The body of knowledge required to effectively perform legal support services can only come from a formal education in paralegal studies. As attorneys, corporations and government agencies work within an increasingly complex legal framework, the level of responsibility they expect paralegals to be able to take on has also increased. Law offices and other employers in Alabama have come to rely on paralegals with the kind of expertise that can only come from earning a certificate or degree in paralegal studies.
Whether you’re eager to get your paralegal career started or ready to make the next move so you can advance and specialize in your current position, you’re probably feeling a bit overwhelmed by the huge number of certificate and degree programs available to you.
Here, we’ve narrowed down the search by giving you our top picks of paralegal certificate and degree programs based on quality and accessibility. Whether online or on-campus, the very first thing to look for in making a selection is a basic measure of the quality of the school, and the programs that school offers. That’s why our selections only include programs with regional or national accreditation.
We don’t attempt to rank these schools since they all offer the assurance of a quality education that teaches to the highest standards. We’re just presenting your options here so you can reach out for additional information on cost and delivery options.
Auburn University
Auburn University is a 4-year public university located in Auburn, with an additional satellite campus in Montgomery.
Paralegal Outreach Certificate – On Campus (undergraduate, pre-degree certificate for high school graduates)
Bachelor’s degree in Law and Justice – On Campus
Coastal Alabama Community College
Coastal Alabama Community College (CACC), previously known as Faulkner State Community College, is a 2-year public institution with campuses in Bay Minette, Fairhope, and Gulf Shores.
Associate of Applied Sciences degree in paralegal studies
Paralegal Certificate – Advanced Substantive Law, Basic Substantive Law, Legal Analysis – On Campus
Associate of Applied Science in Paralegal Studies – On Campus
Enterprise State Community College
Enterprise State Community College (ESCC) is a 2-year public school with campuses in Albertville, Andalusia, Enterprise, Mobile, and Ozark.
Associate in Applied Science in Paralegal Studies – Online
Short-Term Certificate in Legal Assistant/Paralegal – Online
Faulkner University
Faulkner University is a private Christian university. The university’s main campus is in Montgomery, with extended campuses in Mobile, Birmingham, and Huntsville.
Associate of Science in Legal Studies – On Campus, Online, Hybrid
Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies – On Campus, Online, Hybrid
Gadsden State Community College
Gadsden State Community College (GSCC) is a 2-year public school with campuses in Anniston, Centre, and Gadsden.
Associate in Applied Science Degree in Paralegal Studies – On Campus
The paralegal degree program is only offered at the Wallace Drive Gadsden campus location.
Herzing University-Birmingham
Herzing University is a private 4-year institution whose campus is located in the large suburban environment of Birmingham.
Associate’s Degree in Legal Assisting/Paralegal – Online
Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies – Online
Samford University
Samford University is a private university located in Birmingham.
Bachelor’s Degree in History and Legal Studies, Legal Studies Concentration – On Campus
Shelton State Community College
Shelton State Community College is a 2-year public school with its campus located in the midsize city of Tuscaloosa.
Paralegal Certificate (short-term) – On Campus, Hybrid
Paralegal Certificate – On Campus, Hybrid
Associate of Applied Science in Paralegal Studies – On Campus
South University
South University is a 4-year academic institution with campuses spanning nine states, including one in Montgomery, Alabama.
Associate of Science in Paralegal Studies – Online
Wallace State Community College
The George C. Wallace State Community College is a 2-year public institution with its main campus located in Hanceville.
Associate in Applied Science in Paralegal Studies – Campus, Hybrid