Thinking about law but don’t want to commit to years of schooling?
The NorthWest Arkansas Community College (NWACC) Paralegal Program offers a practical and affordable way to step into the legal profession. Designed for working adults, recent graduates, and career changers, this program gives you the skills and credentials to land a legal support job fast—with the added credibility of ABA approval. Whether you want to join a law firm, corporate legal team, or government office, NWACC helps make it possible.
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Why Choose NorthWest Arkansas Community College (NWACC)?
- ABA Approved: The program is nationally recognized by the American Bar Association.
- Flexible Learning Options: Evening, online, and hybrid courses for busy students.
- Affordable Tuition: Community college rates without sacrificing quality.
- Professional Faculty: Learn from licensed attorneys and experienced paralegals.
- Hands-On Learning: Built-in internship and legal writing opportunities.
NWACC Paralegal Program Overview
Housed in the Social and Behavioral Sciences Division, NWACC’s Paralegal Studies Program focuses on teaching both the theory and application of law. The curriculum meets rigorous ABA standards, which means you graduate with a respected credential in the legal field.
The program is committed to developing ethical, knowledgeable, and practical legal support professionals. You’ll walk out understanding how the legal system works—and how to work within it.
NWACC Paralegal Program Curriculum Details
Whether you’re aiming for an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Paralegal Studies or a Certificate of Proficiency, NWACC’s curriculum is built to prepare you for the real legal world.
| Course Name | Credit Hours | Course Description |
|---|---|---|
| Introduction to Law | 3 | Overview of U.S. legal systems, key principles, and court structures. |
| Legal Research | 3 | Focuses on finding and citing statutes, case law, and regulations. |
| Legal Writing | 3 | Teaches drafting of memos, legal correspondence, and court documents. |
| Civil Litigation | 3 | Covers court procedures, pleadings, motions, and discovery. |
| Legal Ethics | 3 | Discusses professional responsibility and legal boundaries for paralegals. |
| Criminal Law and Procedure | 3 | Examines criminal statutes, court procedures, and constitutional rights. |
| Family Law | 3 | Legal principles surrounding divorce, custody, and child support. |
| Internship | 3 | Supervised legal workplace experience. |
Certificate students may take a condensed version focusing on core paralegal courses only.
Admission Requirements
Admission to NWACC’s paralegal program is straightforward:
- High school diploma or GED.
- Completed NWACC application.
- College placement test scores (ACT/SAT or NWACC assessment).
- Additional application for the Paralegal Program.
- Some general education coursework required before beginning core legal classes.
Deadlines and course start dates vary by semester.
Program Formats & Schedule
Designed with flexibility in mind, NWACC offers several study options:
- Full-Time Enrollment: Complete your associate degree in about two years.
- Part-Time Path: Take courses at your pace while working.
- Evening Classes: Most paralegal courses are offered in the evenings.
- Hybrid/Online Options: Select courses available online or in hybrid formats.
Many students combine options to match their personal and work schedules.
Faculty Spotlight
NWACC’s faculty is made up of experienced legal professionals who bring real-world knowledge to the classroom:
- Licensed attorneys with specialties in criminal defense, family law, and civil litigation.
- Senior paralegals and legal consultants from regional law firms.
- Adjunct professors who still actively practice law.
The small class sizes mean more interaction, guidance, and feedback than larger universities often provide.
Facilities & Resources
As an NWACC student, you have access to excellent learning tools:
- Dedicated law library section with legal texts and reference materials.
- Westlaw and LexisNexis subscriptions for legal research.
- Legal studies computer lab with case management software.
- Career services including resume reviews and mock interviews.
Internship & Field Experience
A cornerstone of the NWACC paralegal program is the internship. Each student must complete one before graduating, giving you practical experience in real legal environments.
Typical placements include:
- Private law firms
- Prosecutor and public defender offices
- Government legal departments
- Legal aid and nonprofit agencies
- Corporate legal teams
Internships are coordinated by faculty who have deep connections in the Arkansas legal community. It’s not uncommon for students to land permanent jobs through these experiences.
Career Outcomes
Graduates of NWACC’s Paralegal Studies Program are working in law offices, banks, insurance companies, and public agencies throughout the region. With a growing demand for trained legal professionals, the job outlook is strong.
- Employment Rate: Most graduates find work within six months.
- Starting Salaries: Usually range from $38,000–55,000 depending on role and location (Paralegal Salary).
- Common Roles: Paralegal, legal assistant, court clerk, litigation support, compliance analyst.
Check out more on the job market for paralegals to see how demand is rising.
Tuition & Financial Information
One of NWACC’s biggest advantages is affordability:
- In-district tuition: Around $85 per credit hour.
- Out-of-district/in-state: Slightly higher, but still affordable.
- Financial Aid: Federal aid available through FAFSA.
- Scholarships: Offered by NWACC Foundation and local legal associations.
Advisors help students create manageable tuition payment plans.
Student Success Stories
Tina M., 28 – “NWACC made going back to school possible. My professors knew what it took to make it in a law office, and now I’m working as a litigation paralegal.”
Andre C., 35 – “The evening classes were a lifesaver. I worked during the day and studied at night. The internship led to my first legal job.”
Hannah W., 22 – “I didn’t want to leave Arkansas for law school right away, and NWACC gave me the tools and confidence to start a legal career right here.”
NWACC Paralegal Program: How to Apply
Here’s how to get started:
- Apply online at nwacc.edu.
- Submit transcripts and placement test scores.
- Complete the Paralegal Studies application.
- Meet with an academic advisor.
- Register for core and general education courses.
It’s a simple process with support available every step of the way.
Contact Information
Paralegal Program Coordinator
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (479) 986-4000
Visit the Official Program Page
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long is the NWACC paralegal program?
The associate degree takes about two years for full-time students. The certificate can be completed in a shorter time.
Is the NWACC paralegal program ABA-approved?
Yes, NWACC’s paralegal program is fully ABA approved.
Can I study the NWACC paralegal program online?
Some courses are available online or in hybrid formats, though not the entire program.
What skills will I learn at the NWACC paralegal program?
You’ll learn legal writing, research, case preparation, ethics, litigation procedures, and document drafting.
What makes NWACC paralegal program different from others?
It combines ABA approval, low tuition, evening flexibility, and strong local internship partnerships.