10 Best Paralegal Schools inWest Virginia

1Alderson Broaddus University

About the School

Alderson Broaddus University is an independent institution of higher learning located in the Tygart River Valley in Philippi, West Virginia.

The student-to-faculty ratio is 16 to 1.

The university offers 44 degree programs.

Courses Offered

Among many other career paths, Alderson Broaddus offers a Legal Studies major.

This multidisciplinary program is designed to provide students with the professional skills and knowledge needed for success in law school or in a variety of legal careers.

Students take courses in legal research and writing, argumentation and logic, legal principles and history, civil rights and liberties, and ethics.

Learners gain real-world experience by attending an internship during their senior year.

Preparation for professional exams such as LSAT and paralegal licensing exam is also available.

Contact Information

• Address: 101 College Hill Drive, Philippi WV 26416
• Phone: 800-263-1549
• Website: https://ab.edu

2Blue Ridge Community and Technical College

About the School

Blue Ridge Community and Technical College provides educational programs in industry-driven fields.

Associate degree, certificate, and certification programs are available.

Courses Offered

The Paralegal Studies program available at Blue Ridge Community and Technical College leads to an associate degree and prepares students through a combination of comprehensive theory and hands-on practice.

The program is designed to provide students with an understanding of the law and the United States court systems.

The curriculum emphasizes legal terminology, legal research and writing, and technology used in the legal field.

Students learn a variety of skills, including how to:

• Identify legal terminology
• Demonstrate the professional skills needed for a paralegal career
• Describe the sources of law, hierarchy, and powers
• Utilize appropriate ethical behavior within the legal field
• Analyze a variety of legal sources
• And more

Contact Information

• Address: 13650 Apple Harvest Drive Martinsburg, WV 25403
• Phone: 304-260-4380
• Website: https://www.blueridgectc.edu

3Bridge Valley Community & Technical College

About the School

Bridge Valley Community & Technical College offers higher education, workforce development, and training for industries ranging from healthcare to manufacturing.

The college is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Courses Offered

Bridge Valley Community & Technical College offers a Paralegal Studies and a Paralegal Studies 2+2 programs.

The Paralegal Studies program is available 100% online.

After graduation, students may find employment as paralegals in private or public sectors.

They may also qualify for positions as grant writers, title abstractors, legal analysts, court clerks, legislative analysts, and other related occupations.

The curriculum includes courses such as:

• Fundamentals of Business Computer Applications
• Business Law
• Civil Litigation
• Criminal Law
• Grammar Review for Paralegals
• Legal Research and Writing
• Evidence and Litigation
• And more

Contact Information

• Address: 2001 Union Carbide Drive, South Charleston, WV 25303
• Phone: (304) 205-6600
• Website: https://www.bridgevalley.edu

4Mountwest Community & Technical College

Mountwest Community & Technical College offers students the opportunity to earn a degree and start a career.

Students may choose from more than 50 one-year certificate and associate degree programs.

Associate in Applied Science, Associate in Arts, and Associate in Science programs are also available.

Courses Offered

Among many other programs, the college provides a Paralegal Program that prepares students for work under the direct supervision of an attorney.

Students learn skills and topics on:

• Legal terminology
• Skills in law practice
• How to assist lawyers with client interviews, legal research, preparation of documents, and more
• Ethical behavior for legal assistants

Applicants with a high school diploma or GED are eligible for admission.

Those who don’t hold a high school diploma or GED may be admitted on a conditional basis.

Contact Information

• Address: One Mountwest Way, Huntington, WV 25701
• Phone: 304-710-3140
• Website: https://www.mctc.edu

5Pierpont Community & Technical College

About the School

Pierpont Community & Technical College provides educational programs for adults returning to college or enrolling in higher education for the first time.

Transfer student and workforce training programs are also available at the college.

The student-to-faculty ratio is 15 to 1.

Pierpont Community & Technical College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Tuition for 12 credit hours is $2,797 for West Virginia residents.

