The demand for skilled paralegals has been on the rise in recent years, and the Paralegal Program at Ivy Tech Community College is designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and training necessary to succeed in this field. As one of the largest community colleges in the country, Ivy Tech is committed to providing students with a high-quality education that prepares them for the workforce.
The Paralegal Program at Ivy Tech is accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA), which is a testament to the program's quality and relevance. The program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the legal system, as well as the skills and knowledge necessary to perform a variety of tasks in a law office or other legal setting.
Program Overview
The Paralegal Program at Ivy Tech is an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree program that can be completed in two years. The program consists of 60 credit hours, which includes coursework in areas such as law and ethics, torts, contracts, and property law. Students also have the opportunity to participate in internships, which provide valuable hands-on experience in a law office or other legal setting.
Program Goals
The Paralegal Program at Ivy Tech has several goals, including:
- To provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the legal system and the role of paralegals within it
- To equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to perform a variety of tasks in a law office or other legal setting
- To provide students with the opportunity to participate in internships, which provide valuable hands-on experience in a law office or other legal setting
- To prepare students for certification as a Certified Paralegal (CP) or a Registered Paralegal (RP)
Curriculum
The Paralegal Program at Ivy Tech includes coursework in areas such as:
- Law and Ethics: This course provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the legal system and the role of paralegals within it.
- Torts: This course provides students with an understanding of tort law, including negligence, liability, and damages.
- Contracts: This course provides students with an understanding of contract law, including formation, performance, and breach.
- Property Law: This course provides students with an understanding of property law, including real and personal property, and the rights and interests of property owners.
Internships
The Paralegal Program at Ivy Tech also includes the opportunity to participate in internships, which provide valuable hands-on experience in a law office or other legal setting. Internships are typically completed during the final semester of the program and provide students with the opportunity to apply the skills and knowledge they have learned in a real-world setting.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Paralegal Program at Ivy Tech have a variety of career opportunities available to them. Some of the most common career paths for paralegals include:
- Law Firms: Many paralegals work in law firms, where they assist attorneys with a variety of tasks such as research, document preparation, and client communication.
- Corporate Law Departments: Some paralegals work in corporate law departments, where they assist attorneys with tasks such as contract review and compliance.
- Government Agencies: Paralegals may also work in government agencies, where they assist attorneys with tasks such as research and document preparation.
- Non-Profit Organizations: Some paralegals work in non-profit organizations, where they assist attorneys with tasks such as research and document preparation.
Salary and Job Outlook
The salary and job outlook for paralegals is positive. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for paralegals was $51,740 in May 2020. The BLS also predicts that employment of paralegals will grow 10% from 2020 to 2030, which is faster than the average for all occupations.
Conclusion
The Paralegal Program at Ivy Tech Community College is a comprehensive program that provides students with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed as a paralegal. With a strong curriculum, internship opportunities, and a positive job outlook, graduates of the program are well-prepared to enter the workforce and succeed in their careers.
What is the Paralegal Program at Ivy Tech Community College?
+The Paralegal Program at Ivy Tech Community College is an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree program that provides students with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed as a paralegal.
What are the career opportunities for paralegals?
+Graduates of the Paralegal Program at Ivy Tech have a variety of career opportunities available to them, including law firms, corporate law departments, government agencies, and non-profit organizations.
What is the salary and job outlook for paralegals?
+The median annual salary for paralegals was $51,740 in May 2020, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that employment of paralegals will grow 10% from 2020 to 2030.