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The paralegal program at the University of Texas offers students the opportunity to have a rewarding legal career.
Students who complete their program can start working in the legal field within a few months, instead of in several years.
Students have several options to complete a certificate program at the University of Texas at Austin or the University of Texas at San Antonio Professional and Continuing Education department.
The online option is a self-paced program.
Students may have up to 12 months to complete the program.
Students who choose the instructor-led Paralegal Certificate Program complete it within five months.
There is also a Paralegal Specialist program for students who want to work in a specialized paralegal area.
The programs give students foundational knowledge, along with specialized knowledge and in-demand skills that they need to work as paralegals.
About the University of Texas
The University of Texas System has been serving students for more than 140 years.
The first school, the University of Texas at Austin, opened its doors to 221 students and eight faculty members.
Today, there are 14 institutions within the school’s system.
Location and Flexibility
Students in the Paralegal – Instructor-Led program at the University of Texas at Austin meet twice a week and complete the program in five months.
The online learning format option gives students up to 11 months to complete the program.
Both programs at the University of Texas at San Antonio take 11 months to complete, in a three-semester sequence.
Program Structure and Curriculum
The University of Texas at Austin and the University of Texas at San Antonio offer non-credit Paralegal Certificate programs.
Students who enroll in one of the programs can choose from online or instructor-led virtual learning formats.
There is also a Paralegal Specialist program.
Students choose from more than 20 specialty options.
Course Breakdown
The school does not give a required course sequence.
The curriculum includes Introduction to Law, Legal Research, Civil Litigation, and Legal Writing.
It also includes Contracts and Business Organizations, Nexus Uni and TXdocs, Family Law, Wills and Probate, and Criminal Law and Procedure.
Students who enroll in the Paralegal Specialist program take courses related to that specialty.
Some of the program specialization options include Administrative Law, Contract Law, Criminal Law, Environmental Law, Intellectual Property Law, and Personal Injury Law.
Delivery Modes and Scheduling
Students can begin their paralegal studies in any of the three semesters.
Classes are offered both online and instructor-led virtual classroom.
Students can complete the self-paced online program within 11 months or the instructor-led program in five months.
The Paralegal Specialist program allows students up to six months to complete the program.
Pros and Cons of the Paralegal Program
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| There are several program options, which let students tailor their program to their interests and goals. | The paralegal program is a certificate program, not a degree program. |
| Students can start working as paralegals or legal assistants in months, not years. | The certificate program does not lead to a Certified Paralegal credential. |
| Students who lead busy lives can choose the self-paced program option. | The school helps students draft a resume and posts job openings, but does not seem to have active job placement services. |
How to Apply/Next Steps
- Decide which paralegal program you want to enroll in and complete the application.
- Plan your schedule to decide which term you will enroll in.
- Explore financial aid options. Apply for state and federal financial aid. Apply for scholarships and other financial aid for which you may be eligible.
Contact Information
If you would like more information about the Paralegal Certificate Program at the University of Texas at Austin, contact the school at 512-232-6520.
You may also visit the website at https://professionaled.utexas.edu/s/paralegal.
Call the University of Texas at San Antonio for more information about their paralegal programs at 210-458-7223.
You may visit the website at https://www.utsa.edu/pace/paralegal.html.
| University of Texas : Key Details | |
|---|---|
| Accreditation | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) |
| Location | 110 Inner Campus Drive Austin, TX, 78712 |
| Website | https://www.utsa.edu/pace/paralegal.html |
| Phone | 512-471-3434 |
| On Campus? | Yes |
| Online? | Yes |
| Program Length | 1 Year |
| Student Rating | -NA- |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this program qualify me to sit for the Certified Legal Assistant exam?
Completing this program and earning the required college credits can help students qualify to sit for the exam.
How long is this program?
The program length varies, based on the program option that students choose.
Which semester does the paralegal program start?
The school has open enrollment, so students can start any term.
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