Start Your Legal Journey with UAF Paralegal Program

Ever thought about how the legal world really works behind the scenes? Paralegals are the backbone of most legal teams, handling research, drafting, and case prep while lawyers take the spotlight. If you’re looking to step into this world without going to law school, the UAF Paralegal Program could be exactly what you need.

At UAF, you’ll find a program designed not just to teach you legal theory but to get you job-ready. Whether you’re fresh out of high school or switching careers, University of Alaska Fairbanks offers a paralegal education grounded in real skills, local needs, and legal community connections.

Why Choose University of Alaska Fairbanks

Here’s what sets UAF’s paralegal program apart:

• Local relevance: Built for Alaska’s legal environment, with attention to rural and Indigenous law needs.
• Affordable education: One of the most cost-effective options for legal studies in the region.
• Small class sizes: You’ll get individual attention from instructors with actual legal experience.
• Practical skills focus: Research, writing, litigation support—skills you’ll actually use on the job.
• Strong job placement: Many grads are working in firms, government, or corporate legal departments right after completion.

UAF Paralegal Program Overview

The University of Alaska Fairbanks has a long-standing commitment to preparing students for real-world careers in Alaska and beyond. The paralegal studies program is part of the UAF College of Liberal Arts, and it’s built on a foundation of justice, critical thinking, and ethical practice.

You’ll be learning from faculty who’ve worked as attorneys, paralegals, and legal advocates. The program aims to meet local workforce needs while maintaining high national standards. Many of the professors bring direct courtroom and law firm experience, which translates into practical, applied learning.

The mission of UAF’s paralegal program is simple: prepare students to become effective, ethical legal professionals who can assist attorneys in meaningful ways across a wide range of legal settings.

UAF Paralegal Program Curriculum Details

Here’s a breakdown of the courses you’ll likely take in the UAF Paralegal Studies Program:

Admission Requirements

Getting into UAF’s paralegal program is straightforward:

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Minimum 2.0 GPA recommended.
• Completed application via UAF’s online system.
• Transcripts from previous institutions (if applicable).
• Optional: Letter of intent explaining your interest in legal work.
• Application deadlines typically follow standard UAF semester intake (Fall, Spring).

UAF Paralegal Program Formats & Schedule

UAF understands that not all students have the same availability or lifestyle, which is why they offer flexible options:

• Full-Time Track: Can be completed in two years.
• Part-Time Track: Ideal for working students or parents—take fewer classes per semester.
• Online Courses: Many classes available online, with some requiring occasional in-person attendance.
• Hybrid Options: Mix of online and on-campus coursework for added flexibility.

This structure makes it easier for students in rural Alaska or those with full-time jobs to still earn their paralegal credential.

Faculty Spotlight

One standout faculty member is Professor Lisa Butcher, a practicing attorney who brings 15+ years of courtroom experience. She’s known for her clear teaching style and real-world advice.

• Student-to-faculty ratio: Approximately 12:1, so you’ll actually get to know your instructors.
• Faculty have backgrounds in tribal law, state litigation, and federal court procedures.

These professors aren’t just academics—they’ve done the work themselves, which makes a huge difference in the classroom.

Facilities & Resources

UAF offers access to a wide range of resources for paralegal students:

• Law library collections with Alaska-specific legal resources.
• Online legal databases like Westlaw and LexisNexis.
• Writing and tutoring centers for legal writing help.
• Computer labs with legal research software.

Even online students can access many of these tools remotely, making it easier to stay on track wherever you are in Alaska.

Internship & Field Experience

Every paralegal student is expected to complete an internship or field placement, which typically happens in the final semester.

Placement sites often include:

• Local law firms
• State and federal courts
• Tribal government legal departments
• Public defender and district attorney offices

You’ll spend around 120 hours in a real-world legal environment, giving you the chance to apply what you’ve learned in class. Many students are offered job opportunities from their internship sites.

Career Outcomes

Graduates from UAF’s paralegal program are working across Alaska and beyond, in a variety of legal settings.

• Employment rate: Roughly 80% of graduates find relevant legal employment within six months.
• Average starting salary: $42,000–$52,000 per year, depending on location and legal field (source).
• Common job titles:
  • Legal Assistant
  • Paralegal
  • Court Clerk
  • Compliance Specialist

Many grads go on to earn national credentials like NALA’s Certified Paralegal (CP), and some even decide to apply to law school.

People Also Ask (Mini-FAQ Cluster)

Can I study the University of Alaska Fairbanks paralegal program online?
Yes, many courses in the UAF paralegal program are available online, with hybrid and flexible options.

Is the University of Alaska Fairbanks paralegal program ABA-approved?
As of now, UAF’s paralegal program is not ABA approved, but it follows high academic and ethical standards.

Are internships included in the University of Alaska Fairbanks paralegal program?
Yes, every student completes an internship or field experience before graduating.

What are the admission requirements for the University of Alaska Fairbanks paralegal program?
You need a high school diploma (or GED), transcripts, and an application through UAF’s admissions system.

UAF Paralegal Program Tuition & Financial Information

UAF remains one of the more affordable options in the region:

• In-state tuition: Approx. $234/credit hour
• Out-of-state tuition: Around $800/credit hour
• Estimated total cost: ~$10,000–$14,000 depending on residency and pace

Financial help is available:

• FAFSA and federal aid options
• Scholarships for Alaska Native and rural students
• UAF tuition waivers and work-study programs

You can also apply for private paralegal scholarships and grants.

Student Success Stories

Kaitlyn M., Anchorage
“I was working in retail and needed a career change. UAF’s paralegal program gave me the tools—and confidence—to land a job at a family law firm within weeks of graduation.”

Jose R., Fairbanks
“The online flexibility was a game changer for me. I worked full-time and studied at night. Now I’m a compliance specialist for a tribal health organization.”

UAF Paralegal Program: How to Apply

Here’s how to get started:

1. Go to the official UAF admissions page.
2. Create an account and fill out the online application.
3. Submit your transcripts and any test scores.
4. Apply for financial aid through FAFSA.
5. Wait for admission confirmation and advising session.

Advisors will help you build your first semester schedule and talk through program options.

Contact Information

Program Contact:
College of Liberal Arts – Justice Department
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (907) 474-5501
Website: https://www.uaf.edu/justice/

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)