Phoenix College offers many options for students wishing to become paralegals, such as an associate degree and paralegal certificate. You can pursue an associate in applied science or a Certificate of Completion in Paralegal Studies. The Higher Learning Commission has accredited Phoenix College.
Tuition is based on the credits needed for each program at a rate of $85 per credit for Arizona residents. You will need 40 credits for the Certificate of Completion and 62-67 credits for the Associate of Applied Science degree. Grants and student loans may be available to qualifying students.
The Phoenix College Paralegal Studies Certificate program provides students with the skills to excel as a paralegal. Students will analyze and address ethical challenges faced by paralegals, presenting recommended courses of action. Students will acquire relevant knowledge, skills, and a professional mindset to pursue career opportunities in the paralegal field. Practical application of this knowledge includes drafting various legal documents such as civil complaints, answers, motions for summary judgment, discovery documents, memorandums of law, legal correspondence, and contracts.
Students will conduct meticulous legal research, summarizing results accurately and citing authority according to accepted legal citation standards. They will also demonstrate proficiency in analyzing tort cases under Arizona law, evaluating causes of action, defenses, and potential damages. Additionally, students will gain the ability to assess the utility, form, and function of legally recognized forms of business organizations, drafting appropriate documents for filing with the relevant government entities. Utilizing industry-standard technology, students will perform pre-trial and in-trial litigation support tasks efficiently and accurately, reflecting the demands of a professional law office setting.