Have you ever thought about becoming the go-to person lawyers rely on every day? That’s the life of a paralegal. And if you’re serious about getting started, the College of Saint Mary Paralegal Program might be your perfect launchpad.
Located in Omaha, Nebraska, this program combines a close-knit community feel with strong legal training. It’s designed to give students real-world skills that employers want—fast. Whether you’re fresh out of high school or changing careers, this program offers a solid foundation for your future in the legal field.
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Why Choose College of Saint Mary
- ABA Approved: The program is recognized by the American Bar Association, which means it meets high standards employers value.
- All-Women’s College: A supportive, empowering environment tailored for women.
- Experienced Faculty: Courses are taught by attorneys and legal professionals who bring practical insight.
- Flexible Options: Available in both full-time and part-time formats.
- Internship Opportunities: Built-in field experience with Omaha-area law firms and courts.
College of Saint Mary Paralegal Program Overview
The College of Saint Mary (CSM) has a strong history of preparing women for meaningful careers. The paralegal program is housed in the Legal Studies department, with a mission to prepare students to assist attorneys effectively and ethically.
The curriculum combines legal theory with practical skills, making graduates ready for law offices, government agencies, and corporate legal departments.
CSM’s commitment to small class sizes, mentorship, and academic support helps ensure every student has a clear path to success.
Curriculum Details
Here’s a look at the courses you’ll take in the College of Saint Mary Paralegal Program:
| Course Name | Credit Hours | Course Description |
|---|---|---|
| Introduction to Law | 3 | Overview of the legal system, court structure, and legal terminology. |
| Legal Research and Writing I | 3 | Teaches legal writing and research using case law and statutes. |
| Civil Litigation | 3 | Focuses on procedures, pleadings, and court documents in civil cases. |
| Family Law | 3 | Covers divorce, custody, support, and other domestic issues. |
| Legal Ethics | 3 | Discusses professional responsibilities and ethical decision-making. |
| Torts and Personal Injury Law | 3 | Reviews civil wrongs, liability, and negligence cases. |
| Contracts and Commercial Law | 3 | Introduction to contract elements and commercial transactions. |
| Real Estate Law | 3 | Explores deeds, titles, leases, and property transfer processes. |
| Legal Technology | 3 | Training in legal databases, software, and document management systems. |
| Internship/Field Experience | 3–6 | Supervised on-site legal work in law firms, agencies, or corporate departments. |
Admission Requirements
To apply to the College of Saint Mary Paralegal Program, here’s what you’ll need:
- High School Diploma or GED
- Minimum GPA of 2.5 (recommended)
- Official Transcripts from all previous institutions
- ACT/SAT scores (optional but encouraged)
- Personal Statement outlining interest in the legal field
- Application Deadline: Rolling admissions; early application is advised for best placement.
Program Formats & Schedule
CSM offers a variety of learning formats to accommodate different needs:
- Full-Time: Ideal for recent high school grads or students who can commit full days to study.
- Part-Time: Designed for working adults or parents balancing other responsibilities.
- Hybrid Options: Some courses may be available online or in evening formats to provide flexibility.
While not fully online, the hybrid model does make room for students who need a more flexible schedule without sacrificing the quality of education.
Faculty Spotlight
The paralegal program is taught by licensed attorneys and paralegals with extensive courtroom and corporate experience.
A few highlights:
- Professor Lynn Moore, J.D.: Former public defender and civil litigation specialist.
- Professor Angela Rios: A certified paralegal with 15+ years of experience in family and immigration law.
With a student-to-faculty ratio of 11:1, students benefit from close mentoring and individual attention.
Facilities & Resources
College of Saint Mary supports paralegal students with:
- Law Library: Access to Nebraska legal materials and federal resources.
- Online Legal Databases: Includes LexisNexis, Westlaw, and more.
- Mock Courtroom: Practice litigation procedures in a simulated environment.
- Career Center: Resume workshops, mock interviews, and job search support.
Internship & Field Experience
Internships are a key part of the CSM paralegal program. Students typically complete 120–180 hours of supervised legal work.
Internship partners include:
- Douglas County Court
- Legal Aid of Nebraska
- Private law firms specializing in family, criminal, and real estate law
Internship coordinators help match students with placements that align with their career interests.
Career Outcomes
Graduates from the College of Saint Mary Paralegal Program enter the workforce with skills employers want.
- Placement Rate: 85% of graduates find work or pursue further education within six months.
- Average Salary: Around $58,000 annually for Nebraska paralegals, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
- Job Growth: The job market for paralegals is expected to grow 4% by 2032.
Graduates work in:
- Law firms
- Corporate legal departments
- Nonprofits
- Government agencies
People Also Ask
Can you become a paralegal without a degree?
Yes, but employers increasingly prefer candidates who’ve completed an ABA-approved paralegal program like the one at College of Saint Mary.
Is a paralegal certificate better than a degree?
A degree often offers deeper training and better job prospects. The CSM program results in an associate or bachelor’s degree, depending on your path.
Are internships included in the College of Saint Mary paralegal program?
Yes. Internships are required and tailored to match students’ career goals.
How much does it cost to attend the College of Saint Mary paralegal program?
Tuition is competitive, with scholarships and aid available to reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Tuition & Financial Information
The cost of attending CSM varies by program and credit load.
- Tuition: Around $19,800 per year for full-time students.
- Scholarships: Merit-based awards available, especially for first-year students.
- Financial Aid: Federal grants, loans, and work-study offered.
- Additional Support: CSM has financial advisors to help build custom plans.
You can also explore NALA’s Certified Paralegal (CP) scholarship options.
Student Success Stories
Kara B., Class of 2023: “The internship with Legal Aid helped me realize I want to work in public interest law. I got hired right after graduation.”
Maria T., Class of 2022: “As a mom going back to school, I needed flexibility. The part-time program made it possible, and now I’m working in a family law office.”
Danielle R., Class of 2021: “The faculty really care. They helped me prep for interviews and even wrote recommendation letters for law school.”
How to Apply
Ready to take the next step? Here’s how to apply to the College of Saint Mary Paralegal Program:
- Complete Online Application at College of Saint Mary Official Site
- Submit Transcripts from high school or prior colleges
- Optional Test Scores (ACT/SAT)
- Write a Personal Statement
- Apply for Financial Aid using FAFSA
- Schedule a Campus Visit or Virtual Tour
Contact Information
Program Coordinator:
Dr. Renee Blackwell, J.D.
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (402) 399-2400 ext. 1234
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long is the College of Saint Mary paralegal program?
The associate degree typically takes 2 years, while the bachelor’s track can be completed in 4 years.
Is the College of Saint Mary paralegal program ABA-approved?
Yes, the program is ABA approved, which adds value in the job market.
Can I study the College of Saint Mary paralegal program online?
Some courses are available in hybrid formats, but the program is not fully online.