Paralegal and Legal Assistant

For more information on the Paralegal program, please contact the program coordinator, Elizabeth Jeane Dibble at 618-235-2700, ext. 5494 or elizabeth.dibble@swic.edu

About the Program

The purpose of Southwestern Illinois College's Paralegal program is to give students a working knowledge of many areas of law in order to prepare them for gainful employment in a law firm, governmental agency, insurance company, or other area of the legal profession.

Many students already work in the field of law and wish to take classes in Paralegal Studies to improve their skills. Other students need specialized training to use in their current positions. These students intend to increase career choices with their current employer and to supplement the on-the-job training they already have received.

While some students are interested in the program for the purpose of gaining employment, others will use this degree in conjunction with other training to expand their career opportunities.

Southwestern's Paralegal Studies program is offered through distance learning. The courses are broadcast from the Belleville Campus to the Granite City and Red Bud campuses.

Southwestern has an articulation agreement with Southern Illinois University at Carbondale and Maryville and Webster universities in St. Louis, which allows students to enter the bachelor's program in paralegal studies with junior status.

Courses in the Paralegal Studies program are taught by practicing attorneys. It is recommended that students who are planning to apply to law school pursue a bachelor's degree and courses in any discipline that requires critical thinking, verbal and written communication skill, math and accounting skills, and knowledge of technology. Admission to law school requires that an applicant take the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT).

Career Opportunities

Careers

Legal Assistant

Prospects

Job prospects for paralegals are excellent. Due to the well-rounded course of study at Southwestern, graduates of the program are prepared not only to work in any kind of law firm, but in government agencies, banks, hospitals, insurance companies, and private industry as well. Graduates of this program have gone on to complete their bachelor's degree in Paralegal Studies or other areas and have entered law school successfully.

Salary

Additional education, experience and the size and location of the law firm or institution can affect the salary range.

Program Available

Associate in Applied Science Degree (0088)

The two year Associate in Applied Science Degree in Paralegal Studies is designed to give students a working knowledge of the diverse areas of the law. The program prepares students for employment in law firms, government agencies, corporations, financial institutions, and insurance companies. Some students entering the program are currently working in the field of law and take classes to improve their skills or obtain specialized training; others are looking to enter this field. The classes in the paralegal studies course requirements are taught by practicing attorneys. View Curriculum>>

Admission Procedures

All applicants are advised to see a counselor upon making application for entrance into the college.

MISSION SUCCESS

Students interested in a degree program need to participate in MISSION SUCCESS, an assessment, welcome and counseling program designed to assist you with entry to Southwestern.

COMPASS, a computerized assessment program designed to identify your skill levels in math, reading and language usage, is the first step in MISSION SUCCESS. Next, the welcome session provides you with information about the college, its resources and services. In the counseling session, you can discuss your academic needs and plans with a counselor. You will receive an interpretation of your assessment scores so that you can prepare to register for classes.

Admission to the program

The admission procedures for the Paralegal Studies program are described fully in Southwestern's catalog and are in accordance with Illinois law.

Southwestern's Paralegal Studies program is open to an student who is a high school graduate; has passed the GED high school equivalency examination; or who is transferring from an accredited college or university.

For more information about the Paralegal Studies program or MISSION SUCCESS, contact a counselor at the Belleville Campus, (618) 235-2700, ext. 5206; the Granite City Campus, (618) 931-0600; or the Red Bud Campus, (618) 282-6682.

Tuition and Financial Aid

For the current tuition rate, contact Southwestern's Counseling Office at (618) 235-2700, ext. 5206. Southwestern's tuition and fees are subject to change at any time.

Information about student scholarships, grants, loans and employment is available from the Office of Financial Aid and Student Employment.

Workforce Investment Act funding, formerly known as Job Training Partnership Act, also may be available to qualified students. For more information, contact the Center for Training Innovations at
(618) 235-2700, ext. 5201.

Graduation Requirements

A student must complete 66 credit hours to earn an Associate in Applied Science Degree in Paralegal Studies. Other specific graduation requirements can be found in the front section of Southwestern's catalog.

It is the policy of Southwestern Illinois College to grant equal educational opportunity to all qualified persons without regard to race, creed, color, sex, religion, national origin/ancestry, disability, sexual preference, or age. All academic, extracurricular, research and other educational programs and activities are non-discriminatory.