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Paralegal Studies

Q: How do I know if the paralegal profession is right for me?

In a nutshell, the paralegal profession is right for you if you have a passion for the law. Your paralegal education will provide the knowledge and skills necessary to perform well. But, nothing spells success like a desire to excel, dedication and determination. Talk to other paralegals and attorneys in a variety of practice areas. Shadow them for a day or more if you can. Above all, evaluate your appetite for the law.

Q: How are your programs different from short-term programs?

Graduates of Center for Advanced Legal Studies complete a minimum of 30 semester hours of legal specialty classes to earn their Paralegal Certificate. The programs are accredited, APA-Approved, and are regulated by various state and national approval agencies. In contrast, short-term paralegal programs are brief, non-credit courses that are usually found in continuing education departments of various universities. They continue to exist even though top paralegal associations and educators have long denounced their credibility. The National Federation of Paralegal Association (NFPA) written position statement regarding short-term programs is: Position Statement Regarding Short-Term Programs. The American Association for Paralegal Education (AAfPE) also has a Policy on Short-Term Programs, which states that “these programs do a fundamental disservice to the legal profession by creating unrealistic expectations in both employers and students that a quality paralegal education has been delivered when such may not be the case.” CALS encourages anyone interested in pursuing a paralegal career to conduct a thorough investigation of prospective programs to ensure that expected outcomes can be achieved and professional goals attained.

Q: What are my prospects for employment after I graduate from the Center?

The job market is good! As a graduate of CALS, you will receive individual attention from our Director of Career Services that includes assistance in resume writing, interview tips, salary negotiation, follow-up, and acceptance of an offer. The latest reported employment rate, please see the disclosures page.

Q: Do I need a degree to enroll in the Paralegal Certificate program?

Yes, but with some exceptions. Per ABA guidelines, all students who graduate from an ABA-Approved program must complete a minimum of 18 semester credit hours of law specialty courses along with additional college credits that total 60 semester credit hours. Generally, this means completing an associate degree or higher. At Center for Advanced Legal Studies, students who have yet to earn a college degree most often enroll in the associate degree program for a comprehensive preparation to enter the paralegal profession. The ABA permits a limited number of students to enroll in the Paralegal Certificate program without first earning a college degree. At CALS, these spots are reserved for experienced paralegals who are currently employed in the field. Ask your admission representative how you can gain acceptance into the certificate program prior to completing your degree. Remember, you must be currently working as a paralegal to qualify.

Q: Will obtaining my paralegal education help if I go to law school?

Yes, without question. As a graduate of CALS and a new law school student, you will suddenly become very popular with fellow students who “don’t have a clue” about legal research, procedure, contracts, etc. Many of the fundamentals of law and theory learned at CALS will be repeated in law school. However, most of the practical skills you gain here will not be addressed in law school at all. Will a paralegal education help? Absolutely.

Q: How do I know if I'm a good candidate for online classes?

History shows that there are certain characteristics that are important to the success of students taking online classes. Interestingly, these qualities are also important to a successful paralegal career. They include: • Self-motivation • Ability to Organize • Good time management skills • Ability to work independently To further ensure compatibility with online classes, students can opt out of their program at the end of the first two weeks of class with no financial obligation. Likewise, CALS will evaluate progress at the end of the first two weeks of class and determine whether a student’s progress is lacking relative to attendance, grades, and an attitude conducive to learning. If so, the student will be released from the program, again with no financial obligation.

Q: As a paralegal, where are my opportunities to work?

Research shows that most paralegals work in law firms. However, many businesses other than law firms utilize paralegals. Such employment is not unusual. These employers include banks, mortgage companies, airlines, churches, non-profit organizations, hospitals, the government and many other businesses. Paralegals may also work independently on a contract basis locally or at a distance; however, the unlicensed practice of law (UPL), can become an important issue especially when a paralegal has a business of his or her own. In all cases, a licensed attorney is ultimately responsible for a paralegal’s performance on specifically delegated substantive legal work.

