Paralegal Certificate Comparison
The Emory University Paralegal Program is an intensive, comprehensive certificate program. It is unique from most paralegal programs and schools because we concentrate exclusively on practical skills needed by paralegals.
Various Forms of Paralegal Education
Prospective paralegal students have a wide variety of educational opportunities. Emory University's Paralegal Program brings a new and dynamic choice in paralegal education.
There are many fine paralegal education programs which usually take one of three forms :
4 Year Degree: A few schools offer bachelors degrees in the paralegal field. This is a good option for students considering going to law school. As with any 4 year degree, many courses are general requirements and only those within the paralegal "major" will focus on paralegal skills.
2 Year Degree: Many technical schools and community colleges offer quality Associate Degree programs in the paralegal field. As with Bachelor programs, most required courses are general requirements for the degree. This is a good choice for candidates just out of high school, or with little workplace experience.
Paralegal Certificate Programs: Certificate programs have the advantage of focusing the entire educational experience on paralegal skills. Most certificate students already possess either a college degree and prefer to complete a focused program rather than returning to a formal degree program. Many students have legal experience or other life experience that has helped to prepare them for the profession, but require more formal education to progress.
Certificate programs generally offer the most focused and highest quality education for the price cost.
Salary by form of Paralegal Education
Legal Assistant Today Magazine publishes a salary survey that is conducted every two years by the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA). In the 2004 survey, graduates of certificate programs, such as the one offered at Emory University, are compensated at a higher rate than any other form of paralegal education! Why? Attorneys know certificate program students are trained in one thing - paralegal skills. So, if you want to put yourself in a great position to succeed in the paralegal profession, consider the Emory University Paralegal Studies Program.
* Note that these are national averages and do not reflect starting salaries. Also note that certificate salaries are for individuals also holding a four year degree in another area.
Source: Legal Assistant Today Magazine, National Utilization and Compensation Survey Report, Copyright: October 2004.
