Paralegal Studies

For pure, undiluted action, it’s hard to beat a career in the paralegal field. Professionals in this fast-paced sector command tremendous demand, and bold paychecks to match.

With job opportunities expected to grow 15% by 2026, the paralegal industry is one of the nation’s most upwardly mobile "Bright Outlook" occupations, according to occupational data application O-Net Online. The American Bar Association (ABA) approved Paralegal Studies program at Irvine Valley College provides a broad and versatile foundation for careers in administrative agencies, corporations, insurance companies, private law firms, local governments, and other legal environments.

"Students who do not already possess an associate or bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university must complete an associate degree (60 units) to receive the Certificate of Achievement."

View Transfer Options, Degrees & Certificates

The curriculum emphasizes practical, up-to-date training covering workplace-relevant career skills, as well as an introduction to legal theory. Courses are taught by experienced faculty with real-world experience as practicing attorneys and paralegals.

IVC Paralegal Studies program graduates enter the workforce qualified for paralegal employment under California Business and Professions Code, Section 6450.

Program Length

The average full-time student can complete the program in 1.5 years.

Transfer Options

A Paralegal Studies AS will prepare you for future study in the field of Legal Studies, Public Policy, Government Relations, Human Resources, or any law related discipline.

Transfer, Degrees and/or Certificates

Sample Academic Plans

Fast Track Career Path

Law, Public Policy, and Society

CSU Transfer UC Transfer

Semester 1

Sample Educational Plan for a single term.
Course	Title	CSU GE Units/Major	Units
WR 1	College Writing 1	A2 & Major	4
ECON 10, MGT 10, or PSYC 10	Statistics for Business and Economics or Statistical Methods in Behavioral Sciences	B4 & Major	3
COMM 1	Communication Fundamentals	A1 & Major	3
AJ 2, 4, or 6	Administration of Justice Course	Major	3
Learning & Self Dev	Lifelong Learning and Self Development GE Course	E	3

Semester 2

Sample Educational Plan for a single term.
Course	Title	CSU GE Area/Major	Units
COMM 2, COMM 3 or WR 2	Critical Thinking GE Course	A3 & Major	3-4
Life Science	Life Science GE Course	B2	3
Arts	Arts GE Course	C1	3
PHIL 2	Introduction to Ethics	C2 & Major	3
Transfer Elective	CSU Transferable Elective (Courses 1-199)		3

Semester 3

Sample Educational Plan for a single term.
Course	Title	CSU GE Area/Major	Units
Major Course	Major Course from List A	Major	3
HIST 20 or HIST 21	American History Course	D & Major	3
Arts/Humanities	Arts or Humanities GE Course	C1 or C2	3
Ethnic Studies	Ethnic Studies GE Course	F	3
Transfer Elective	CSU Transferable Elective (Courses 1-199)		3

Semester 4

Sample Educational Plan for a single term.
Course	Title	CSU GE Area/Major	Units
Major Course	Major Course from List A	Major	3
PS 1	American Government	D & Major	3
Physical Science	Physical Science GE Course	B1	3
Science LAB	Physical Science Lab	B3	1
Transfer Elective	CSU Transferable Elective (Courses 1-199)		3
Transfer Elective	CSU Transferable Elective (Courses 1-199)		1-3

This is a sample academic plan for students interesting in transferring to UCI as a Criminology, Law, and Society Major. Please see a counselor to create a customized My Academic Plan (MAP) that will best meet your specific education goals.

Semester 1

Sample Educational Plan for a single term.
Course	Title	IGETC Area/Major	Units
WR 1	College Writing 1	1A	4
MATH 10 or PSYC 10	Statistics	2A & Major	3
COMM 1	Communication Fundamentals	1C	3
AJ 2	Introduction to Administration of Justice	4 & Major	3
Transfer Elective	UC Transfer Elective (Courses 1-99)		1-3

Semester 2

Sample Educational Plan for a single term.
Course	Title	IGETC Area/Major	Units
WR 2	College Writing 2 - Critical Thinking	1B	4
PSYC 1	Introduction to Psychology	4 & Major	3
Arts	Arts GE Course	3A	3
Humanities	Humanities GE Course	3B	3
AJ 4	Criminal Law I (Recommended Elective)		3