Q: Will my credits transfer?

To make you more competitive as a paralegal, our programs have a large concentration of paralegal specialty courses relative to general education courses. Some colleges and universities take a different approach. CALS provides its students with the necessary depth of paralegal training so they may begin a rewarding and challenging paralegal career. In 2024, Center for Advanced Legal Studies launched its Bachelor of Arts: Law and Business degree program designed to provide its associate degree graduates a convenient option to furthering their education. All credit earned in the associate degree program transfer in to the bachelor’s degree. AAS Degree Paralegal Program graduates who wish to continue their education to earn a bachelor’s degree elsewhere may encounter difficulties. Please understand that CALS programs were not designed to be a shortcut to a four year degree at other institutions. The purpose of the paralegal programs is to lead you to and advance your paralegal career. However, oftentimes CALS credits are accepted by a variety of institutions but their acceptance is strictly up to the receiving institution.

Q: How can I pay for my paralegal education?

No matter what your financial situation is right now, we have a professional staff and variety of plans to help you get through school and begin your paralegal career. While some students pay for their education as they attend, many of them rely on the financial assistance that is available for college students. Rarely is a person denied the opportunity to continue their education due to a lack of funds. Contact us today and receive more details about your tuition payment options.

Houston

Houston, TX

Associate Degree · 100% Online

Paralegal Studies

Accredited by ACCSC and approved by the American Bar Association (ABA) effective February 12, 2026, and authorized by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.

Offered 100% online: live evening classes through Class for Teams plus weekly asynchronous coursework in Canvas LMS.

Tuition is $19,500 (60 semester credit hours at $325 per credit hour); with registration, learning resources and e-services fees the total is $21,600.

This program takes as little as 20 months (80 weeks) to complete; 10 months for Paralegal Certificate graduates.

A $100 registration fee is charged; no separate application fee is listed.

Federal financial aid, including Pell Grants and Direct Loans, is available to those who qualify; the CALS FAFSA school code is 026047.

Paralegal Studies is an Associate Degree program (100% Online) offered by Center for Advanced Legal Studies in Houston, TX. The program takes 20 months to complete, with a total tuition of $19,500.

Program Overview

Program Objectives.

Enter the legal profession as a paralegal
Effectively assist attorneys in the delivery of legal services
Exhibit practical knowledge in document preparation and legal research
Display enhanced skills and knowledge of applicable software programs
Demonstrate ethical standards and principles

Direct Pathway to Bachelor of Arts: Law and Business Degree. In addition to providing students with opportunities to earn their first college degree and enter the legal profession as a paralegal, this degree is designed to lead directly to the Bachelor of Arts: Law and Business degree program. All credits earned in this program transfer into the bachelor’s degree program and provide the necessary prerequisites for the upper division courses.

Marketable Skills. At CALS, our programs focus on your interest in the legal profession from beginning to end. Nearly 70% of the AAS degree program is comprised of legal specialty classes. The focus on a variety of law classes means more marketable skills and knowledge, which in turn opens more doors to potential employment.

What sets this Program apart

Graduates Benefit from CALS Specialized Paralegal Education & Experience.

Student-Faculty ratio averages 20-1;
No out-of-state fees for non-resident students;
Career placement services focus on your legal career;
The curriculum is based on the legal industry and employer needs;
Long-standing relationships and reputation with the legal community;
Faculty has an average of 20 years of experience in the legal profession;
Over 35+ years specializing in paralegal education and beginning successful careers;
Your class schedule is arranged for you;
Learning resources, textbooks, and software are distributed to you;
Every dollar invested is allocated directly to the support of your paralegal education and career.

Admission Requirements and Process

The AAS Degree is designed to provide the minimum educational requirement preferred by most employers and paralegal authorities such as the American Association of Paralegal Educators (AAfPE), National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA), and The National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA). Students who have completed the Paralegal Certificate Program are automatically accepted into the A.A.S. Degree program along with their completed coursework and credits. Other students must hold a minimum of a high school diploma or its equivalent and pass an entrance exam in order to be accepted into this program.