Courses Offered

The Paralegal Studies program available at Pierpont Community & Technical College prepares students with entry-level competencies for employment in the paralegal field.

The program covers basic knowledge of substantive and procedural law and effective skills in interpersonal communication, organization, office management, interviewing clients, investigating facts, and more.

The curriculum includes required courses such as:

• Technical Report Writing
• Legal Terminology
• Introduction to Legal Practice Areas
• Legal Research and Writing
• Property and Probate
• Ethics and Professional Responsibility
• American Government
• And more

Contact Information

• Address: 500 Galliher Dr. Fairmont, WV 26554
• Phone: 304-367-4907
• Website: https://www.pierpont.edu

6West Virginia University

West Virginia University offers graduate and professional programs in a variety of academic areas.

Courses Offered

Among many other academic programs, West Virginia University provides a Legal Studies M.L.S. program for individuals who need a working knowledge of the law, but don’t want to become practicing lawyers.

Students can improve their careers in as few as 18 months.

This degree costs $20,280.

The curriculum includes courses on:

• Law and Legal System
• Researching the Law
• Judicial Legal Process
• Dispute Resolution
• Administrative Ethics
• And more

This program includes 30 total hours.

Contact Information

• Address: PO Box 6201, Morgantown, WV 26506
• Phone: 304-293-0111
• Website: https://www.wvu.edu

7Baltimore City Community College

About the School

Paralegal training programs are also available in neighboring states.

Baltimore City Community College is a state-sponsored, comprehensive, degree-granting community college.

The college has five learning sites in Baltimore City.

Available are associate degree programs and certifications that prepare students for employment in high-demand fields.

The college provides affordable tuition and flexible classes.

Baltimore City Community College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Courses Offered

Among many other pathways, the college provides a Legal Assistant Associate Degree program.

This program includes first-level courses on principles of law, legal research, writing, ethics, and office procedures.

Students can further specialize in estates and trusts, communications law, or environmental law.

They are required to complete a minimum of 90 hours of work under the supervision of an attorney to gain experience.

The Educational Plan includes classes such as:

• General Law
• English Law
• Legal Writing
• Office Practice & Ethics
• Legal Research
• And more

Contact Information

• Address: 2901 Liberty Heights Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21215-7807
• Phone: 410-462-8300
• Website: https://www.bccc.edu

8Frederick Community College

Frederick Community College is a public college accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

The college provides flexible learning formats that include day, evening, weekend, online, and hybrid options to meet the needs of students.

High school students also have access to college courses through its Open Campus and High School-Based Dual Enrollment programs.

Courses Offered

The college provides a Paralegal program that is nationally recognized by the American Association for Paralegal Education.

The following degree paths are available:

• Paralegal Associate in Applied Science Degree
• Paralegal Certificate
• Access to Justice

The Paralegal Certificate program is designed for individuals who have a job and want to increase their opportunities by acquiring college credentials.

Individuals who already have a degree in another field may also improve their employment opportunities by earning this certificate

The requirements for this program include:

• Introduction to Law
• Ethics Specific to the Legal Professional
• Contracts
• Torts
• Technology for the Legal Profession
• Legal Research
• Legal Writing
• And more

The Certificate requires 30 credits in total.

Contact Information

• Address: 7932 Opossumtown Pike, Frederick, MD 21702
• Phone: 301.846.2400
• Website: https://www.frederick.edu

9Liberty University

Programs that can prepare you for a career in the paralegal profession are also available online at colleges and universities located in other states.

About the School

One such program is the online paralegal training program available at Liberty University, an accredited Christian college.

A variety of programs are offered at the associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels.

The classes 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 pursue 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

10Purdue University Global

Purdue University Global provides programs designed to help working adults earn a degree at their own pace while keeping a full-time job.

The online university is designed to fit into the students’ busy lives.

Courses Offered

Among many other program pathways, Purdue University Global 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

Program duration and tuition costs vary depending on the credential.

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 paralegal 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