Semester 3

Sample Educational Plan for a single term.
Course	Title	IGETC Area/Major	Units
PSYC 30 or 37	Social Psychology or Abnormal Psychology	4 & Major	3
PSYC 2	Research Methods in Psychology	Major	3
Life Science	Life Science GE Course	5B	3
AJ 5	Community and the Justice System (Recommended Elective)		3
Transfer Elective	UC Transfer Elective (Courses 1-99)		3

Semester 4

Sample Educational Plan for a single term.
Course	Title	IGETC Area/Major	Units
ENV 1	Introduction to Environmental Studies	4 & Major	3
Arts/Humanities	Arts or Humanities GE Course	3A or 3B	3
Physical Science	Physical Science GE Course	5A	3
Physical Science LAB	Physical Science GE Lab	5C	1
Transfer Elective	UC Transfer Elective (Courses 1-99)		3
Transfer Elective	UC Transfer Elective (Courses 1-99)		2-3

*Students may be eligible for one or more AA/AS/AA-T/AS-T degrees if they complete a GE transfer pattern, have specific courses, and have 60 transferable units. Please see a counselor for degree options and advisement.

AS COA

Semester 1

Sample Educational Plan for a single term.
Course	Title	AS GE Area/Major	Units
WR 1	College Writing 1	1A	4
MATH	Math GE Course	1C	3-5
LGL 201	Introduction to Paralegal Studies and Ethics	Major	2
LGL 202	Computer Technology and Electronic Research (Fall Only)	Major	3.5
Arts/Humanities	Arts or Humanities GE Course	4	3

Semester 2

Sample Educational Plan for a single term.
Course	Title	AS GE Area/Major	Units
Communication/Thinking	Communication/Analytical Thinking GE Course	1B	3-4
LGL 203	Business Law Contracts and Torts	Major	3
LGL Major	LGL Major Course from List A	Major	3
Social Sciences	Social Sciences GE Course	3	3
Elective	Degree Applicable Elective (Courses 1-299)		3

Summer

Sample Educational Plan for a single term.
Course	Title	AS GE Area/Major	Units
LGL 213	Legal Ethics (Summer Only)		2

Semester 3

Sample Educational Plan for a single term.
Course	Title	AS GE Area/Major	Units
LGL 205	Introduction to Legal Research and Writing	Major	3
LGL 206A	Civil Litigation I (Fall Only)	Major	3
LGL Major	LGL Major Course from List A	Major	3
Elective	Degree Applicable Elective (Courses 1-299)		3
Elective	Degree Applicable Elective (Courses 1-299)		3

Semester 4

Sample Educational Plan for a single term.
Course	Title	AS GE Area/Major	Units
LGL 206B	Civil Litigation II (Spring Only)	Major	3
LGL Major	LGL Major Course from List A	Major	3
LGL 168	Cooperative Work Experience: Paralegal Studies	Major	1-3
Natural Sciences	Natural Sciences GE Course	2	3
Elective	Degree Applicable Elective (Courses 1-299)		3

Semester 1

Sample Educational Plan for a single term.
Course	Title	Units
LGL 201	Introduction to Paralegal Studies and Ethics	2
LGL 202	Computer Technology and Electronic Research (Fall Only)	3.5
LGL 203	Business Law Contracts and Torts	3
LGL 206A	Civil Litigation I (Fall Only)	3

Semester 2

Sample Educational Plan for a single term.
Course	Title	Units
LGL 205	Introduction to Legal Research and Writing	3
LGL 206B	Civil Litigation II (Spring Only)	3
LGL Major	Legal Major Course from List A	3
LGL Major	Legal Major Course from List A	3

Summer

Sample Educational Plan for a single term.
Course	Title	Units
LGL 213	Legal Ethics (Summer Only)	2
LGL Major	Legal Major Course from List A	3

Explore Careers

Legislators

Median Salary

$51,924

Job Growth

+8%

Education

View Career

Develop, introduce, or enact laws and statutes at the local, tribal, state, or federal level. Includes only workers in elected positions.

New workers start around $36,182. Normal pay is $51,924 per year. Highly experienced workers can earn up to $134,490.

