Northern Essex Community College

Northern Essex Community College

Find a job as a paralegal professional

The option for an associate in science degree in paralegal studies merges a foundation in the liberal arts with a career concentration in the paralegal field. Students are given the chance to explore the field of law and acquire knowledge and necessary skills that will enable them to execute a wide range of supportive legal functions.

Two options are available for the paralegal studies associate degree program:

Career Option and Transfer Option. Students who wish to look for jobs after graduation (rather than continuing their education) should choose the Career Option. This option offers more flexibility with electives and focuses on the practical aspects of the profession since career option students do not plan to transfer to a four-year institution.

To graduate, a minimum of 61 credit hours is required. Paralegals undertake a large number of varying duties, but they are not able to represent clients themselves, they must not give legal advice or personal judgments, and they cannot set fees. The majority paralegal courses are held on the Franklin Street Campus in Lawrence. Students are required to maintain a C or better in order to receive credit for graduation.