Trade Schools
If you want to start a non-lawyer career in Michigan, the paralegal profession can be the right fit for you.
Paralegals and legal assistants are usually responsible for completing law office tasks such as:
- Maintaining and organizing files
- Conducting legal research
- Drafting documents
- Investigating and gathering facts of a case
- Getting affidavits and other formal statements that can be used as evidence in court
- Helping lawyers during trials
- And more
As more law firms are looking to minimize costs for their clients, many tasks that were previously completed by entry-level lawyers are now assigned to paralegals.
This leads to an increased demand for skilled workers in this profession.
Before being ready for employment as a paralegal you will need an associate’s degree in paralegal studies or a bachelor’s degree and a certificate in paralegal studies.
On this page, we will compile information about the best paralegal schools in Michigan and the programs offered.
1Madonna University
About the School
Madonna University was founded in 1937 and provides more than 100 associate and bachelor’s degrees majors.
The student-to-faculty ratio is 13:1
Undergrad tuition at the university is $19,500 for full-time 30-36 credits enrollment.
The university’s main campus is located in Livonia.
Campuses are also in Dearborn, Gaylord, Macomb, and Southfield.
Courses Offered
Among many other pathways, the university provides a Paralegal Studies program.
This program provides associate and bachelor’s degrees, a post-baccalaureate paralegal certificate, a post-baccalaureate BSN certificate, a post-baccalaureate litigation management certificate, and a law minor.
Flexible course schedules are available with nine semester hours of legal specialty courses taught in synchronous format.
Courses are offered online and one-third are provided in a hyflex format on-campus.
The post-baccalaureate Certificate of Achievement includes courses such as:
- Introduction to Paralegal Studies
- Legal Research and Writing
- Legal Research on the Internet
- Law Office Technology
- Domestic Relations
- Real Estate
- And more
Students also have to choose six semester hours from electives such as:
- Domestic Relations
- Real Estate
- Contractual and Commercial Relations
- Business Associations
- Intellectual Property
- Will and Trust Drafting
- Special Problems in Law
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 36600 Schoolcraft Road, Livonia, MI 48150 (Main Campus)
- Phone: (734) 432-5339
- Website: https://www.madonna.edu
2Eastern Michigan University
About the School
Eastern Michigan University is a public university founded in 1849.
The university is the second oldest public university in Michigan.
Courses Offered
The university provides a Paralegal program designed to prepare students to work under the supervision of an attorney.
The program is approved by the American Bar Association.
Courses are offered on a standard schedule, and students can plan their program of study.
The program offers both an initial Bachelor of Science and a Second Bachelor’s Degree.
Transfer students and welcomed and the program has articulation agreements with community colleges.
The curriculum includes courses such as:
- Introduction to the Legal System
- Legal Writing, Research, and Analysis
- Family Law
- CyberLaw
- Transactional Law
- Law Office Administration and Technology
- Electronic Discovery
- And more
The paralegal program offers an attorney-supervised clinic for its paralegal students.
Students work at the EMU-Washtenaw County Legal Resource Center, located in the Washtenaw County Courthouse.
Contact Information
- Address: Ypsilanti, MI, USA 48197
- Phone: 734.487.1849
- Website: https://www.emich.edu
3Grand Valley State University
About the School
Grand Valley State University offers 145 degrees in a variety of academic pathways.
The university’s catalog includes a Legal Studies, B.A., B.S. program that involves the study of law and contemporary issues related to law as part of a liberal education.
The B.A./B.S. program is approved by the American Bar Association and focuses on both theory and practice and prepares students for work as paralegals and for other careers in the law field.
This program is provided in a face-to-face format in Grand Rapids.
Courses Offered
The coursework covers a variety of topics, including:
- Substantive law
- Oral and written communication
- Critical thinking skills
- Investigation and legal research
- Legal ethics and professionalism
Tuition for lower division undergraduate programs (0-54 credits earned) is $14,628 per year for Michigan residents.
Contact Information
- Address: 1 Campus Drive, Allendale, MI 49401-9403
- Phone: (616) 331-5000
- Website: https://www.gvsu.edu
4Northern Michigan University
About the School
Northern Michigan University is a four-year university located in Marquette.