General Requirements

High school diploma
Applicants must hold a minimum of a high school diploma or recognized equivalent.
Entrance exam
Applicants must achieve a passing score of 20 on the Wonderlic Scholastic Level Exam.
Certificate graduates
Graduates of the Paralegal Certificate Program receive automatic acceptance into the Associate of Applied Science Degree program.
Personal consultation
A personal consultation with an admission representative is required of all applicants.
Valid diploma or GED
A high school diploma or GED must be approved by the state from which it was issued; if it is suspected to be invalid, the applicant will not be accepted until he/she can provide…
Credits earned at CALS
A minimum of 40% of the program’s total credit hours must be earned at CALS for degree programs, and students must complete a minimum of eighteen (18) semester hours of legal…

Application Process

1
Consult with an Admissions Representative
A personal consultation with an admissions representative is required of all applicants; your representative can review tuition, financial aid, admission requirements and transfer of credit with you.
Request Information
2
Take the entrance test
Take and pass the entrance test, the Wonderlic Scholastic Level Exam, with a score of 20 or higher (required of undergraduates only).
3
Submit your application
Submit the application for enrollment, required enrollment forms and agreements, and provide official copies of college transcripts, high school diploma, or its recognized equivalent. For the November 16, 2026 start, the application deadline is October 30 and the enrollment deadline is November 6.
Request Information
4
Complete the FAFSA
Complete the FAFSA at StudentAid.gov prior to enrolling; because CALS is a continuously enrolling college, there is no deadline. The CALS school code is 026047.
FAFSA Code for Houston: 026047
5
Attend new student orientation
New student orientation is conducted before class. Students in online classes attend orientation in an online, synchronous manner; students in traditional classes attend on campus.

Program Schedule

Online classes. Each class includes 2 hours of live interactive classroom activity every week with 4 hours of asynchronous activity made available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Online Schedule: 7:00PM – 9:00PM CST; each class meets online one (1) evening per week plus four (4) asynchronous hours per week. Saturday Online Schedule: 9:00AM – 1:00PM plus four (4) asynchronous hours per week.

Most online students attend classes live two days per week to meet with their instructor and classmates. The rest of the time they can access their courses and materials 24/7. All sessions are recorded and can be viewed later on computers, tablets, and smartphones.

Terms and start dates. Classes are scheduled in accelerated eight (8) week terms, with a new class start every eight weeks. The next classes begin November 16, 2026 (application deadline October 30; enrollment deadline November 6), followed by January 25, 2027 and March 22, 2027.

New cohorts start regularly throughout the year. Our start dates are as follows:

November 16th, 2026
January 25th, 2027
March 22nd, 2027

Cost of Attendance and Financial Aid Information

Cost and Financial Aid Information is an estimate for general reference only. It is not an offer or guarantee of financial aid or of any price, and what a School charges you may differ.

Total Program Tuition

≈ $19,500

Total Program Cost

≈ $21,600

FAFSA Code

026047

Fill FAFSA Application

Net Price Calculator

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Paralegal Degree Tuition and Fees.

Tuition (60 semester hours @ $325/credit hour): $19,500.00
Registration Fee: $100.00
Learning Resources: $900.00
Student e-Services: $1,100.00

Learning resources include: Cengage Unlimited; Westlaw; LIRN; OPALS; MaxKnowledge; Other books and supplies. E-Services include: Canvas LMS + Tier 1 Support; Class for Teams; Microsoft Office; Copyleaks; SmartEvals. A Cengage Unlimited subscription ($229.00/year) is included in the cost of all programs at CALS; if a course requires a book that is not offered through Cengage Unlimited, CALS will arrange for the student to receive the book at no additional charge. Tuition and fees for online and on-campus classes are the same.

