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Paralegal Schools in San Diego, CA » ParalegalSalaryFactsheet.com
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Paralegal Schools in San Diego, CA

Starting a career in law begins with a paralegal program. The best schools offer hands-on training and versatile coursework that add valuable legal skills critical to good legal writing, research, communication, and litigations in general.

Many schools are offering great paralegal programs in San Diego, California. We have assorted the very best ones for you with ample research to help you determine the right path.

Paralegal Certificate, A.S. and Bachelor Degree Programs in San Diego, CA

Mainly, there are three ways to begin a career in law in California: a certificate, an associate’s degree, and a bachelor’s degree. All three have their pros and cons. Let’s find out more.

Paralegal Certificate (Post Baccalaureate)

A post-baccalaureate or master’s degree is a great certificate for those who already have a bachelor’s degree. Universities that have separate law schools often provide these programs.

The majority of such universities and colleges don’t require a bachelor’s degree to be in a relevant field (law).

If you already have a bachelor’s, then this is the right pathway for you. A 2-year post-baccalaureate paralegal certificate is way better than abandoning your education and looking for more experience

Paralegal A.S. Degree Programs

Associate degrees (mostly AS – associate of science) in paralegal studies are 2-year courses that don’t require any bachelor’s degree. Sometimes, they might require relevant experience. Almost all these programs require at least a high school diploma and some general education credits.

Those looking to start their career without a long bachelor’s degree should go for an associate degree. These are also more practical and vocational than theoretical.

Paralegal Bachelor Degree Programs

A bachelor’s degree is typically 4-7 years long and focuses on building a strong foundation in any field. It’s hard to find bachelor’s degrees in paralegal studies but if you happen to find one, know that it can be a gamechanger.

Those with a bachelor’s degree often have better chances in their law career than those with just an associate degree. Plus, a bachelor’s also makes you eligible for a further post-baccalaureate degree in legal studies or a specific field of law.

Paralegal Schools in San Diego

To get started or to advance your paralegal career, check out the top paralegal schools in Oakland below:

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Get information on Paralegal programs by entering your zip code and request enrollment information.

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Miramar College

Miramar College has a strong paralegal program that can help you enter the law scene in California. This program is designed specifically for those who wish to learn the fundamentals of legal research and analysis.

  • Campus location: San Diego Miramar College, 10440 Black Mountain Rd., San Diego, CA 92126
  • Duration of program: 18 units
  • Degree offered: Associate of Science (Paralegal)
  • Accreditation body: Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, Western Association of Schools and Colleges
  • Estimated tuition fees: NA
  • Prerequisites: High school diploma or GED equivalent
  • Focus: Legal research and analysis
  • ABA approved: Yes
  • Website
  • Phone: (619) 388 7392

San Diego State University Global Campus

This program from SDSU’s Global Campus is an online program that anyone with a high school diploma can take. The university facilitates this program along with many others using the Ed2Go platform – which simplifies the process of learning anytime and from anywhere.

Note that this particular program is given through Ed2Go and not directly the SDSU. More details can be found on the Ed2Go page for the program.

  • Campus location: 5250 Campanile Drive, San Diego, CA 92182
  • Duration of program: 12 months
  • Degree offered: Certificate Program through Ed2Go
  • Accreditation body: Program offered by Ed2Go through SDSU, so SDSU’s accreditation applies, which is the Western Association of Schools and Colleges
  • Estimated tuition fees: $2,695 (financial aids available)
  • Prerequisites: A high school diploma or GED equivalent
  • Focus: The fundamentals of the U.S. legal system
  • ABA approved:No
  • Website

University of San Diego

This is the first ABA-approved paralegal program in San Diego, California. The legal community recognizes the graduates from the USD School of Law and the paralegal program offered here is one of the best programs you can find to break into a law career in all of California.

  • Campus location: University of San Diego, 5998 Alcala Park, San Diego, CA 92110
  • Duration of program: 2 years
  • Degree offered: Paralegal Certificate Program
  • Accreditation body: Western Association and Schools and Colleges
  • Estimated tuition fees: $6,840 (federal government loans available for graduate students)
  • Prerequisites: Graduates and undergraduates can both enroll
  • Focus: A versatile course that equips students with all that they would need for a career in law, especially in California.
  • ABA approved: Yes
  • Website
  • Phone: (619) 260-4579

University of California, San Diego Extension

The University of California’s San Diego Extension has a great paralegal certificate program. It’s considerably shorter than other options. That doesn’t mean that the faculty compromises on the quality of education. Choose this program if you wish to kickstart your legal career as soon as possible.

  • Campus location: 9600 N Torrey Pines Rd., La Jolla, CA 92037
  • Duration of program: 12 weeks (accelerated program, online)
  • Degree offered: Paralegal Certificate Program
  • Accreditation body: Western Association of Schools and Colleges
  • Estimated tuition fees: $7,495 (including textbooks)
  • Prerequisites: A bachelor’s degree or associate’s degree for the part-time program
  • Focus: Civil litigation, criminal law, and legal research
  • ABA approved: Yes
  • Website
  • Phone: (858) 534-8152

John F. Kennedy School of Law at Northcentral University

This paralegal certificate is a graduate certificate. The John F. Kennedy School of Law at Northcentral University is known to train professional lawyers.

Their specialization in practical paralegalism ensures that you get everything from legal communication and writing to pleading cases and orchestrating successful litigations.

  • Campus location: Online university
  • Duration of program: 28 credit hours (12 months recommended)
  • Degree offered: Paralegal Certificate Program
  • Accreditation body: Regionally accredited
  • Estimated tuition fees: NA
  • Prerequisites: High school diploma
  • Focus: Practicalities of the law professional and legal communication
  • ABA approved: yes
  • Website
  • Phone: 1-866-776-0331

Cuyamaca College

Last but not the least, Cuyamaca College’s Paralegal Studies course is great for those looking for an easier and quicker way to succeed as paralegals in California.

  • Campus location: 900 Rancho San Diego Parkway, El Cajon, California 92019
  • Duration of program: 60 semester units of college work
  • Degree offered: Associate in Science (Paralegal Studies)
  • Accreditation body: Western Association of Schools and Colleges
  • Estimated tuition fees: NA
  • Prerequisites: C or higher in ESL 2B
  • Focus: Legal processing, documentation, and research
  • ABA approved: 
  • Website
  • Phone: (619) 660-4000
Search Paralegal Programs

Get information on Paralegal programs by entering your zip code and request enrollment information.

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