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Are you looking for a career that lets you use your problem-solving skills?
Do you think outside the box when faced with an unknown?
Being a paralegal allows you to utilize your flair for detailed research effectively.
Solving mysteries, finding the answers, and helping people are all part of this career option.
With excellent pay and growth potential within the field, it’s well worth two years.
What are you waiting for?
Contact Coastline Community College today.
About School
Coastline Community College is located in Orange County, CA.
Administrative offices are in Fountain Valley, with campuses in Newport Beach, Westminster, and Garden Grove.
The college was founded in 1976 to meet the need for online and distance learning in Orange County.
Program Structure & Curriculum
The Paralegal Studies AA is a two-year online program.
The Core Program requirements are:
- Law C100 Introduction to Paralegal Studies
- Law C127 Legal Procedure 1
- Law C126 Legal Procedure 2
- Law C105 Civil Litigation 1
- Law C118 Legal Analysis and Briefing
- Law C121 Legal Research/CALR
- Law C290 Legal Clinic Practicum/Ethics
An additional 6 units must be chosen from the legal electives.
The total credits required for the program are 27, with an additional 33 from the general classes for a total of 60 credits.
Delivery Modes & Scheduling
- 1st Fall Semester
- Law 100
- English Composition Elective
- Self-Development Elective
- Mathematical Concepts and Quantitative Reasoning Elective
- 1st Spring Semester
- Law 127
- Law 128
- Arts and Humanities Elective
- Oral Communication and Critical Thinking Elective
- Transferable Elective Course
- Summer Semester
- Paralegal Studies: Major Electives
- Transferable Elective Course
- 2nd Fall Semester
- Law 105
- Law 118
- Social Sciences Elective
- Natural Sciences Elective
- Ethics Studies Elective
- 2nd Spring Semester
- Law 121
- Law 290
- Paralegal Studies: Major Electives
- Transferable Elective Course
Graduating students receive an Associate of Arts in Paralegal Studies and a Certificate of Achievement in Paralegal Studies approved by the American Bar Association.
Pros and Cons of the Paralegal Program
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| The program is approved by the American Bar Association (ABA). | The two-year Paralegal Studies AA is not the first step to a legal degree. |
| Median pay for Paralegals in California is $58,287. | You must pass a math and English placement test before you can take LAW courses. |
| Anticipated growth in jobs is expected to be 18%, which means lots of opportunities. | This is a very demanding program, and you must be committed. |
How to Apply / Next Steps
All students in the Paralegal Studies AA Degree Program must attend a Paralegal Orientation or a counseling session.
The English and Math Placement Testing and Group A General Education requirements must also be met.
Sign up for registration three weeks before the first classes.
Once your application is accepted, you will be given access to the MYCoastPortal.
To be eligible for financial aid, be sure to submit your completed FAFSA form.
The enrollment fee is $46 per unit.
| Coastline Community College: Key Details | |
|---|---|
| Accreditation | Western Association of Schools and Colleges |
| Location | 11460 Warner Ave Fountain Valley, CA, 92708 12901 Euclid St. Garden Grove, CA, 92840 1515 Monrovia Ave Newport Beach, CA, 92663 14120 All American Way Westminster, CA, 92683 |
| Website | https://www.coastline.edu/ |
| Phone | (714) 546-7600 |
| On Campus? | Yes |
| Online? | Yes |
| Program Length | 2 Years |
| Student Rating | 80 / 100 based on 3 student reviews |
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of employment will a Paralegal Studies degree prepare me for?
Many different options are available.
Any business that needs legal work is a potential employer.
You can work at a law office, in a courthouse, at a bank, or real estate office.
Non-profits may use paralegals, as do legal aid and regulatory agencies.
You can work in the private sector or for a government agency.
What is the average salary for paralegals?
In California, the average income is $58,287.
Do I need to live on campus to take this program?
No campus housing is available.
I heard that they support career development and transfer assistance. I’m planning to start my journey here as a paralegal and still pursue a university degree once I can support myself. I’m also seeking financial aid or a scholarship.
I liked that they offer flexibility. It is also more affordable than the other community college that I’ve been eyeing. I am very hardworking, and 2 years will just fly by. It is very near my aunt’s home, so it’s even more convenient.
Paralegal studies may not be the first step in a legal degree, but it’s still a step further toward my dream. It may not prepare me for law school but it is recognized by employers. Their ABA approval is what is making me go here. They even offer online classes!