Cost of Attendance. Cost of Attendance (COA) is the total estimated amount it will cost a full-time student (enrolled in 6 semester credit hours per term) to attend school for one academic year (30 semester credit hours). For 30 semester credit hours: tuition $9,750; registration fee $100; student e-services $550; learning resources $450; food and housing $15,480*; transportation $8,574*; personal/miscellaneous expenses $6,366*; total $41,347. Amounts for food and housing, transportation and personal expenses are estimated using https://www.epi.org/resources/budget/; exact amounts vary based on dependent or independent status of student.

Federal financial aid. Your first step to apply for financial aid is to complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) at StudentAid.gov. By completing the FAFSA, you may be eligible to receive several types of federal financial aid, including a Pell Grant, Subsidized Loans and Unsubsidized Loans. If you wish to add Center for Advanced Legal Studies to your list of college options, our school code is 026047. Because CALS is a continuously enrolling college, there is no deadline; you just complete the appropriate FAFSA prior to enrolling.

Other payment options. Interest-free payment plans (payments monthly or per term; no credit check; no interest or additional fees; auto pay available); TFC Tuition Financing; employer tuition reimbursement; and third-party and alternative funding such as military and veteran education benefits (GI Bill®, Tuition Assistance) and private scholarships and grants.

Military benefits. CALS accepts Chapter 30 Montgomery GI Bill®, Chapter 31 Veteran Readiness and Employment, Chapter 33 Post 9/11 GI Bill®, Chapter 35 Dependents Educational Assistance, and DOD Tuition Assistance (TA). The Hazlewood Act applies only to public institutions and is not available at CALS.

Institutional loan limits. Effective July 1, 2026, CALS publishes an Institutional Loan Limits and Funding-Based Enrollment Limits Policy (https://paralegal.edu/wp-content/uploads/CALS_Institutional_Loan_Limits_and_Enrollment_Limits_Policy.pdf).

Curriculum

The AAS Degree is 60 semester credit hours (960 contact hours; 1,023 with the Externship): eight required legal specialty courses (24 semester credit hours), seven required general education courses (21 semester credit hours) and five elective legal specialty courses (15 semester credit hours). Externships are highly recommended. All students must take at least nine semester credits or the equivalent of legal specialty courses through synchronous instruction. Classes are subject to availability.

Required Courses

Subject #	Name	Credits

LAW1301	Introduction to Law and Ethics	3
LAW1305	Interviewing and Investigation	3
LAW1300	Legal Research and Writing	3
LAW1307	Civil Procedure	3
LAW1304	Personal Injury	3
LAW2301	Corporate and Business Law	3
LAW2302	Family Law	3
LAW2305	Computers and the Law	3

ENGL1301	English Composition I	3
ENGL1302	English Composition II	3
PSYC2301	General Psychology	3
GOVT2301	American Government I	3
SPCH1311	Introduction to Speech Communication	3
BIOL2301	Anatomy & Physiology I	3
MATH1332	Contemporary Mathematics	3

LAW1303	Criminal Law and Procedure	3
LAW1306	Wills, Trusts, and Probate	3
LAW2303	Intellectual Property	3
LAW2304	Real Estate	3
LAW2307	E-Discovery	3
LAW2308	Externship	3
LAW2309	Immigration Law	3
LAW2310	Advanced Civil Procedure	3
LAW2311	Advanced Research and Writing	3
LAW2312	Oil and Gas Law	3
LAW2314	Contracts	3
LAW2320	Certification Exam Preparation	3

Career Outcomes

Center for Advanced Legal Studies prepares students for the Paralegal Profession (SOC 23-2011 Paralegals and Legal Assistants): assist lawyers by investigating facts, preparing legal documents, or researching legal precedent. Sample of reported job titles: Paralegal, Legal Assistant, Real Estate Paralegal, Legal Analyst, Paralegal Specialist, Certified Paralegal, Immigration Paralegal, Litigation Paralegal, Corporate Paralegal, Judicial Assistant.

