralegal program at Greenville tech?
The Paralegal Associate of Applied Science at GTC is 2 years long.
Is studying paralegal worth it?
Becoming a paralegal is a rewarding experience. If you cannot go for a bachelor’s in legal studies to become an attorney but want to get a career in law anyway, then this route is ideal for you as it takes significantly less investment, both financially and in terms of duration.
What is the paralegal salary in Greenville, SC?
The average salary of a paralegal in South Carolina is $57,000+. The typical range is from $50,000 to as much as $65,000 as per Salary.com’s data. This is more than the median salary in many other sectors.