The university is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, an accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Courses Offered
Among many other projects, the university provides a Paralegal Major, a Paralegal Associate of Applied Science, and a Post-Baccalaureate Paralegal Certificate.
The Certificate requires 32 credits.
Students take classes such as:
- Introduction to Criminal Justice
- Business Law I: Legal Environment of Business
- Introduction to Paralegal Studies
- Legal Research and Writing
- Introduction to Law
- And more
Students also participate in an Internship in Public Policy or Law.
The Associate in Applied Science requires 60 credits in total: 32 of required courses in paralegal studies and 24 of general education courses.
Contact Information
- Address: 1401 Presque Isle, Marquette, MI 49855-5301
- Phone: 906-227-1000
- Website: https://nmu.edu
5Macomb Community College
About the School
Macomb Community College helps students earn bachelor’s and advanced degrees on Center Campus at the school’s University Center.
More than 300 transfer plans are available.
Macomb Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, an accrediting agency recognized by the United States Department of Education.
Courses Offered
The college’s catalog includes a Paralegal program that teaches students how to research, prepare documents, and conduct investigations for a law practice, court, or government agency.
The courses included in this program are:
- Michigan Legal System & Ethics
- Legal Research & Writing
- Mechanics of Real Estate Law
- Estate Administration and Elder Law in Michigan
- Criminal Law & Procedures
- Electronic Evidence & Discovery
- And more
The Associate of Applied Science degree in Paralegal program is approved by the American Bar Association.
Contact Information
- Center Campus: 44575 Garfield Road, Clinton Township, MI 48038-1139
- Phone: 586.445.7999
- Website: https://www.macomb.edu
6Ivy Tech Community College
About the School
Located in the neighboring state of Indiana, Ivy Tech Community College provides a Paralegal Studies program for students who want to start a career in the law field.
The Paralegal curriculum is available also as a distance education program.
Students learn from a faculty with knowledge and years of experience in this field.
Graduates may find employment in the court system or at private law firms.
Some also transfer to four-year institutions to earn a bachelor’s degree and attend law school afterward.
Courses Offered
The following degree options are available:
- Certificates- Paralegal Studies- an 18-credit hour program that can be completed in two semesters
- Technical Certificate- a 31-credit hour program that can be completed in three semesters
- Associate of Applied Science- a 60-credit hour program designed to be completed in four semesters
- Associate of Applied Science- Distance Education- a 60-credit hour program designed to be completed in four semesters
Students take classes such as:
- Introduction to Paralegal Studies
- Legal Research
- Legal Ethics
- Litigation
- Contracts and Commercial Law
- Legal Writing
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 815 E 60th Street, Anderson, IN 46013
- Phone: 765-643-7133
- Website: https://www.ivytech.edu
7Marian University
Marian University provides an Online Paralegal Studies Associate Degree that can be completed in as little as 14 months.
The program includes five-week accelerated classes taught 100 percent online and starts nine times a year.
Courses Offered
The Core Law Courses available at the university include:
- Business Law
- Professional Writing
- Introduction to the Paralegal Profession
- Legal Research
- Legal Writing and Communication
- Legal Liability: Contracts for the Paralegal
- And more
Applicants need official high school and college transcripts.
They must meet with the MAP admission advisor for an admission counseling appointment and have one of the following:
- A GPA of 2.00 on a 4.00 scale from the last college attended
- A high school GPA of 2.30 on a 4.00 scale
- A GED score of 51 or above or a passing TASC score
Contact Information
- Address: 3200 Cold Spring Road, Indianapolis, IN 46222-1997
- Phone: (317) 955-6000
- Website: https://www.marian.edu
8Purdue University Global
About the School
Purdue University Global provides programs designed to help working adults earn a degree.
Purdue Global provides an online university designed to fit into the students’ busy life.
Courses Offered
Among many other program pathways, the university’s catalog features the following legal studies programs:
- Master of Science in Legal Studies
- Associate of Applied Science in Legal Support and Services
- Legal Secretary Certificate
- Pathway to Paralegal Postbaccalaureate Certificate
- And more
The Pathway to Paralegal Postbaccalaureate Certificate can be completed in 11 months.