Graduates of CALS paralegal programs go to work for a variety of employers, including law firms, corporations, title companies, non-profit organizations, financial institutions, health care organizations, governmental agencies, and insurance companies. Employers that have hired CALS graduates include Abraham, Watkins, Nichols, Sorrells, Matthews; Academy—Legal Department; Andrews Kurth, L.L.P.; BP America; Bracewell & Giuliani; City of Houston; Linebarger, Goggan, Blair, & Sampson; Office of District Attorney, Harris County; Office of Harris County Attorney; Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP; Porter & Hedges; Winstead PC.

Every paralegal student preparing to graduate, who is in good standing is provided with job search assistance opportunities in traditional and non-traditional markets, including individual attention from the Director of Career Services with resume writing, interview tips, salary negotiation, follow-up, and acceptance of an offer.

Graduation and employment rates (ACCSC). AAS Degree (Online), 4/2022 – 3/2023 cohort: graduation rate 67%, employment rate 85%, as disclosed on ACCSC Annual Report October 2024. Texas Workforce Commission report (September 1, 2021 – August 31, 2022): Associate of Applied Science Degree Paralegal Program annual enrollment 112, completion rate 72.9%, employment rate 76.3%.

Paralegals shall not engage in the unauthorized practice of law as per Texas Penal Code – PENAL § 38.123.

What to expect as a Center for Advanced Legal Studies student

Learning platforms such as Canvas LMS, Class for Teams, and Cengage Unlimited provide a modern approach to online paralegal education. Attend classes wherever you are with your computer, laptop, tablet, or smartphone and broadband Internet connection.

Live class sessions are delivered with Class for Teams™. In live class, students can see and hear their instructor and classmates, view PowerPoint presentations and legal documents live on the whiteboard, and raise their hands to ask questions. Outside of class students use Canvas LMS™ to view prerecorded videos and lectures, interact in discussions about course topics, take self-tests and quizzes, and submit their assignments using Office 365.

Residents of all 50 states are eligible for enrollment into programs offered via distance education at CALS. Center for Advanced Legal Studies has been approved to participate in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA), and is registered with the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education and therefore authorized to admit students from California.

Campus Address

Houston

800 W Sam Houston Pkwy S

Suite 100

Houston, TX 77042

Why Accreditation Is Important

Center for Advanced Legal Studies is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) and is approved by the American Bar Association (ABA). It is approved and regulated by the Texas Workforce Commission, Career Schools and Colleges, Austin, Texas, and its Associate of Applied Science and Bachelor of Arts degree programs are authorized by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.

A reliable indicator of quality
Approved program of study
Qualified instructors
Recognition by employers nationwide

Accreditations

Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC)

Student Demographics

These are demographics for all students at the Houston Campus (IPEDS, 2024).

Gender Distribution

Women89.7%(243)

Men10.3%(28)

Race/Ethnicity Distribution

Primary Ethnic Group

Black/African American

38.4% · 104 students

Black/African American38.4% · 104

White28.8% · 78

Hispanic/Latino28.4% · 77

American Indian/Alaska Native1.8% · 5

Asian1.5% · 4

Two or More Races0.7% · 2

Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander0.4% · 1

International Students0% · 0

Testimonials

It was the most convenient way for me to gain experience in the legal profession before deciding whether to enroll in law school. Thank you to all the instructors and staff at CALS. I would gladly recommend CALS to anyone I know who might be interested in becoming a paralegal.

Thuy Le Mersereau

Center for Advanced Legal Studies graduate – Lambda Epsilon Chi (LEX)

This has been the best educational experience. The instructors and faculty at Center for Advanced Legal Studies have been so helpful and life-changing. It is bittersweet saying goodbye to such amazing instructors who truly care about their students' careers, knowledge, and future. Please continue to be great leaders and educators! Thank you so much.

