The body of knowledge required to effectively perform legal support services can only come from a formal education in paralegal studies. As attorneys, corporations and government agencies work within an increasingly complex legal framework, the level of responsibility they expect paralegals to be able to take on has also increased. Law offices and other employers in Michigan have come to rely on paralegals with the kind of expertise that can only come from earning a certificate or degree in paralegal studies.
From the Upper Peninsula across the Straits of Mackinac, all the way to the big city of Detroit, Michigan has some of the best opportunities for anybody looking to become a paralegal.
With rural areas on the Lower Peninsula offering the highest average paralegal salaries of all non-metro regions in the nation (US Department of Labor, 2016), you’ll need to come with some competitive credentials if you want to land an entry level job or carve out your niche here. In fact, this isn’t bad advice no matter where you might live in the state, whether you plan to work for the local law office in your hometown or if your goals are to land a job in a big firm with offices in a downtown skyscraper in Grand Rapids or Detroit.
You’ll find some recommendations above for what we think are the best paralegal programs in the state and online. You’re sure to find one that fits your schedule, budget, and your career goals. All the programs we selected are offered through schools that hold regional or national accreditation.
Central Michigan University
Minor in Legal Studies – Campus
Davenport University
AS in Legal Studies – Campus
BS in Legal Studies – Campus
Legal Studies Certificate (post-bac) – Campus
Delta College
Associate in Business Studies, Legal Support Professional – Campus
Advanced Certificate in Law Office Specialist – Campus
Advanced Certificate in Law Office Foundation – Campus
Paralegal Certificate – Online
Eastern Michigan University
BS in Paralegal Studies – Campus
Ferris State University
Minor in Legal Studies – Campus
Grand Valley State University
BA/BS in Legal Studies – Campus
Paralegal Certificate (post-bac) – Campus
Henry Ford College
Associate of Business in Paralegal Studies – Campus
Certificate of Achievement in Paralegal Studies (post-associate) – Campus
Kalamazoo Valley Community College
Legal Office Assistant Certificate – Campus
Lansing Community College
Associate of Business in Paralegal Studies – Campus
Paralegal Certificate (post-bac) – Campus
Macomb Community College
AAS in Legal Assistant Studies – Campus
Madonna University
AS Paralegal Studies – Campus
BS Paralegal Studies – Campus
Paralegal Certificate (post-bac) – Campus
Michigan State University
BA in Political Science Pre-Law – Campus
North Central Michigan College
AAS Legal Assistant – Campus
Northern Michigan University
Paralegal AAS – Campus
Paralegal Bachelor’s Degree – Campus
Paralegal Certificate (post-bac) – Campus
Northwestern Michigan College
Advanced Paralegal Certificate Course – Online
Paralegal Certificate Course – Online
Oakland Community College
AAS in Paralegal Studies – Campus
Paralegal Certificate (post-bac) – Campus
Oakland University
Paralegal Certificate (post-associate) – Campus
University of Detroit Mercy
Certificate in Legal Studies – Campus
Washtenaw Community College
Associate’s Degree in Paralegal Studies – Campus with the option for some online courses
Wayne County Community College District
Paralegal Technology AAS – Campus
Western Michigan University
Bachelor’s Degree in Pre-Law – Campus