9 Best Paralegal Schools in Boston, MA

A career as a paralegal offers plenty of employment potential.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that 37,000 new positions will open up every year for the next 10 years.

Boston, MA

Paralegals can work in many fields, including government, real estate, legal firms, public defenders, insurance, and more.

This is a career that pays well, has options, and is satisfying.

Search Paralegal Programs

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

Sponsored Listings

1 Boston University Metropolitan College

Boston University Metropolitan College is a newer addition to BU.

Founded in 1965 to provide educational opportunities to a more diverse section of the population through flexible schedules and affordability.

80 degrees and certificate programs are offered.

Courses are offered in person and online.

Courses Offered

A Paralegal Certificate Course is offered completely online.

Every two-week module has work that must be submitted on a schedule.

There are seven two-week modules:

  • Legal Research
  • Legal Writing and Reasoning
  • Legal Technologies
  • Real Estate Law
  • Business Law
  • Litigation
  • Probate and Family Law

Those considering taking this course should have at minimum an undergraduate degree or several years of work experience.

The total cost of the certificate program is $3,995.

High-speed Internet is required, and the course may be taken on a MAC or a PC.

Contact Information

  • Address:1010 Commonwealth Avenue, 3rd Floor, Boston, MA 02215
  • Phone:(857) 971-4728
  • Website: Visit School Website

2 Suffolk University

Founded in 1906, Suffolk University was originally a law school.

Today, there are more than 7,500 students, making it the 10th largest Boston area university.

Full or part-time students in undergraduate, graduate, and law courses are welcome.

Most students are working or in continued education.

Courses Offered

Suffolk University offers two pathways: a Paralegal Certificate and an Associate of Science in Paralegal Studies.

The Paralegal Certificate is a 24-credit course.

A GPA of 2.0 must be maintained to receive your certificate.

Meeting with a law program advisor is recommended for anyone considering the program.

Core Requirements (5 courses, 20 credits)

All of these classes are 4 credits.

  • Ethics and Legal Practice Skills
  • Honors Ethics and Legal Practice Skills
  • Litigation
  • Honors Litigation
  • Law of Contracts
  • Honors Law of Contracts
  • Legal Research and Writing I & II

One elective is also offered with students choosing what 9fits their goals and interests.

Associate of Science in Paralegal Studies, ASPS

An ASPS degree requires the following:

  • Core Requirements: 10–12 courses (36-45 credits)
  • Major Requirements: 8 courses (32 credits)
  • Minimum Credits for a Degree: 64 credits

Contact Information


3 Bunker Hill Community College

Bunker Hill Community College opened in 1973.

It has two campuses, one in Charlestown and the other in Chelsea.

Courses Offered

Bunker Hill Community College offers an ABA-approved program for a Paralegal Certificate or a Paralegal Studies A.S.

The paralegal program is completely online.

The Paralegal Certificate Program is intended for students who have already achieved a Bachelor’s or Associate’s Degree.

It requires two semesters and a total of 15 credits.

The Paralegal Studies, A.S. takes 4 semesters and requires 64–65 credits.

When either course is completed, graduates will understand the legal process and law practice, be able to provide logical arguments, conduct legal research, and oversee legal projects.

Contact Information


4 MassBay Community College

Ranked as the #1 community college in Massachusetts.

Founded in 1961, over 70 certificates and Associate Degree programs are offered.

Mass Bay Community College has three campuses in the greater Boston area: Wellesley, Framingham, and Ashland, serving 27 Metro West communities.

More than 4400 students attend here with access to a flexible schedule that caters to all those who want to improve their lives.

Courses Offered

Two paralegal courses are offered: the Paralegal Certificate and the Paralegal Associate’s Degree.

The certificate program is a 27-credit course taken over two semesters in person.

Courses are:

  • Introduction to Paralegal Studies
  • Legal Research and Writing I and II
  • Principles of Business Law
  • Litigation for Paralegals

Students choose 4 electives from those offered:

  • Real Estate for Paralegals
  • Family Law for Paralegals
  • Law and Society
  • Criminal Law and Procedure
  • Cybercrime
  • Microcomputer Application/Business
  • Paralegal internship.

Some of the courses have prerequisites and must be taken in a certain order.

After completing this program, students are qualified to :

  • Prepare legal documents while supervised by an attorney
  • Transact research to find cases, laws, and secondary legal sources
  • Read, compose, and analyze legal arguments in a coherent manner
  • Use accepted principles of ethics in a variety of legal situations

The Paralegal Studies Associate Degree is a 62/63 credit course taken over two years.

It combines general business knowledge with the specialized knowledge needed to be a successful paralegal.

Hands-on experience in a law firm is provided to students in this course.

Students learn to draft legal documents, interview witnesses and clients, investigate legal issues, and provide practical assistance in a legal environment.

Contact Information


5 Quincy College

With a campus in Plymouth and another in Quincy, students have choices.