Education

Core Tasks

Analyze and understand the local and national implications of proposed legislation.
Appoint nominees to leadership posts, or approve such appointments.
Confer with colleagues to formulate positions and strategies pertaining to pending issues.
Debate the merits of proposals and bill amendments during floor sessions, following the appropriate rules of procedure.
Develop expertise in subject matters related to committee assignments.
Hear testimony from constituents, representatives of interest groups, board and commission members, and others with an interest in bills or issues under consideration.
Keep abreast of the issues affecting constituents by making personal visits and phone calls, reading local newspapers, and viewing or listening to local broadcasts.
Maintain knowledge of relevant national and international current events.
Make decisions that balance the perspectives of private citizens, public officials, and party leaders.
Negotiate with colleagues or members of other political parties in order to reconcile differing interests, and to create policies and agreements.
Prepare drafts of amendments, government policies, laws, rules, regulations, budgets, programs and procedures.
Read and review concerns of constituents or the general public and determine if governmental action is necessary.
Represent their parties in negotiations with political executives or members of other parties, and when speaking with the media.
Review bills in committee, and make recommendations about their future.
Seek federal funding for local projects and programs.
Serve on commissions, investigative panels, study groups, and committees in order to examine specialized areas and recommend action.
Vote on motions, amendments, and decisions on whether or not to report a bill out from committee to the assembly floor.
Write, prepare, and deliver statements for the Congressional Record.
Alert constituents of government actions and programs by way of newsletters, personal appearances at town meetings, phone calls, and individual meetings.
Attend receptions, dinners, and conferences to meet people, exchange views and information, and develop working relationships.
Conduct "head counts" to help predict the outcome of upcoming votes.
Determine campaign strategies for media advertising, positions on issues, and public appearances.
Encourage and support party candidates for political office.
Establish personal offices in local districts or states, and manage office staff.
Evaluate the structure, efficiency, activities, and performance of government agencies.
Organize and maintain campaign organizations and fundraisers, in order to raise money for election or re-election.
Oversee expense allowances, ensuring that accounts are balanced at the end of each fiscal year.
Promote the industries and products of their electoral districts.
Represent their government at local, national, and international meetings and conferences.
Speak to students to encourage and support the development of future political leaders.

Median Salary

$51,924

Job Growth

+8%

Statisticians

Median Salary

$96,118

Job Growth

+20%

Education

Bachelor's Degree
15%

Master's Degree
65%

Doctoral or More
20%

View Career

Develop or apply mathematical or statistical theory and methods to collect, organize, interpret, and summarize numerical data to provide usable information. May specialize in fields such as biostatistics, agricultural statistics, business statistics, or economic statistics. Includes mathematical and survey statisticians.

New workers start around $54,961. Normal pay is $96,118 per year. Highly experienced workers can earn up to $151,683.

Education

Bachelor's Degree
15%

Master's Degree
65%

Doctoral or More
20%

Core Tasks

Analyze and interpret statistical data to identify significant differences in relationships among sources of information.
Determine whether statistical methods are appropriate, based on user needs or research questions of interest.
Identify relationships and trends in data, as well as any factors that could affect the results of research.
Present statistical and nonstatistical results, using charts, bullets, and graphs, in meetings or conferences to audiences such as clients, peers, and students.
Prepare data for processing by organizing information, checking for inaccuracies, and adjusting and weighting the raw data.
Report results of statistical analyses, including information in the form of graphs, charts, and tables.
Design research projects that apply valid scientific techniques, and use information obtained from baselines or historical data to structure uncompromised and efficient analyses.
Process large amounts of data for statistical modeling and graphic analysis, using computers.
Adapt statistical methods to solve specific problems in many fields, such as economics, biology, and engineering.
Evaluate the statistical methods and procedures used to obtain data to ensure validity, applicability, efficiency, and accuracy.
Report results of statistical analyses in peer-reviewed papers and technical manuals.
Evaluate sources of information to determine any limitations, in terms of reliability or usability.
Plan data collection methods for specific projects, and determine the types and sizes of sample groups to be used.
Develop and test experimental designs, sampling techniques, and analytical methods.
Supervise and provide instructions for workers collecting and tabulating data.
Examine theories, such as those of probability and inference, to discover mathematical bases for new or improved methods of obtaining and evaluating numerical data.
Prepare and structure data warehouses for storing data.
Develop software applications or programming for statistical modeling and graphic analysis.
Apply sampling techniques, or use complete enumeration bases to determine and define groups to be surveyed.

