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Paralegal Schools in Delaware

This overview of paralegal schools in Delaware provides information about the degree and certificate options available in the state for students interested in learning more about pursuing careers as paralegals and legal assistants. Numerous paralegal programs are available in Delaware from the certificate to the master’s degree level. There are also online paralegal programs that can offer a flexible alternative to traditional on-campus study. Please visit our guide to paralegal careers in Delaware to find out more information on paralegal employment in the state.

Quick Facts

For not-for-profit colleges and universities with paralegal/legal assistant degree programs.

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Comparison of Paralegal Programs

The table below will help you compare not-for-profit paralegal and legal studies programs in Delaware 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.

SchoolABA Approved?Paralegal Degree(s)Acceptance Rate6Grad Rate1Online Options?Median Debt7Net Price1
Delaware State University (Dover)YesBA-Liberal Studies: Law Studies, Criminal Justice, Political Science;
Minor-Law Studies
61%32%$12,250$25,549
Delaware Technical Community College-Terry (Dover)YesCertificate-Paralegal;
AAS-Legal Studies
100%18%$3,750$7,879
Goldey-Beacom College (Wilmington)BA-English: Legal Studies;
BS-Business Administration: Legal Studies
57%51%$15,000$19,048
Widener University Law Center (Wilmington)YesCertificate-Paralegal;
AS-Legal Studies;
BS-Legal Studies;
Master of Jurisprudence
72%65%YesN.Av.$32,695
Wilmington University (New Castle)YesCertificate-Legal Nurse Consultant;
Certificate-Paralegal;
BS-Law, Policy, and Political Science: Legal Studies
100%21%Yes$13,668$14,761

  • — indicates none.
  • N.Av. indicates no data available.

Top-Ranked Schools with Paralegal Programs

Paralegal411’s Top Online Paralegal Programs 2018

  • Widener University-Delaware Law School (#19)

US News & World Report’s Best Law Schools 2022

  • Widener University-Delaware (#147-193)

US News & World Report’s Best Legal Writing Programs 2022

  • Widener University-Delaware (#80 tie)

Select Schools in Delaware with Paralegal Degrees

Traditional Programs

Delaware State University

The College of Humanities, Education, and Social Sciences at Delaware State University (DESU) offers a Minor in Law Studies for students interested in pursuing a career in the legal field. The 21-credit hour minor draws its curriculum from disciplines such as philosophy, English, political science, sociology, and criminal justice. Courses include Civil Liberties/Political Science, Criminal Law/Sociology, and Business Law/Accounting. Students in the Law Studies Minor have access to a law library, internship placement assistance, and special events and forums focused on the law and legal topics such as the Law Day forum. To assist those seeking entrance into law school, DESU offers a Law School Admission Test (LSAT) preparation course, LSAT fee waiver applications, and funding for students who wish to attend the Law School Forum in New York, where students can learn about how to get into law school and receive financial aid. Some of the same coursework may also be taken as part of DESU’s Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Liberal Studies program with an emphasis in Law Studies, Criminal Justice, and Political Science.

Delaware Technical and Community College

The Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Legal Studies at Delaware Technical and Community College (DTCC) helps prepare students to perform legal tasks efficiently and effectively and/or for further study. Offered at the Dover and Georgetown campuses, the degree mixes legal coursework with a foundation of general studies courses, allowing students in the 62-credit hour program to develop the skills necessary to communicate, write, use technology, and apply problem-solving skills in a professional workplace. Courses in legal research, investigative procedures, contracts, and family law will provide the legal knowledge necessary to assist attorneys and legal departments. Additionally, a mandatory internship allows students to gain real-world work experience before graduation. As a “connected degree” program, students are able to complete the AAS in Legal Studies and transfer to a four-year degree program as third-year students. Graduates will be prepared for paralegal careers in law offices, the court system, government departments, and corporations. DTCC also offers an ABA-approved Paralegal Certificate program for those who have already completed an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in any subject.

Goldey-Beacom College

Goldey-Beacom College (GBC) offers two degree paths for students interested in legal studies: a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in English with a Legal Studies Concentration for students seeking to enter a career in the legal field and a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Business Administration with a Legal Studies Concentration designed for students who seek to apply a legal understanding to a career in business. Both degrees require 120 credits to complete and six courses in law towards the concentration. Legal Studies students in both programs will need to complete two semesters of Business Law as well as classes including Cyberlaw and Ethics; Criminal Law, International Law, and Constitutional Law. For students seeking further education in law, GBC has an articulation agreement with Delaware Law School. Students wishing to enter law school may pursue the 3 + 3 Early Admission Program option to complete a law degree in six years or the Express or Guaranteed Admission Program (EGAP). The transfer agreement is open to students in both the BA and BS programs.

Hybrid and Online Programs

Widener University

Students interested in working in the paralegal field can earn an ABA-approved Bachelor of Science (BS) in Legal Studies through the Delaware School of Law at Widener University. The program is available through both traditional and hybrid formats. In accordance with ABA rules, students must complete at least 10 paralegal credits in a traditional classroom format. Graduates of the 120-credit hour program will receive the BS and a Paralegal Certificate of Completion. Students can also earn a certificate in specialized topics such as Criminal Law, Litigation, Health Law, or Intellectual Property Law. The curriculum covers practical skills applicable to the paralegal field through courses like Legal Research, Legal Writing, Civil Practice, and Legal Document Drafting. The Delaware Law School also offers an online General Paralegal Certificate that can be completed in one summer or over two traditional semesters. The 24-credit certificate curriculum is designed for students who have earned at least 60 college credits, and optional concentrations in Corporate Law, Criminal Law, Litigation, Health Law, and Estate Administration Law are available.

Wilmington University

Wilmington University offers a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Law, Policy, and Political Science with a Concentration in Legal Studies that has been approved by the ABA. The four-year program can be completed entirely online, although at least nine credits must be taken either in person or through synchronous online classes. The curriculum includes 21 credits of general education courses in subjects such as writing, humanities, and science. Legal Studies students will take 42 credits of legal classes, including 18 credits of legal specialty courses such as US Regulatory Compliance, Bankruptcy, Global Financial Compliance, and Delaware Law. An optional internship is available to students seeking to earn hands-on experience by working in a legal office. To graduate, students must receive a grade of “C” or better in specific courses. Wilmington also offers a 24-credit ABA-approved Post-Bachelor’s Paralegal Certificate that is available through traditional on-campus classes. Students seeking to pursue further education who graduate with a GPA of 3.5 or higher and achieve an LSAT score above the state median may qualify for express admission to the Delaware School of Law at Widener University.

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/