Paralegal Program

The paralegal degree program at Arizona Western College teaches students to perform legal research, as well as drafting, investigatory record-keeping, and other administrative functions related to the legal system. Students who graduate the program will perform these functions under the supervision of an attorney or in a court and will gain instruction from the program in legal research, drafting legal documents, appraising, pleading, courthouse procedures, and other legal specializations. Get more details below including other Arizona colleges that offer paralegal program.

Learn more by requesting information now!

Arizona Western College

University Drive and Mill Avenue, Tempe, AZ

About
Arizona Western College, located in Yuma, Arizona, was founded in 1963 to serve residents in its service area by providing a quality education and service. The school has an annual enrollment of nearly 8000 students per year. AWC is a publicly funded two year institution that is constantly reviewing and upgrading its services and facilities to ensure that the best education may be provided. This is furthered through program reviews that ensure the relevance and modern state of each program, updating them as necessary in order to remain current.

Academics
Arizona Western College offers a large number of programs resulting in either a certificate or degree. These programs allow students to pursue academic transfer or career training in a field that best suits their future goals. Academic transfer programs provide students with a curriculum that completes the first two years of a four year education and once completed, allows students to apply for transfer at a four year institution, continuing their education and earn their bachelor's degree. Four year institutions will have varying transfer requirements, and as such it is recommended students meet with a counselor to develop a curriculum that best assists in transfer to a student's desired school or schools.

Students choosing to study in a career program will develop the skills and abilities necessary through a combination of classroom and practical courses that allow for entry into the workforce as professionals. Such programs result in a certificate or associate degree, demonstrating competency to potential employers by having completed the necessary education. Programs take between one and two years to complete, and graduates may seek employment immediately after graduation. Such are usually reflective of the needs of the community and are often for high demand fields.

Programs offered at AWC include:

• Business Administration
• Environmental Science
• History
• Paralegal Studies
• Welding Technology

Admissions and Financial Aid
As an open enrollment institution, any student who submits a completed application and meets the minimum requirements for admission may enroll at Arizona Western College. Students will provide transcripts and to take a placement exam for general education courses. New students are encouraged to participate in student orientation and meet with a counselor to develop a student education plan. Registration for courses takes place prior to the start of each semester, with tuition due shortly thereafter.

Financial aid is available in the form of loans, grants and scholarships. Students in need of financial assistance must obtain a federal PIN and submit a completed Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the resulting student aid report (SAR) from which will be used to determine financial need, aid program eligibility, and monetary awards. Financial aid must be reapplied for prior to the start of each academic year. Students may be asked to provide additional financial information to ensure that the FAFSA is accurate prior to the disbursement of funds. Students may also apply for external scholarships offered by various sources that are awarded for a variety of reasons.

Students Enrolled in the Paralegal Program

Get more details below regarding enrollment, academics, and school demographics. Arizona Western College has offered the following academic levels for students:

• Less Than One Year Certificate
• Associate's Degree

Students by Academic Level (2019)

Students by Gender (2019)

Students by Race (2019)

Source: IPEDS Survey 2012-2020: Data obtained from the US Dept. of Education's Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Data may vary depending on school and academic year.

Career Options for Graduates

Paralegals and Legal Assistants

Description

Assist lawyers by investigating facts, preparing legal documents, or researching legal precedent. Conduct research to support a legal proceeding, to formulate a defense, or to initiate legal action.

Career Outlook & Projections ()

According to the BLS, paralegals and legal assistants employment is expected to grow at a rate of 7.6% from 2014 to 2024

Salary & Wages

• Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ
  • Total Employment: 4
  • Average Hourly Rate: $26.16
  • Average Annual Salary: $54400

Title Examiners, Abstractors, and Searchers

Description

Search real estate records, examine titles, or summarize pertinent legal or insurance documents or details for a variety of purposes. May compile lists of mortgages, contracts, and other instruments pertaining to titles by searching public and private records for law firms, real estate agencies, or title insurance companies.

Career Outlook & Projections ()

According to the BLS, title examiners, abstractors, and searchers employment is expected to shrink at a rate of -0.3% from 2014 to 2024

Salary & Wages

• Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ
  • Total Employment: 800
  • Average Hourly Rate: $24.93
  • Average Annual Salary: $51850

Legal Support Workers, All Other

Description

All legal support workers not listed separately.

Source: Job descriptions, estimated salary and wages, and projected job growth are taken from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).