Median Salary

$96,118

Job Growth

+20%

Climate Change Analysts

Median Salary

$93,354

Job Growth

+5%

Education

Bachelor's Degree
17%

Master's Degree
65%

Doctoral or More
17%

View Career

Research and analyze policy developments related to climate change. Make climate-related recommendations for actions such as legislation, awareness campaigns, or fundraising approaches.

New workers start around $49,643. Normal pay is $93,354 per year. Highly experienced workers can earn up to $149,258.

Education

Bachelor's Degree
17%

Master's Degree
65%

Doctoral or More
17%

Core Tasks

Provide analytical support for policy briefs related to renewable energy, energy efficiency, or climate change.
Propose new or modified policies involving use of traditional and alternative fuels, transportation of goods, and other factors relating to climate and climate change.
Prepare study reports, memoranda, briefs, testimonies, or other written materials to inform government or environmental groups on environmental issues, such as climate change.
Analyze and distill climate-related research findings to inform legislators, regulatory agencies, or other stakeholders.
Make legislative recommendations related to climate change or environmental management, based on climate change policies, principles, programs, practices, and processes.
Present climate-related information at public interest, governmental, or other meetings.
Promote initiatives to mitigate climate change with government or environmental groups.
Gather and review climate-related studies from government agencies, research laboratories, and other organizations.
Review existing policies or legislation to identify environmental impacts.
Research policies, practices, or procedures for climate or environmental management.
Write reports or academic papers to communicate findings of climate-related studies.
Develop, or contribute to the development of, educational or outreach programs on the environment or climate change.
Present and defend proposals for climate change research projects.
Prepare grant applications to obtain funding for programs related to climate change, environmental management, or sustainability.

Median Salary

$93,354

Job Growth

+5%

Economists

Median Salary

$129,078

Job Growth

+12%

Education

Master's Degree
35%

Doctoral or More
65%

View Career

Conduct research, prepare reports, or formulate plans to address economic problems related to the production and distribution of goods and services or monetary and fiscal policy. May collect and process economic and statistical data using sampling techniques and econometric methods.

New workers start around $53,885. Normal pay is $129,078 per year. Highly experienced workers can earn up to $219,620.

Education

Master's Degree
35%

Doctoral or More
65%

Core Tasks

Study economic and statistical data in area of specialization, such as finance, labor, or agriculture.
Conduct research on economic issues, and disseminate research findings through technical reports or scientific articles in journals.
Compile, analyze, and report data to explain economic phenomena and forecast market trends, applying mathematical models and statistical techniques.
Supervise research projects and students' study projects.
Teach theories, principles, and methods of economics.
Study the socioeconomic impacts of new public policies, such as proposed legislation, taxes, services, and regulations.
Formulate recommendations, policies, or plans to solve economic problems or to interpret markets.
Explain economic impact of policies to the public.
Provide advice and consultation on economic relationships to businesses, public and private agencies, and other employers.
Forecast production and consumption of renewable resources and supply, consumption, and depletion of non-renewable resources.
Develop economic guidelines and standards, and prepare points of view used in forecasting trends and formulating economic policy.

Median Salary

$129,078

Job Growth

+12%

Environmental Economists

Median Salary

$129,078

Job Growth

+12%

Education

Bachelor's Degree
11%

Master's Degree
41%

Doctoral or More
48%

View Career

Conduct economic analysis related to environmental protection and use of the natural environment, such as water, air, land, and renewable energy resources. Evaluate and quantify benefits, costs, incentives, and impacts of alternative options using economic principles and statistical techniques.

New workers start around $53,885. Normal pay is $129,078 per year. Highly experienced workers can earn up to $219,620.

