South Carolina Paralegal Schools

Many South Carolina paralegal schools have noticed a spike in applications as more prospective students take note of the rising demand for well-qualified paralegals in the state and across the nation. Legal administration, specifically in the paralegal field, is a dynamic industry that is seeing growth in all areas.

How to Become a Paralegal in South Carolina

Becoming a paralegal typically involves a certain amount of study, whether in a classroom setting or in an online program. The courses offered can lead to certification, a technical degree or an advanced degree.

There are many different markets for paralegals that demand different levels of education. Some private attorneys may be satisfied with on the job training, or even desire to train the paralegal themselves, whereas large firms that handle complex litigation may require advanced schooling.

It is important for prospective students to decide what market suits them and their career goals, and approach their education with those requirements in mind. This planning will allow a student to save money, save time and engage in a program that allows them to learn in an environment they find comfortable.

Paralegal Schools in South Carolina

Some paralegal schools are approved by the American Bar Association (ABA), which means they have met a certain standard of study as measured by the ABA. The ABA is the body that governs the practice of law for attorneys. Paralegals are not required to earn their degrees from ABA-approved schools, although some employers prefer it.

Students can find ABA-approved classes in South Carolina at the South University Columbia branch, Greenville Technical College in Greenville, Trident Technical College in Charleston, Horry-Georgetown Technical College in Myrtle Beach and in five other locations across the state.

For those students who do not have easy access to a campus program, or prefer more flexibility in their course of study may consider an online course. There are paralegal degrees available at Virginia College, Post University and The George Washington University.

South Carolina Paralegal Salary and Job Outlook

South Carolina’s paralegal opportunities are growing along with the rest of the nation, and the average salary in the state ranges from about $42,000 in Conway to $60,000 in Irmo. The largest market, Charleston, falls squarely in between these averages.

The state has a diverse market in legal administration and jobs are available with large firms as well as with private attorneys.

Online and South Carolina Paralegal Schools

Everest University Online
Campuses: 1Online
Popular Degrees:

• Paralegal (Associate's)
• Paralegal (Bachelor's)
• Criminal Justice (Associate's)

Keiser University
Campuses: 1Online
Popular Degrees:

• Paralegal Studies, AA (Online)
• Criminal Justice, AA (Online)

Kaplan University
Campuses: 1Online
Popular Degrees:

• BS in Paralegal Studies
• AAS in Paralegal Studies
• MS in Legal Studies - Education and the Legal System

Brown Mackie College
Campuses: 1Greenville
Popular Degrees:

• Certificate in Paralegal Assistant
• Associate of Applied Science in Paralegal
• Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies

South University - Campus
Campuses: 1Savannah
Popular Degrees:

• Paralegal Studies (AS)
• Legal Studies (BS)
• Criminal Justice (AS)

Penn Foster Schools
Campuses: 1Online
Popular Degrees:

• Paralegal
• Legal Secretary
• Administrative Assistant

Stratford Career Institute
Campuses: 1Online
Popular Degrees:

• Legal Assistant/Paralegal
• Administrative/Secretarial

University of Phoenix
Campuses: 1Columbia
Popular Degrees:

• BS in Criminal Justice Administration - Management
• BS in Criminal Justice Administration - Human Services

Strayer University
Campuses: 1North Charleston
Popular Degrees:

• BBA: Legal Studies
• BSCJ: Criminal Justice Admin

Ashworth College
Campuses: 1Online
Popular Degrees:

• Associate of Science Degree in Paralegal Studies
• Associate of Science Degree in Criminal Justice