Founded in 1958, Quincy College has a student population that runs as high as just less than 6,000.

On-campus and online courses are offered.

Courses Offered

Two options are offered: a one-year certificate program and a two-year associate degree program.

This could be a blended program combining in-person and online studies.

The one-year certificate is a 30-credit program.

21 credits, which means 5 (3 credit) courses and a six-credit course, are required for completion of the certificate.

  • Legal Research & Writing
  • Litigation & Procedure
  • Business Law
  • Interviewing & Investigation
  • Introduction to Paralegal Studies

The required courses include an internship.

The remaining nine credits are electives.

The required courses include an internship.

Students must complete the general education curriculum as well as specialized courses.

55 credits are needed to receive the Paralegal Associate’s Degree.

This includes 25 general credits and 30 credits of specialized courses.

At the completion of both courses, students are prepared to begin a career as a paralegal in the field of their choice.

Contact Information


6 Northeastern University

The School of Law at Northeastern University offers several graduate law certificate programs online.

Graduate certificates are designed to increase students’ knowledge of the law without having to acquire a law degree.

It is an affordable and convenient way to increase your chances of working in the paralegal field.

Courses Offered

  • Business Law
  • Health Law
  • Human Resources Law
  • Intellectual Property Law

The courses each require 12 credit hours and can be completed in under a year.

In the first 7-week term, only one course can be taken.

If a grade level of 3.5 or higher is maintained, two courses may be taken in subsequent terms.

The coursework required is:

  • recorded lectures
  • audio exercises and interactive video
  • simulations
  • discussion boards
  • weekly assignments
  • solo projects

Contact Information

  • Address:416 Huntington Ave., Boston, Massachusetts 02115
  • Phone:1 857.754.3734
  • Website: Visit School Website

7 Middlesex Community College

The MassEducate and MassReconnect programs provide free education for those who have not yet achieved a bachelor’s degree.

Campuses in Bedford and Lowell.

Students can choose from over 80 degree and certificate programs.

Courses Offered

Middlesex Community College offers two options for paralegal studies.

Students have the option of taking either the certificate or the associate degree program.

Both courses are completely online; no visits to campus are necessary.

Students can choose to study full-time or part-time.

The degree program is four semesters with 60/61 credits.

The certificate program is 27 credits and has two semesters.

The certificate program is a postgraduate program that requires applicants to have an associate’s or bachelor’s degree.

Contact Information


8 North Shore Community College

North Shore Community College was founded in 1965 and today serves more than 20 communities north of Boston proper.

More than 10,000 students take advantage of the many degree and certificate programs.

Courses Offered

The paralegal course at North Shore Community College is an Associate of Science degree.

Attending North Shore Community College is free from fees and tuition for Massachusetts students who have not yet received a 4-year degree.

A Paralegal Associate degree takes two years (4 semesters) and students must earn 60 credits.

While most credits can be completed online, a minimum of nine legal courses must be taken in a live classroom.

The American Bar Association approves this course.

Graduates receive an education in a variety of areas of the law.

The training provides the ability to articulate and present legal facts in a concise and organized manner.

Working in a legal environment is a necessary part of the course.

Graduates will be prepared to fit into an assistant position to a lawyer in many different fields.

Contact Information


9 Framingham State University

FSU began in 1839 as the Normal School in Lexington, MA.

Today, it has a student population of more than 4,000.

About 2,000 students pay no tuition to attend here.

Courses Offered

This course is beneficial for both those with a legal background and beginners.

The course consists of Paralegal 1 and Paralegal II, both of which take 7 weeks.

It is an intensive program that offers in-depth legal practice skills and practical ways to apply them.

Students find this a very flexible way to achieve a paralegal certificate.

The course is designed for those who have completed high school or have a GED.

The cost of this certificate is $2095.

Contact Information


Schools Summary Table

Rank School
#1Boston University Metropolitan College
#2Suffolk University
#3Bunker Hill Community College
#4MassBay Community College
#5Quincy College
#6Northeastern University
#7Middlesex Community College
#8North Shore Community College
#9Framingham State University

Salary Information

The average salary for a paralegal in Massachusetts is $74,187.

The lower 10% of the salaries is $59,170, and the highest 10% is $89,084.

Salaries are influenced by the education and experience of the applicant as well as the location of the position.

Bankruptcy and Corporate Paralegals are the highest paid.

Annual Salary Range:
Item Percent
$42.1K
$67.3K
$107.7K

Average Salary in Boston, MA

City Name Salary
Boston $106,110

Find Paralegal Programs by State

Find Paralegal Programs by Metro Area

Sarah Klein
Sarah Klein is a freelance editor and writer specializing in pharmaceutical litigation and products liability. Sarah holds a J.D. and focuses almost exclusively on writing legal blogs that spotlight consumer safety issues.

Leave a Reply

Search Paralegal Programs

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

Sponsored Listings