Go to Page Section:
Shelton State Community College is a part of the state system of public colleges in Alabama.
The Alabama Community College System Board of Trustees established the school in 1979.
The action combined Shelton State Technical College and the Tuscaloosa campus of Brewer State Junior College.
Today, the Martin Campus, which is in Tuscaloosa, is the main campus of Shelton State Community College.
The school focuses on academic excellence, economic development, and cultural enrichment.
It serves more than 11,000 students every year.
There are almost 100 academic programs offered at Shelton State Community College.
One of the programs that is offered at the school is the Paralegal, Associate of Applied Science program.
It is a concentration option of the Business Office Management and Technology program.
The program provides graduates with the comprehensive knowledge and skills that they need to have a successful paralegal career.
About Shelton State Community College
Location and Flexibility
Shelton State Community College is in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.
Students who enroll in the Business Office Management – Paralegal program can enroll in daytime or evening classes.
They can also complete courses in a hybrid or online format.
Program Structure and Curriculum
- Degree Type: Associate of Applied Science degree
- Total Credits: 71–72 credit hours
Course Breakdown
Shelton State Community College does not give a required sequence for its Associate of Applied Science, Paralegal program.
Students who are required to complete prerequisite/corequisite courses, if indicated by placement testing, should meet with an advisor to make sure that they complete those courses before registering for the paralegal program courses.
Core courses that students complete include English Composition I, Fundamentals of Oral Communication or Fundamentals of Public Speaking, Fine Arts or Humanities Elective, and one History, Social, or Behavioral Science Elective.
They also must complete Quantitative Reasoning or Mathematical Applications, Math or Natural Science Elective, Orientation to College, Beginning Keyboarding, and Intermediate Keyboarding.
The technical concentration courses that students complete to earn their Paralegal, Associate of Applied Science degree include Word Processing, Advanced Word Processing, Business English or English Composition II, Business Communications, and Computerized Financial Record Keeping.
They also complete Records/Information Management, Office Applications, Office Procedures, Spreadsheet Applications, and Office Graphics and Presentations.
The Paralegal Studies courses that students complete for this program include Introduction to Paralegal Study, Basic Legal Research and Writing, Advanced Legal Research and Writing, and Civil Law and Procedures.
Students also complete Office Internship – Paralegal.
Delivery Modes and Scheduling
Shelton State Community College has an open enrollment policy.
Students should meet with an advisor to make sure that they complete any required prerequisite courses.
The Associate of Applied Science – Paralegal program is offered on campus during the daytime and evening.
It is also offered entirely online.
Pros and Cons of the Paralegal Program
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Students complete the program in two years, not four years. | A two-year program may not be satisfactory for some employers. |
| Students may transfer to a four-year university to continue their studies. | The school does not indicate that the paralegal program is approved by the American Bar Association. |
| The school has a low student-to-faculty ratio of 17:1, allowing for more faculty support for students. | The tuition for non-resident students is double that of resident students. |
How to Apply/Next Steps
- Plan your schedule. Decide which semester you want to enroll in to start the paralegal program.
- If you want to transfer to a four-year university, meet with an advisor to review the required pathway.
- Research your financial aid options. Apply for state and federal financial aid programs. Apply for scholarships and any other financial aid that applies to you.
Contact Information
If you would like more information about the Paralegal – Associate of Applied Science program, contact the school at 205-391-2211.
You may also visit the website at https://catalog.sheltonstate.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=21&poid=2176&returnto=574.
| Shelton State Community College: Key Details | |
|---|---|
| Accreditation | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) |
| Location | 9500 Old Greensboro Road Tuscaloosa, AL, 35405 |
| Website | https://catalog.sheltonstate.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=21&poid=2176&returnto=574 |
| Phone | 205-391-2211 |
| On Campus? | Yes |
| Online? | Yes |
| Program Length | 2 Years |
| Student Rating | -NA- |
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to complete this program?
The Paralegal – Associate of Applied Science program at Shelton State Community College is a two-year program.
Does Shelton State Community College have accreditation?
The school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award Associate degrees.
What kind of legal advice can I give to clients?
Paralegals are not permitted to give legal advice.
They provide valuable support to attorneys.
Share Your Review