Education

Bachelor's Degree
11%

Master's Degree
41%

Doctoral or More
48%

Core Tasks

Write technical documents or academic articles to communicate study results or economic forecasts.
Conduct research on economic and environmental topics, such as alternative fuel use, public and private land use, soil conservation, air and water pollution control, and endangered species protection.
Collect and analyze data to compare the environmental implications of economic policy or practice alternatives.
Assess the costs and benefits of various activities, policies, or regulations that affect the environment or natural resource stocks.
Prepare and deliver presentations to communicate economic and environmental study results, to present policy recommendations, or to raise awareness of environmental consequences.
Develop programs or policy recommendations to achieve environmental goals in cost-effective ways.
Develop economic models, forecasts, or scenarios to predict future economic and environmental outcomes.
Demonstrate or promote the economic benefits of sound environmental regulations.
Conduct research to study the relationships among environmental problems and patterns of economic production and consumption.
Perform complex, dynamic, and integrated mathematical modeling of ecological, environmental, or economic systems.
Write social, legal, or economic impact statements to inform decision makers for natural resource policies, standards, or programs.
Teach courses in environmental economics.
Develop systems for collecting, analyzing, and interpreting environmental and economic data.
Develop programs or policy recommendations to promote sustainability and sustainable development.
Write research proposals and grant applications to obtain private or public funding for environmental and economic studies.
Examine the exhaustibility of natural resources or the long-term costs of environmental rehabilitation.
Monitor or analyze market and environmental trends.
Develop environmental research project plans, including information on budgets, goals, deliverables, timelines, and resource requirements.

Median Salary

$129,078

Job Growth

+12%

Survey Researchers

Median Salary

$52,614

Job Growth

+30%

Education

Bachelor's Degree
50%

Master's Degree
42%

Doctoral or More
8%

View Career

Plan, develop, or conduct surveys. May analyze and interpret the meaning of survey data, determine survey objectives, or suggest or test question wording. Includes social scientists who primarily design questionnaires or supervise survey teams.

New workers start around $22,172. Normal pay is $52,614 per year. Highly experienced workers can earn up to $150,324.

Education

Bachelor's Degree
50%

Master's Degree
42%

Doctoral or More
8%

Core Tasks

Review, classify, and record survey data in preparation for computer analysis.
Prepare and present summaries and analyses of survey data, including tables, graphs, and fact sheets that describe survey techniques and results.
Monitor and evaluate survey progress and performance, using sample disposition reports and response rate calculations.
Produce documentation of the questionnaire development process, data collection methods, sampling designs, and decisions related to sample statistical weighting.
Consult with clients to identify survey needs and specific requirements, such as special samples.
Determine and specify details of survey projects, including sources of information, procedures to be used, and the design of survey instruments and materials.
Conduct surveys and collect data, using methods such as interviews, questionnaires, focus groups, market analysis surveys, public opinion polls, literature reviews, and file reviews.
Support, plan, and coordinate operations for single or multiple surveys.
Conduct research to gather information about survey topics.
Direct and review the work of staff members, including survey support staff and interviewers who gather survey data.
Analyze data from surveys, old records, or case studies, using statistical software.
Direct updates and changes in survey implementation and methods.
Write training manuals to be used by survey interviewers.
Write proposals to win new projects.
Collaborate with other researchers in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of surveys.
Hire and train recruiters and data collectors.

Median Salary

$52,614

Job Growth

+30%

Not sure if Paralegal Studies is the right fit?

Exploratory Interest Area

Explore Engineering while still working toward your academic goals.

Learn More

Talk with a Counselor

Speak to one of IVC’s Academic Counselors to learn more about all of your options.

Contact Counseling

Why choose IVC?

Affordable

Quality education should not put you in the red. The cost of attending Irvine Valley College is very low compared to the private, UC, and CSU systems.

Career Preparation

With Fast Track Career Paths, at IVC, we give you the tools to quickly enter the workforce and start making money.

#1 Transfer Rate

Looking to transfer to a four-year university? With the #1 Transfer Rate in California, IVC is the best place to start!

Questions?

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Find Your Path

Become an IVC Student

Guide to Paying for College

Supporting You

Welcome Lasers

Finish Your Path at IVC

Find Your Path

Become an IVC Student

Guide to Paying for College

Supporting You

Welcome Lasers

Finish Your Path at IVC

Paralegal Studies

Program Length

Transfer Options

Paralegal Department Contact

Transfer, Degrees and/or Certificates

Law, Public Policy, and Society

CSU Transfer: Law, Public Policy, and Society, AA-T*

UC Transfer: Criminology, Law and Society, Major (UC Irvine) *