Paralegal Schools in Utah
This guide to paralegal schools in Utah is designed to provide you with key information so that you can make the right choice on where to pursue a paralegal degree or certificate. The colleges and universities in Utah offer multiple programs to support your career as a paralegal, including programs in specialty practice areas as well as general paralegal studies. Online paralegal schools can also be a good fit for some students–an option that you may wish to consider in deciding where to study. For more information about job possibilities in the paralegal field visit our paralegal careers in Utah guide.
Quick Facts
- There are 4 colleges and universities that offer paralegal/legal assistant degree programs in Utah.1
- No schools offer a certificate program for paralegals/legal assistants.1
- 2 schools offer an associate’s degree program for paralegals/legal assistants.1
- 1 school offers a bachelor’s degree program for paralegals/legal assistants.1
- 1 school offers a master’s degree for paralegals/legal assistants.1
- No schools ranked in Paralegal411’s Top Online Paralegal Programs.2
- 2 schools ranked in US News & World Report’s Best Law Schools in 2022.3
- 2 schools ranked in US News & World Report’s Best Legal Writing Programs in 2022.4
- 1 ABA-approved paralegal degree program is in Utah.5
For not-for-profit colleges and universities with paralegal/legal assistant degree programs.
Table of Contents
- Comparison of Paralegal Programs
- Top-Ranked Schools with Paralegal Programs in Utah
- Select Schools in Utah with Paralegal Degrees
Comparison of Paralegal Programs
The table below will help you compare not-for-profit paralegal and legal studies programs in Utah based on various factors. The table includes paralegal program-specific information such as the programs offered and whether there are any online options. It also includes general school information to help you compare the colleges and universities that host these programs, including overall acceptance rate, graduation rate for first-time bachelor’s degree seekers, median debt for graduates, and net tuition per year for full-time undergraduate study. We have also included information on approval by the American Bar Association (ABA). While ABA approval is not required in order to work as a paralegal, it is a mark of program quality that is preferred by many employers.
| School | ABA Approved? | Paralegal Degree(s) | Acceptance Rate6 | Grad Rate1 | Online Options? | Median Debt7 | Net Price1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brigham Young University (Provo) | — | BA-Political Science: Legal Studies; Minor-Legal Studies | 67% | 75% | — | $8,093 | $13,150 |
| Salt Lake Community College (Salt Lake City) | Yes | AAS-Paralegal Studies | 100% | 26% | — | $4,000 | $6,204 |
| Southern Utah University (Cedar City) | — | AA-Legal Studies; AS-Legal Studies; Minor-Legal Studies | 78% | 46% | Yes | $6,774 | $13,432 |
| University of Utah (Salt Lake City) | — | Master of Legal Studies | 62% | 67% | Yes | $11,500 | $12,881 |
- — indicates none.
- N.Av. indicates no data available.
Top-Ranked Schools with Paralegal Programs
US News & World Report’s Best Law Schools 2022
- Brigham Young University (#29 tie)
- University of Utah (#43 tie)
US News & World Report’s Best Legal Writing Programs 2022
- Brigham Young University (#80 tie)
- University of Utah (#80 tie)
Select Schools in Utah with Paralegal Degrees
Traditional Programs
Brigham Young University
The Political Science Department in Brigham Young University’s (BYU) College of Family, Home, and Social Sciences offers a Professional Track in Legal Studies as part of its Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Political Science major. Students are offered various courses to design their degree and must complete 120 credit hours to be awarded the BA. For the Legal Studies track, nine credit hours must be taken in courses such as Jurisprudence, Topics in Legal Studies, American Judicial Politics, and Constitutional Law, while six credit hours must be taken in courses including Public Ethics; Constitutional Law-Rights and Immunities; Congress and the Legislative Process; and Mediation Techniques and Practices. Students will learn how to effectively communicate, develop their research skills, and improve their ability to think critically and analytically about legal and political issues. They will be prepared to enter law school or the workforce in government or the private sector. Students in the Political Science Department are strongly encouraged to complete a legal studies internship or participate in mentored research. Study abroad options are also available. A 15-credit hour Minor in Legal Studies is available to undergraduate students of different majors.
Salt Lake Community College
Salt Lake Community College (SLCC) is home to a Paralegal Studies Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree program that is approved by the ABA. This program is designed for students considering careers as paralegals and for currently employed paralegals wishing to continue their professional education. General education requirements, core legal courses, and elective legal courses in the curriculum emphasize written communication skills, research techniques, and technical competency. Professional demeanor and management skills are also included throughout the course sequence. Students are able to choose a capstone experience from two options: a paralegal practicum or a co-op program. These final projects are designed to challenge students to apply classroom knowledge in a real-world setting and professionally engage with paralegal topics. Full-time students are able to complete the program in four semesters.
Keep your resume and references current and recognize that there is no one particular format suitable for all paralegal opportunities. Be aware that your resume may need to be rewritten for each intended recipient based upon the criteria and skills needed for the job.” –Mianne L. Besser, President and NFPA Secondary, Rocky Mountain Paralegal Association.
Hybrid and Online Programs
Southern Utah University
Southern Utah University’s (SUU) Legal Studies program offers an Associate of Arts (AA) and Associate of Science (AS) in Legal Studies and a minor in Legal Studies. The program embraces a broad-based approach to paralegal education, preparing students for entry-level positions in law firms and corporations in a variety of industries. Classes are offered online, although some general education and prerequisite courses may not be available off campus. The associate degree program requires the completion of a general education course sequence as well as a selection of paralegal-specific legal courses. Required courses include Introduction to Law; Legal Ethics and Professionalism; Civil Procedure; and Legal Research and Writing. The degree program requires 60 to 72 credit hours and may be completed in two years. Students also have the option of earning course credit through a paralegal internship.
University of Utah
The University of Utah offers a Master of Legal Studies (MLS) that can be completed in one year in three semesters. The 30-credit program is offered 100% online or in person with on-campus classes meeting every other Friday and Saturday during daytime hours. The program is designed for working professionals and executives who wish to strengthen their understanding of the legal system in order to improve their careers and opportunities. Courses focus on areas of law such as contracts, litigation, and intellectual property. Flexibility within the degree allows students to exchange courses from the MLS curriculum with other courses from the main law school, S.J. Quinney College of Law, to better match their area of interest. Graduates will be equipped with advanced knowledge of the legal system; a strong understanding of law and regulation; communication skills, and risk assessment skills. Credits from the MLS degree cannot be transferred to a Juris Doctor (JD) degree.
References:
1. National Center for Education Statistics College Navigator: https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/
2. Paralegal411’s Top Online Paralegal Programs: https://www.paralegal411.org/degrees/bachelors/online/
3. US News & World Report Best Law Schools 2022: https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-law-schools/law-rankings
4. US News & World Report Best Legal Writing Programs 2022: https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-law-schools/legal-writing-rankings
5. American Bar Association Approved Paralegal Programs: https://www.americanbar.org/groups/paralegals/
6. Niche: https://www.niche.com/
7. Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce, Ranking ROI of 4,500 US Colleges and Universities: https://cew.georgetown.edu/cew-reports/CollegeROI/