Paralegal Degree or Certificate?

For those interested in the area of ​​the law, whether on a bachelor’s degree in paralegal studies or a certificate to acquire. The answer depends on each individual and the goals of his career. If a person is entitled to one day a lawyer, then a bachelor’s degree would be the best choice.

However, the paralegals are most successful and respected receive a certificate. One of the most famous schools in the country, Duke University, offers a 12-month paralegal program. Since the brand is very recognizable and Duke paralegal certificate is often preferred in many undergraduate courses. For someone who has a bachelor’s degree in another field, should be sufficient, a certificate for a career as a paralegal to start.

The prerequisite for admission to a statement lies solely in the hands of law firms. It is not necessary to have a bachelor’s degree. However, the levels are generally preferred over certificate and the certificate is issued by a university like Duke. It is important to note that most companies do not have to pay higher salary as a paralegal has a four-year course. Law firms experience only salaries.

For example, a paralegal with a degree of four years of experience without getting a salary of $ 35,000 per year. For equal work, a paralegal with a certificate and seven years experience makes $ 48,000 a year. Although education is important, an experienced paralegal has a higher salary, regardless of his training command.

The advantage of the profitability of a certificate, most programs in nine to 12 months to complete. If you are looking for a career change, quickly, then a certificate is the best choice. Many paralegals who began her career with a certificate shooters continued their studies and eventually earned a law degree.

Many people will opt for a certificate instead of a diploma, because the length of time and money. Get a four-year course is much more expensive compared to a certificate program in 12 months. Moreover, the prospect of a new career starts in 12 months instead of four years to appeal to most people.

A course certificate program of work focusing exclusively on legal studies. A bachelor’s degree program includes general studies like mathematics, English, social studies and science. For people seeking a career change in the certificate program is a much more attractive option.

If you are struggling with this decision, you first want to compare costs of each program. You must also assess your goals. If you want to work within one year, the certificate is the best choice. If you believe that your career to continue in the future, you can study. However, if you purchase a certificate, you can still get a degree in the future. Well, you earn your credits for the certificate can not be transferred to a degree.