The paralegal certificate requires that student complete 36-37 credits.
The program costs $371 per credit.
Students learn from a faculty of legal practitioners with real-world expertise in legal services, law, and policy.
The curriculum covers topics such as:
- Introduction to the Law and Legal Profession
- Civil Litigation
- Legal Ethics
- Law Office Management
- Legal Research and Writing
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 2550 Northwestern Avenue, Suite 1100, West Lafayette, IN 47906
- Phone: 866-522-7747
- Website: https://www.purdueglobal.edu
9Liberty University
About the School
Another online paralegal training program is available at Liberty University, an accredited Christian college in Virginia.
A variety of programs are offered at the associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels and are taught from a Christian perspective.
The programs are available fully online and students can complete the coursework while keeping a job and remaining active in their community.
Students can transfer up to 75% of the degree total.
Liberty University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Courses Offered
The Associate of Arts in Paralegal Studies program available at Liberty University provides students with the experience and practical skills that can be marketed while they work towards a Bachelor’s degree.
The program prepares students with a foundational knowledge of criminal law and procedures, writing depositions, and real estate transactions, and in-demand skills such as performing title searches.
The program includes 60 credit hours and can be completed in one and a half years, on average.
Contact Information
- Address: 1971 University Blvd., Lynchburg, Virginia 24515
- Phone: (888) 376-3157
- Website: https://www.liberty.edu
10University of Arkansas- Pulaski Tech
About the School
The University of Arkansas-Pulaski Tech provides training programs for students who are beginning college, for individuals who want to transfer to a four-year program, and for learners who want to go straight into the workforce after graduation.
The university provides 80 accredited programs with classes available in the daytime, evening, and online.
Courses Offered
A Paralegal Technology program is available at the university in an online format.
The program is designed to provide students with an understanding of the law and the practical skills needed when assisting attorneys with a variety of responsibilities in a law firm, including research, investigation, document preparation, and writing.
The following programs of study are available for students who want to start a career in the paralegal field:
- Associate of Applied Science in Paralegal Technology
- Technical Certificate in Paralegal Technology
- Certificate of Proficiency in Paralegal Technology
The Paralegal instruction covers topics such as principles and practical experience in word processing, legal writing, ethical legal practice, professional responsibility, and organizing legal ideas and factual materials.
The Associate of Applied Science program includes classes such as:
- Microcomputer Applications
- Mathematical Reasoning
- Legal Terminology
- Introduction to Law
- Legal Research and Writing
- Constitutional Law
- Civil Litigation
- Commercial Law
- Wills, Trust, and Probate
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 3000 West Scenic Drive, North Little Rock, AR 72118
- Phone: (501) 812-2200
- Website: https://uaptc.edu
Regional Salary in Michigan
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ann Arbor, MI | 270 | $68,950 | $33.15 | $97,340 | $40,750 |
| Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI | 4,040 | $66,370 | $31.91 | $90,430 | $44,260 |
| Flint, MI | 240 | $55,780 | $26.82 | $78,580 | $38,490 |
| Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI | 860 | $68,230 | $32.8 | $85,750 | $45,570 |
| Jackson, MI | 60 | $58,900 | $28.32 | $79,860 | $38,750 |
| Kalamazoo-Portage, MI | 220 | $57,520 | $27.65 | $78,170 | $38,880 |
| Lansing-East Lansing, MI | 400 | $60,780 | $29.22 | $81,140 | $40,000 |
| Midland, MI | 70 | $76,600 | $36.83 | $110,480 | $47,340 |
| Monroe, MI | 40 | $59,660 | $28.68 | $84,330 | $38,810 |
| Muskegon, MI | 70 | $54,700 | $26.3 | $73,160 | $39,500 |
| Niles-Benton Harbor, MI | 50 | $57,240 | $27.52 | $73,830 | $44,120 |
| Saginaw, MI | 100 | $56,000 | $26.92 | $75,920 | $38,610 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Final Thoughts
Michigan is home to plenty of training options for those who want to start a career in the paralegal profession.
Now that you have read our selection of the top training programs available in your region, it’s time to continue the research and choose the program that best meets your needs.
