The Tulsa Community College (TCC) Paralegal Program is a gem in Oklahoma’s legal education landscape. Approved by the American Bar Association (ABA), it’s designed to turn you into a skilled paralegal ready to tackle real-world legal work under attorney supervision. What makes it special? It’s the only regionally accredited, degree-granting paralegal program in Green Country, offering a mix of hands-on training and academic rigor. Whether you’re aiming for NALA’s Certified Paralegal (CP) credential or just want a foot in the legal door, TCC’s program is built to get you there.
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TCC Paralegal Program Overview
TCC’s Paralegal Program, housed in the School of Liberal Arts & Public Service, has been shaping legal professionals for decades. Led by Program Coordinator Michael Speck (reachable at [email protected]), the program emphasizes practical skills like legal research, document drafting, and law office management. Its mission? To produce ethical, competent paralegals who can hit the ground running in law firms, corporate legal departments, or public agencies. As a member of the American Association for Paralegal Education, TCC stays aligned with industry standards, ensuring you’re learning what actually matters in the field.
Curriculum Details
The Tulsa Community College (TCC) Paralegal Program offers a robust curriculum that balances theory with practice. You’ll take at least 10 semester credits of legal specialty courses in a traditional classroom setting, ensuring you get face-to-face instruction. Core courses include:
- Civil Procedure: Learn the nuts and bolts of how lawsuits move through the courts.
- Contracts: Understand the legal agreements that underpin business and personal dealings.
- Real Property: Dive into property law, from deeds to mortgages.
- Legal Research and Writing: Master finding case law and crafting persuasive legal memos.
- Litigation Support: Get hands-on with trial prep, from discovery to courtroom exhibits.
Unique offerings include courses on law office systems and computer use in legal settings—skills that set you apart in tech-driven firms. The program, available as an Associate in Arts (A.A.) or a certificate, typically takes two years full-time, with a clear course sequence to keep you on track. You’ll also practice the FIRAC method (Facts, Issues, Rules, Analysis, Conclusion), a critical tool for analyzing case law. No specialized tracks, but the broad training prepares you for diverse legal environments.
TCC Paralegal Program Admission Requirements
Getting into the Tulsa Community College (TCC) Paralegal Program is straightforward. TCC has an open-admission policy, meaning no minimum GPA or test scores are required. You’ll need:
- A high school diploma, GED, HiSET, or TASC.
- ACT/SAT scores (optional for placement, not admission).
- A completed online application (free and takes 15 minutes).
Applications are accepted year-round, but check TCC’s admission page for semester-specific deadlines. Submit transcripts and any placement test results to [email protected]. The process is quick—expect a response within seven days.
Program Formats & Schedule
The Tulsa Community College (TCC) Paralegal Program is designed for flexibility. You can go full-time or part-time, with classes offered in-person at the Metro Campus in downtown Tulsa. Evening classes are available for working students, but there’s no fully online option—legal specialty courses require traditional classroom instruction for ABA approval. Full-time students can complete the A.A. in two years; part-time may take three. Start dates align with TCC’s fall, spring, and summer semesters. Expect a mix of lectures, group work, and hands-on projects to keep things engaging.
Faculty Spotlight
Michael Speck, the program coordinator, brings years of legal expertise and a passion for teaching. Faculty members are practicing attorneys or experienced paralegals, offering real-world insights into contracts, litigation, and ethics. Their industry connections often lead to internship opportunities. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 20:1, you’ll get personalized attention, whether you’re struggling with legal research or prepping for the NALA exam. Faculty also stay active in professional organizations, keeping the curriculum cutting-edge.
Tulsa Community College Facilities & Resources
TCC’s Metro Campus is a hub for paralegal students. You’ll have access to a law library stocked with legal texts and electronic databases like Westlaw, essential for research. The campus features mock courtrooms for practicing litigation skills, plus computer labs for learning legal software. Support services include academic advising, free tutoring, and career counseling through TCC’s Career Services team. These resources make it easier to juggle coursework and plan your next steps.
Internship & Field Experience
Internships are a cornerstone of the Tulsa Community College (TCC) Paralegal Program. TCC partners with local law firms, corporate legal departments, and public agencies to place students in real-world settings. You might draft contracts at a private firm, assist with case files in a legal aid office, or support litigation at a courthouse. The program coordinator helps arrange placements, tailoring them to your interests. Past students have landed roles at prominent Tulsa firms, gaining experience that often leads to job offers post-graduation.
Career Outcomes
Graduates of the Tulsa Community College (TCC) Paralegal Program are in demand. According to The Bureau of Labor Statistics, paralegal jobs are growing faster than average, with a projected 7.6% increase through 2024. TCC alumni work in law firms, government agencies, and corporate legal departments across Oklahoma. Starting paralegal salaries vary, but TCC counselors can provide local trends—expect around $40,000-$50,000 to start in Tulsa. Career Services offers resume workshops, job fairs, and mock interviews to boost your chances in the job market for paralegals.
Tuition & Financial Information
For 2020-2021, in-state tuition at TCC was $3,445 per year, with out-of-state at $8,845. The paralegal program, spanning 60 credits for the A.A., costs roughly $6,900-$17,690 total, plus books and fees. The Tulsa Achieves Scholarship covers tuition for eligible Tulsa County residents with a 2.0 GPA. Payment plans and FAFSA (school code: 009763) are available, along with program-specific scholarships—check with Career Services. Compared to regional schools, TCC saves students $22,000-$30,000 on the first two years.
Student Success Stories
Meet Sarah, a 2022 TCC grad now thriving at a Tulsa law firm. She credits the program’s hands ABA-approved programs hands-on training for her confidence in drafting motions. “The mock courtrooms and internships gave me a real taste of the job,” she says. Another alum, James, passed the NALA CP exam on his first try and now works for a corporate legal department. These stories show how TCC turns ambition into tangible success.
TCC Paralegal Program How to Apply
Ready to join the Tulsa Community College (TCC) Paralegal Program? Apply online at TCC’s admission portal. It’s free, takes 15 minutes, and requires no minimum GPA or test scores. Submit transcripts and any placement test results to [email protected]. After applying, complete the FAFSA for financial aid and attend New Student Orientation for guidance. Need help? Contact admissions at 918-595-7066 or [email protected].
Contact Information
Reach out to Program Coordinator Michael Speck at [email protected] or 918-595-7317. The School of Liberal Arts & Public Service is at TCC Metro Campus, 909 South Boston Avenue, Tulsa, OK 74119 (918-595-7066, [email protected]). Schedule a campus visit through TCC’s website. For more details, fill out the request for information form online.