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There are countless careers, not just judges and lawyers, that have a legal focus and are accessible without years in school or insurmountable debt.
Paralegals, sometimes referred to as legal assistants, are an integral part of the legal system and offer well-paying positions with advancement options.
San Jacinto College-North Harris (SJC-N) is an intimate campus situated northeast of downtown Houston, Texas.
The college offers an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Paralegal Studies.
This is a complete 60-credit program that prepares students for an entry-level paralegal position in a rapidly growing profession.
About the San Jacinto College – North Campus
Founded in 1961, the public community college is part of the northeast Houston landscape where roughly 5,000 students call ‘San Jac’ – North campus, home.
Renowned for its award-winning Cosmetology and Culinary Center and competitive Baseball Team, San Jacinto College – North Campus also houses a nationally recognized Paralegal Degree Program.
Recognized by the Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI), the San Jacinto College System is an “Achieving the Dream Leader College.”
Mission & Relevance
The SJC-N strives to promote career-focused programs that enhance learning and lead to successful careers.
San Jacinto College – North Campus follows that mission of educational excellence in its Associate of Applied Science Paralegal Degree Program.
Program Structure & Curriculum
The San Jacinto Legal Assistant program is designed for career-minded students.
It focuses on skills and knowledge that support quick entry into the workforce as a paralegal.
Approved by the American Bar Association (ABA), the degree also provides an academic foundation for students considering law school or as an on-rampt to a Bachelor’s or Master’s in Legal Studies.
Degree Type: Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Paralegal Studies
Total Credits: 60 credit hours
Length: 2 years (4 Semesters) when attending full-time
Cooperative Education – an external internship is required
In addition to core classes, the paralegal program coursework includes:
- Intro to Law
- Wills, Trusts, and Family Law
- Introduction to Paralegal Studies
- Contracts, Immigration Law
- Introduction to Legal Technology
- Interviewing and Negotiating
San Jacinto College-North also supports a chapter of Lambda Epsilon Chi (LEX), the national honor society founded by the American Association for Paralegal Education.
Delivery Modes & Scheduling
Online, hybrid, and on-campus classes are available.
However, because of the American Bar Association certification requirements, 9 credit hours of core legal specialty classes must be taken in person (or by Zoom, if offered) to qualify for credit.
Pros and Cons of the San Jacinto College Paralegal Studies Degree
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| A 60-credit-hour, 2-year degree | A 4-year degree is needed for law school |
| American Bar Association (ABA) approved | Texas education requirements must be met. |
| Provides a general understanding of paralegal skills. | Considered entry-level career instruction |
| In-classroom and online course flexibility | Nine hours must be taken in person. |
How to Apply To San Jacinto College: Next Steps
Admission applications to San Jacinto College are available online.
Qualifications for admission include:
- Must be 18 years old and
- Have a valid high school diploma, homeschool certification, or GED.
However, the college allows exceptions for students under the age of 18.
These applications are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
The next steps include:
- Gather documentation: high school diploma or equivalent, a valid State ID, immunization records (if applicable), and any college transcripts (if applicable).
- Apply online for general admission at: https://www.sanjac.edu/admissions/how-to-apply/
- Join a scheduled on-campus tour.
- If accepted, pay tuition and receive a Student ID number.
- Log on to www.sanjac.edu for additional steps and deadlines.
Contact Information
San Jacinto College – North Campus is easily accessible at 5800 Uvalde Road. Houston, Texas 77049.
The main contact number is 1-281-998-6350 x 2329
For general inquiries via email: information@sjcd.edu
Additional information on the Associate of Applied Science degree is available on the dedicated Paralegal Studies website or catalog publication:
AAS Program: https://www.sanjac.edu/programs/areas-of-study/business/paralegal/
https://publications.sanjac.edu/areas-study/business/paralegal-aas/
| San Jacinto College: Key Details | |
|---|---|
| Accreditation | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) |
| Location | 5800 Uvalde Road Houston, TX, 77049 |
| Website | https://www.sanjac.edu/programs/areas-of-study/business/paralegal/ |
| Phone | 1-281-998-6350 |
| On Campus? | Yes |
| Online? | Yes |
| Program Length | 2 Years |
| Student Rating | 94 / 100 based on 3 student reviews |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the San Jacinto College-North Campus Paralegal degree ABA certified?
Yes, the American Bar Association has approved the two-year program at San Jacinto College – North Campus.
It recognizes 60 credit hours of instruction through online classes, hybrid, and required face-to-face.
How long does the San Jacinto College-North Campus Paralegal degree take?
The 60-credit-hour Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in paralegal studies from San Jacinto College – North Campus takes approximately four semesters or two years to complete for full-time students.
What type of degree does San Jacinto College - North Campus offer in Paralegal Studies?
It is an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree that offers an academic foundation for a career as a paralegal or as a precursor for law school.
Courses for the Paralegal Studies degree from the San Jacinto College System are available on the North campus in northeast Houston.
My dad wanted me to follow in his footsteps as a paralegal. I’ve been looking for colleges and but my mom wanted me to go to San Jacinto. We are going to visit this college soon. I hope this will be it.
My cousins went to this college. I’ve heard a lot of good things. I’m still thinking whether I should go to another state or just take a paralegal course in this college. Thanks for this informative post.
I like the online and face-to-face classes. It is easier for me to take on the course. It is more convenient and innovative. I would be delighted to participate in a 2-year program to secure a job as soon as possible.