UDC Paralegal Program: Your Path to a Rewarding Legal Career 2025

The University of the District of Columbia (UDC) Paralegal Program, officially the Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Legal Assistant, offers a comprehensive and affordable pathway for aspiring paralegals. Whether you’re a recent high school graduate, a working professional seeking a career shift, or someone passionate about legal studies, this program equips you with the practical and theoretical skills needed to excel in the legal field. With a growing demand for skilled paralegals—projected by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics to increase by 10% through 2032—UDC’s program stands out as a trusted choice for launching a successful paralegal career.

In this article, we’ll explore the UDC Paralegal Program in depth, covering its curriculum, admission requirements, costs, and unique benefits. Backed by UDC’s accreditation and expert faculty, this program prepares students for real-world legal challenges while offering resources like LexisNexis access and hands-on training opportunities.

The UDC Paralegal Program is designed to provide a robust foundation in legal principles, making it ideal for those aiming to become certified paralegals or pursue advanced legal roles. Offered through UDC Community College, this AAS degree requires 62 credit hours and emphasizes practical skills like legal research, case management, and court procedures—key competencies for paralegal success.

Key Features of the Program:

• • Foundational Training: Courses cover legal principles, writing, and research, ensuring graduates are well-versed in the essentials of law.

• • Specialized Electives: Options include Criminal Law, Real Estate Law, and Employment Law, allowing students to tailor their education to specific interests.

• • Hands-On Experience: Opportunities for internships and practical training prepare students for the workplace.

• • Certification Readiness: The curriculum aligns with skills tested in paralegal certification exams, such as those offered by NALA or NFPA.

Students benefit from instruction by experienced faculty—legal professionals with real-world expertise—enhancing the program’s credibility. Additionally, a 7-day free trial of LexisNexis provides access to a wealth of legal resources, including 46 checklists, 13 flowcharts, 309 practice notes, and 386 news articles, setting UDC apart as a leader in paralegal education.

Getting started with the UDC Paralegal Program is straightforward, thanks to UDC Community College’s open admissions policy. This accessibility ensures that motivated individuals from diverse backgrounds can pursue legal studies.

Admission Requirements:

• • Educational Background: A high school diploma or GED is required. Transfer students must submit college transcripts.

• • Minimum GPA: A GPA of 2.5 or higher is typically expected, though placement tests may adjust course entry levels.

• • Supporting Documents: Applicants need to provide official transcripts, proof of residency, and, for students 25 or younger, immunization records.

• • International Students: Additional steps apply—visit UDC’s International Admissions page for details.

Application Process:

Submit your application online via UDC’s admissions portal, along with transcripts, a personal statement, and optionally, letters of recommendation to strengthen your profile. Placement in foundational courses (e.g., math or writing) may involve alternative measures like SAT scores or high school grades, detailed at UDC’s ACCUPLACER page. Always check the latest requirements on the UDC website, as residency status or policy updates may affect eligibility.

The UDC Paralegal Program curriculum blends core legal education with flexible electives, totaling 62 credit hours. Students must earn a ‘C’ or better in major courses, ensuring mastery of critical skills.

Curriculum Highlights:

• • Core Courses:
    
    • • Legal Research and Writing I & II (LATC-161C, LATC-162C): Develops research and drafting skills.
    
    
    • • Introduction to Para-Legalism (LATC-181C): Covers the paralegal role and ethics.
    
    
    • • Legal Process I (LATC-171C): Explores court procedures and case management.

• • Electives: Choose from topics like Domestic Relations (LATC-276C), Administrative Law (LATC-277C), or Investigative Techniques/Evidence (LATC-263C).

• • General Education: Includes writing, quantitative reasoning, and a natural science lab, fostering well-rounded graduates.

Flexible Learning Options:

While primarily campus-based, the program’s structure accommodates working professionals with evening or part-time schedules. Online components may enhance accessibility—contact UDC at 202.274.6110 for current offerings.

This accredited curriculum, delivered by UDC—an institution recognized by the Higher Learning Commission—prepares students for roles in law firms, government agencies, or public service, making it a top choice for paralegal training in Washington, DC.

Affordability is a hallmark of the UDC Paralegal Program, with tuition rates competitive among paralegal programs nationwide. Costs vary based on residency and enrollment status, so here’s a breakdown:

Tuition and Fees:

• • Per Credit Hour: In-state students pay approximately $150–$200, while out-of-state rates may reach $250–$300. With 62 credits, total tuition ranges from $9,300 to $18,600.

• • Additional Costs:
    
    • • Books and Materials: $300–$600 for the program.
    
    
    • • Application Fee: $25–$75, depending on the term.
    
    
    • • Other Fees: Registration or lab fees may apply, typically $100–$200 annually.

Financial Aid:

UDC offers scholarships, grants, and payment plans. Check the UDC Financial Aid page for options tailored to your needs. The program’s cost-effectiveness, paired with its comprehensive training, delivers strong ROI for aspiring paralegals.

For the most current figures, visit UDC’s tuition page or call 202.274.6110.