If you want to start a non-lawyer career in the legal field, the paralegal profession may be the right choice for you.
With an estimated job growth of 14 percent, paralegals and legal assistants will continue to be needed in law offices to perform a variety of tasks.
As a paralegal, your main responsibilities will be:
- Drafting legal documents
- Investigating facts relevant to a case
- Organizing and maintaining documents on paper and in electronic formats
- Helping lawyers during trials
- File exhibits, briefs, and other documents
- And more
Before being ready for employment in this field, the first step is to earn a certificate or degree in paralegal studies.
If you live in Oklahoma, there are many schools that provide programs designed to prepare you for employment as a paralegal or legal assistant after graduation.
To help you choose the format that best meets your needs, on this page, we have compiled information about the best paralegal training programs available.
Some are available on-campus at colleges or universities near you while others are available fully online.
1Community Care College
About the School
Community Care College is a non-traditional, non-profit career college that prepares students for careers in health care and business fields.
Financial aid is available for students who qualify.
Courses Offered
The Paralegal Studies program available at Community Care College is designed to be completed in 12 months and is available fully online.
Students learn core concepts, such as:
- Legal Research and Writing
- Contracts
- Civil Litigation: Intake and Filing
- Civil Litigation: Discovery to Post-Trial
- Law Office Management
- Will, Trusts, and Estates
- Family Law
Students prepare to take on responsibilities such as:
- Investigating and gathering facts of a case
- Researching relevant laws
- Organizing and maintaining documents
- Writing and summarizing reports
- Helping lawyers during trials
- Filing exhibits, briefs, appeals, and other legal documents
- Calling clients, witnesses, lawyers, and other parties to schedule interviews
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 4242 South Sheridan, Tulsa, OK 74145
- Phone: 918.610.0027
- Website: https://communitycarecollege.edu
2East Central University
About the School
East Central University offers more than 70-degree programs.
The university has the following colleges:
- College of Education and Psychology
- College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences
- College of Health & Sciences
- School of Business
- School of Fine Arts
- School of Graduate Studies
Courses Offered
The Legal Studies program available at East Central University studies the collection between law and politics and it’s an avenue to law school.
Graduates earn a Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies.
Students complete 54 credit hours of legal studies and related coursework, 45 hours of general education, and 25 credit hours of electives.
Contact Information
- Address: 1100 East 14th Street, Ada, Oklahoma 74820
- Phone: 580-332-8000
- Website: https://www.ecok.edu
3Northeastern State University
About the School
Northeastern State University provides a variety of degree programs through its colleges: Academic Centers for Offices, College of Business & Technology, College of Education, College of Extended Learning, College of Liberal Arts, and Gregg Wadley College of Science & Health Professions.
The university has three campuses: Tahlequah, Muskogee, and Broken Arrow.
Northeastern State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Courses Offered
Northeastern State University provides a Criminal Justice- Paralegal program as part of a cooperative partnership agreement that encourages students currently attending Eastern Oklahoma State College and is about to complete their associate degrees to enroll at Northeastern States University to complete the requirements for a bachelor’s degree.
Contact Information
- Address: 600 N. Grand Ave. Tahlequah, OK 74464
- Phone: 918-456-5511
- Website: https://www.nsuok.edu
4Oklahoma City University
Oklahoma City University provides a School of Law that offers full-time, part-time, and dual degrees designed to fit students’ lives and their career aspirations.
Courses Offered
The following degrees are available:
- Juris Doctor
- J.D./MBA
- J.D./MPA
- J.D./M.A.
- Master of Legal Studies
The Master of Legal Studies can be earned in two years and is available part-time in an online and accelerated format.
The areas of study include contractual, compliance, and regulatory issues that affect today’s businesses.
The curriculum includes courses on:
- Government Contracts
- Corporate Compliance
- American Legal System and Legal Analysis
- Statutory and Regulatory Law and Research
- Writing and Professional Communication
- Contracts
- Employment Law
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 2501 N Blackwelder, Oklahoma City, OK 73106-1493
- Phone: 405-208-5000
- Website: https://www.okcu.edu
5Rose State College
About the School
Rose State College offers a variety of educational programs on campus and online.
The college has a 20 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio.
Rose State College is accredited as a degree-granting institution by the Higher Learning Commission.
Courses Offered
The Paralegal Studies program offered by Rose State College can be completed in two years and offers day and evening classes.
Classes are synchronous flex, allowing students to attend in person or from anywhere they have a reliable internet connection.
Graduates receive an Associate’s in Applied Science in paralegal studies.
Rose State has articulation agreements with the University of Oklahoma, University of Central Oklahoma, East Central University, and National University, allowing students to transition to bachelor’s degree programs in Criminal Justice, Organizational Leadership, Legal Studies, and Paralegal Studies.
