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Tarrant County College TCC) offers an excellent Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Paralegal Studies.
With locations scattered across Tarrant County, TCC serves the entire county and surrounding cities, including Dallas and Fort Worth.
The school offers a 60-credit program preparing students for careers as paralegals while giving them the foundation needed for an entry-level role.
About Tarrant County College
Location & Flexibility
TCC has five locations across Tarrant County, including TCC Northeast in Hurst and North Richland Hills, TCC Northwest in North Fort Worth, TCC South in South Fort Worth, TCC Southeast in Arlington, and TCC Trinity River in Downtown Fort Worth.
TCC Connect is the online option for those who need additional flexibility from the comfort of an internet connection.
Mission & Relevance
TCC boasts many educational initiatives to help the school be a guiding light for high-quality, accessible educational opportunities and experiences.
Program Structure & Curriculum
Degree Type: Associate of Applied Science in Paralegal Studies
Total Credits: 60 credit hours
Course Breakdown
- Year 1, Fall Term:
- Meet with a Career Advisor
- Psychology of Adjustment
- Composition I
- Principles of Financial Accounting
- Legal Research
- Introduction to Law and the Legal Professions
- Year 1, Spring Term:
- Meet with a Career Advisor
- Mathematics or Life and Physical Sciences
- Composition II
- Business Computer Applications
- Civil Litigation
- Legal Writing
- Year 2, Fall Term:
- Meet with a Career Advisor
- Business and Professional Communication
- Business Law
- Paralegal/Legal Assistant Cooperative Education
- Paralegal/Legal Assistant Internship
- Torts and Personal Injury Law
- Wills, Trusts, and Probate Administration
- Year 2, Spring Term:
- Meet with a Career Advisor
- Language, Culture and Philosophy or Creative Arts
- Texas Government
- Court Systems and Practices
- Business Organizations
- Family Law
- Graduation Application
Delivery Modes & Scheduling
Students must start in the Fall Term so that they work consistently with the same group of students throughout the program.
Classes are only available at the TCC Northeast Campus, not online.
Pros and Cons of the Paralegal Program
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Credits can be used toward a bachelor’s degree for those who wish to continue their education. | Internship and co-op placement depend on availability, and you must compete against other students for a position. |
| TCC offers affordable AAS in Paralegal Studies degrees. | TCC’s AAS in Paralegal Studies does not qualify graduates to give legal advice, represent clients in court, or take the Bar Exam. |
| The American Bar Association (ABA) approves the program. | This program is not offered online or as a hybrid option. |
| The paralegal program requires an internship and co-op, giving students real-world experience and training. |
How to Apply / Next Steps
Step One: Plan Your Start Year
Since you can only start in the Fall Term, you must determine if you want to begin the program immediately, the fall after high school graduation, or wait a year.
Step Two: Explore Financial Aid Options
As part of your enrollment, make sure to understand the funding options like scholarships, grants, FAFSA, and military funding.
Step Three: Apply to the Program
Students interested in enrolling in TCC’s AAS in Paralegal Studies can apply online HERE.
The website has several application options, including:
- Military-Connected Student
- International Student
- Dual Credit Student
- Continuing Education
- Transfer Student
- New-to-College Student
Contact Information
For more information about TCC’s AAS in Paralegal Studies, you can contact the school by phone at 1-817-515-8223 or submit a question online HERE.
| Tarrant County College: Key Details | |
|---|---|
| Accreditation | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) |
| Location | 828 W Harwood Rd Hurst, TX, 76054 2100 Southeast Pkwy Arlington, TX, 76018 4801 Marine Creek Pkwy Fort Worth, TX, 76179 300 Trinity Campus Cir Fort Worth, TX, 76102 5301 Campus Dr Fort Worth, TX, 76119 444 N Henderson St Fort Worth, TX, 76102 245 E Belknap St Fort Worth, TX, 76102 |
| Website | https://www.tccd.edu/ |
| Phone | 1-817-515-8223 |
| On Campus? | Yes |
| Online? | Yes |
| Program Length | 2 Years |
| Student Rating | 80 / 100 based on 3 student reviews |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does TCC hold an accreditation to ensure the program is valid for future employers?
TCC is fully accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Also, the program is approved by the ABA.
These two combinations ensure your degree is valued within the legal community.
How long does the AAS program take?
Most students complete the program in two years of full-time attendance, including the internship and co-op.
Part-time schedules are available for those who are only able to take a few classes per term.
Is there a faster option at TCC to become a paralegal?
Although the AAS is recommended by the school and preferred by employers, the school offers an ABA-approved certificate, which takes around one year to complete.
Nervous yet excited to take this program. I’ve been looking forward to being a paralegal, and this is a huge step. I know it will be tough but I can do it for 2 years. Now, I’m just looking forward to the financial aid grants. I will be definitely needing it.
Tarrant is my second choice, but I guess I will be going here soon. My friends are going to this college and I’m planning to take paralegal program. The online course would be very convenient since I’m planning to take on part-time jobs.
I liked how it walked through the structure of the paralegal program, especially the mix of classes like legal research, civil litigations, and family law. The requirement for an internship and cooperative education stood out since it gives students actual experience before graduating.