A paralegal student looks across Tacoma's glass bridge

Paralegal

A.A.S.

Certificate

TCC’s American Bar Association-approved program offers options to those who wish to pursue a career in the exciting, fast-growing field of legal services. Graduates may be eligible for positions in a law office, legal department of a corporation, public agency, court system, private investigation firm, and paralegal services. Legal courses are taught by faculty who represent various aspects of the field of law and hold a high regard for academic and professional integrity.

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The Associate of Applied Science – Paralegal degree is approved by the American Bar Association and designed to train students for careers working as paralegals or legal assistants in law firms, governmental agencies, corporate legal departments, public service organizations, and other institutions. Paralegals work under the supervision of an attorney and are not licensed to practice law.
Length

2 Years*

91 Credits

Costs

Typically $1,590.70*

Tuition & Fees

Financial Aid

Academic Info

Core Requirements

Program Map
Application Process

Apply to TCC and complete the New Student Orientation.

Complete your prerequisite assessment. Assessment at college-level English and reading is required for all Paralegal courses. For the Associate of Applied Science degree, students are required to take the Math Directed Self-Placement.

Register for classes. Your academic advisor will help you map out the courses needed to complete the program. The Paralegal program runs on a space-available basis. Each course has a limited number of seats.
Questions?
Contact us at PLST@tacomacc.edu or visit our Paralegal Program FAQ page for answers to commonly asked questions.
*Average length to complete and cost to attend is based on a full-time student who is a Washington state resident. The cost displayed refers to quarterly tuition for such a student. Individual program costs and fees may vary.
The Paralegal Preferred Pro-Certificate is designed for those who already possess an Associate or Bachelor’s degree and wish to enter the profession, or if already employed in the legal field, to enhance their career potential.
Length

1 Year*

50 Credits

Costs

Typically $1,590.70*

Tuition & Fees

Financial Aid

Academic Info

Core Requirements
Application Process

Apply to TCC and complete the New Student Orientation.

Submit an unofficial transcript to placement@tacomacc.edu.

Register for classes. Your academic advisor will help you map out the courses needed to complete the program. The Paralegal program runs on a space-available basis. Each course has a limited number of seats.
Questions?
Contact us at PLST@tacomacc.edu or visit our Paralegal Program FAQ page for answers to commonly asked questions.
*Average length to complete and cost to attend is based on a full-time student who is a Washington state resident. The cost displayed refers to quarterly tuition for such a student. Individual program costs and fees may vary.

Paralegals are in high demand. Read more about salaries, employment opportunities, and transfer options below.

Top Transfer Options

UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON TACOMA

WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY

UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON

SEATTLE UNIVERSITY

The Industries

Law firms
Government
Corporate legal counsel
Courtroom

Finance
Education
Insurance
Real Estate

The Careers

Paralegal

Assist lawyers by investigating facts, preparing legal documents, or researching legal precedent.

Legal Secretary

Perform secretarial duties using legal terminology, procedures, and documents.

Judicial Law Clerk

Assist judges in court or by conducting research or preparing legal documents.

Title Examiner

Search real estate records, examine titles, or summarize pertinent legal documents for a variety of purposes.

Career Explorer

From Our Students

I wanted to work for an organization that was helping to fight injustices for people in marginalized communities, and that’s where I landed.”

Takia Tripp
Paralegal Graduate

Students in graduation regalia walk across the Japanese bridge on campus

Tuition & Payment

TCC is typically 1/3 the cost of a state university. Find out about how much college costs so you can plan for your finances.

Financial Aid

Nearly 60 percent of all TCC students receive some kind of financial aid to help pay for school. We can help you make an investment in your education.

Ways to Pay

There are resources to help you pay for college, including scholarships, grants, workforce education funding, student emergency funds, and much more.

Veterans Benefits

Service members, military veterans, and their families have unique needs when it comes to furthering their educational goals.

Academic Advising

Connect with your advisor to stay on track and make informed decisions about your future.

Student Learning Centers

Take charge of your education with our Student Learning Centers, offering support to help develop skills and excel in your classes.

Library

The Library is the campus hub for information and research resources.

Access Services

Providing accommodations and support for students with disabilities.

Counseling

TCC Counseling provides free and confidential help to all students.

Food Pantry

The Titan Food Pantry is open to all students, providing food to get you through the day.

Free Bus Pass

All students are eligible for a free ORCA card for transportation through Pierce Transit.

Childcare

The Early Learning Center is a safe, enriching place for children age 12 month to 8 years to learn and grow while you pursue your educational goals.

Career Center

Visit the Career Center to receive career coaching, resume building assistance, and get connected with employers in our area.

Career Explorer

Use the Career Explorer to find out more about future employment opportunities in the area and what each position entails.

Career Assessment

Use the Career Assessment to help you identify what jobs might be a good fit for you, and the programs at TCC that can help you get started.

Student Employment

Explore options for work while you're a student, including work-study positions, internships, and part-time opportunities.

All Student Support

Become a Paralegal at TCC

Degrees & Certificates

Associate of Applied Science – Paralegal

Paralegal Preferred Pro Certificate

Have Any Questions?

The Opportunities Add Up

Top Transfer Options

The Industries

The Careers

From Our Students

Support for Success & Well-Being

Related Programs