The curriculum includes courses on:
- Legal Research & Writing
- Law Office Practice & Procedures
- Civil Procedure
- Contracts
- Information Management in the Law
- Capstone Seminar
- Introduction to Law
Students also need to take a minimum of 12 hours of program electives.
Contact Information
- Address: 6420 S.E. 15th Street Midwest City, OK 73110
- Phone: 405-733-7673 | Toll Free: 866-621-0987
- Website: https://www.rose.edu
6Tulsa Community College
About the School
Tulsa Community College provides four campuses with convenient access, resources, and amenities.
The college is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Courses Offered
The Paralegal Studies program available at Tulsa Community College can lead to an Associate in Arts or a Certificate.
This program is part of the School of Business & Information Technology and approved by the American Bar Association Standing Committee on Paralegals.
In order to earn a Certificate, students need to obtain 24 credits of specialized course requirements and earn a “C” or better in all Paralegal courses:
- Introduction to the Legal System
- Civil Procedure
- Introduction to Legal Research and Writing
- Advanced Legal Research and Writing
- Contract Law
- Real Property Law
- Paralegal Studies Capstone
Contact Information
- Address: 909 South Boston Avenue, Tulsa, OK 74119
- Phone: 918-595-8000 (Admissions)
- Website: https://www.tulsacc.edu
7The University of Oklahoma- College of Law
The University of Oklahoma- College of Law provides academic programs that educate lawyers and non-lawyers.
Courses Offered
The Paralegal Studies program provided by The University of Oklahoma- College of Law is approved by the American Bar Association and prepares students to work with lawyers in public and private law practice, in the judiciary, corporation, and government.
The required courses include:
- Introduction to Law
- Legal Writing & Analysis
- Professional Ethics
- Civil Procedure
- Law Practice Management
- Contracts
- Torts
- And more
The courses are available in a variety of formats, including live sessions- synchronous through Zoom, on Saturdays- 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., completely online, and in a hybrid format.
Students can complete the program within 18 months or have up to five years to complete the program requirements.
Contact Information
- Address: 300 Timberdell Road, Norman, OK 73019
- Phone: (405) 325-4699
- Website: https://law.ou.edu
8Purdue University Global
About the School
Paralegal programs are available at Purdue University Global and are 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 provides 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 certificate requires 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
9CLS by BARBRI
About the School
Paralegal training programs that can be completed at your own pace, from the comfort of your home are also available online.
Formerly known as The Center for Legal Studies, CLS by BARBRI provides continuing legal education.
The curriculum is delivered to students in online, live lecture, and text-only formats.
Courses Offered
The following paralegal-related courses are available at the school:
- Paralegal Certificate Course
- Advanced Paralegal Certificate Course
- Advanced Legal Research and Writing
- Personal Injury for Paralegals
- eDiscovery for Paralegals
Costs vary depending on the course.
The Paralegal Certificate Course costs $1,895.
This is a flagship introductory course and functions as a first step toward a paralegal career.
The most popular format can be completed in two seven-week instructor-led sessions.
The school’s interactive platform offers 24/7 online course access with video and printed tutorials available.
Contact Information
- Address: 12222 Merit Drive, Suite 1340, Dallas, TX 75251
- Phone: 800-522-7737
- Website: https://www.legalstudies.com
10South Florida International College
Another online Paralegal program is offered in Florida, by the South Florida International College.
South Florida International College offers a series of programs designed to train competent professionals in different career paths.
Courses Offered
Among many other paths, the college provides an associate degree program in Paralegal Studies.
This curriculum is available in English and Spanish.
After completing this program, students have the required education and training to become a paralegal.
Among other skills, students learn how to draft basic legal documents such as complaints, responses, and contracts, interview clients, conduct independent research on legal issues, draft legal memoranda, and perform a variety of other tasks in a legal office.
The program is available in two formats: online and hybrid.
Applicants need:
- High school Diploma, GED, or equivalent
- Official transcripts
- Statement of student’s professional goals
- TOEFL scores for foreign students who are registering for programs taught in English.
Contact Information
- Address: 9000 NW 25th St, Doral, FL 33172
- Phone: 855 457 7738
- Website: https://sficollege.com
Regional Salary in Oklahoma
Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Enid, OK | 30 | $46,910 | $22.55 | $58,130 | $28,960 |
Lawton, OK | 40 | $56,620 | $27.22 | $82,910 | $37,690 |
Oklahoma City, OK | 1,240 | $58,250 | $28.01 | $80,900 | $37,340 |
Tulsa, OK | 1,010 | $58,040 | $27.9 | $72,880 | $45,650 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Final Thoughts
If you want to become ready for employment as a Paralegal in Oklahoma, there are plenty of schools that provide specialized training programs.
Classes are available online and in person to allow students to complete the coursework while keeping a full-time job and balancing their education with family and other responsibilities.
Now that you have read our selection of the best Paralegal schools that offer programs available in your area, the next step is to continue the research and choose the program that best meets your needs.