Carin Jones

Center for Advanced Legal Studies graduate

My time at Center for Advanced Legal Studies has been nothing short of amazing. I feel comfortable going into the legal field knowing that I have been given the knowledge to succeed. Cheers to us, my fellow graduates. We did it!

Ambrielle Taniece Steele

Center for Advanced Legal Studies graduate

The best decision I made immediately upon moving to the United States of America was to study at Center for Advanced Legal Studies. In addition to learning about U.S. law from exceptional instructors and meeting fellow students with similar interests, it allowed me to resume my career in the legal field, after being an attorney for more than 10 years in my home country.

Andrea Virginia Martinez

Center for Advanced Legal Studies graduate – Lambda Epsilon Chi (LEX)

I recommend CALS to all those seeking an introduction to law. I will be completing my Associate Degree in Human Resources in May and my Bachelor's Degree in Project Management in December. Subsequently, I plan to study for the LSAT to attend law school in 2024.

Nia' Michelle Parsons

Center for Advanced Legal Studies graduate

My experience at Center for Advanced Legal Studies has made me feel confident entering the paralegal profession. Thank you to all the instructors who taught me throughout my program.

Simone Estelle Lyles

Center for Advanced Legal Studies graduate

I was looking for a fresh start in a brand-new career and was able to change my life in a matter of months. Thanks to CALS, I am now gainfully employed by one of the largest national law firms.

Lisa Desai

Center for Advanced Legal Studies graduate – Lambda Epsilon Chi (LEX) / Honors

I want to thank Center for Advanced Legal Studies for its professionalism in presenting the paralegal course to me and my fellow classmates. The experience has been immensely educational and has put me in a position for the next phase in my life. Thank you and good luck to all my classmates from the graduating class of 2023.

Ramona Kim Rambadadt

Center for Advanced Legal Studies graduate

I am so thankful I found Center for Advanced Legal Studies and the opportunity to take evening online classes to fit into my schedule as a full-time working mother. The CALS staff and faculty are the best; they want nothing but success for their students.

Madeline Dianne Zapata

Center for Advanced Legal Studies graduate – Lambda Epsilon Chi (LEX)

Taking classes online was not "easy." I am so proud of what I and my fellow colleagues have accomplished. The myriad of skills and lessons I have learned will undoubtedly help in anything I pursue in the future. Many thanks to everyone who helped me along the way and thank you CALS!

Tarssyana M. Drop

Center for Advanced Legal Studies graduate

To accomplish great things, we must not only act, but also dream; not only plan, but also believe."- Anatole France. Cheers to Center for Advanced Legal Studies for giving me the tools to Act, Dream, Plan, and Believe like a true legal professional!

Stephanie Castañeda

Center for Advanced Legal Studies graduate – Lambda Epsilon Chi (LEX)

I want to say thank you for this opportunity. Attending Center for Advanced Legal Studies was a great experience and a stepping-stone toward the future.

Ice Swinton

Center for Advanced Legal Studies graduate

Enrolling at Center for Advanced Legal Studies during a very difficult time in my life has helped me in many ways. I am grateful for having instructors that always told us about the demands of the paralegal profession and the important role we play. I am happy to say that they were indeed right, and I am happy to say I have chosen the right career path.

Robin Shanta Spencer-Sandiford

Center for Advanced Legal Studies graduate

As a wife and mom of 6, I am grateful I was given the privilege to advance my education. Thank you, CALS.

Dereana Galle

Center for Advanced Legal Studies graduate

The instructors and admin staff have all been phenomenal. I enjoyed taking the web-based classes and being able to interact with both my peers and instructors. I can't imagine attending online classes any other way. I highly recommend CALS for any student at any stage of life.

Whitney Marquez

Center for Advanced Legal Studies graduate

My time at Center For Advanced Legal Studies has been nothing but amazing. In the short period of time here to become a paralegal, I have met the best instructors and classmates that I call my friends. I am excited about the next steps in my education and possibly becoming a lawyer.