As of May 2020, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported a total of 1,680 paralegal jobs in Mississippi. The average paralegal salary here during this time was $48,240, or $23.19 per hour, while paralegals with considerable experience and specialized knowledge in one or more areas of law earned far more, at $70,750, which represents the profession’s top 10%.
Law firms, government entities, and businesses are always turning to paralegals to ensure the cost-effective and efficient delivery of legal services. Paralegals who have earned a certificate, associate degree, or bachelor’s degree in paralegal or legal studies gain are always on the radar of top employers. They are also in a better position to become nationally certified, which allows them to remain competitive in the profession.
Paralegal Certification
There is no mandatory certification or licensing of paralegals in Mississippi.
Where to Earn Your Paralegal Certificate or Degree in Mississippi
Paralegal Certificates
Mississippi College
A Christian college in Clinton, Mississippi College offers a 27-hour certificate in paralegal studies for those who’ve already completed a four-year degree. Student learn and perform basic legal research and analysis and gain an understanding of the court systems and procedural rules, as well as of ethical dilemmas often faced by those working in the legal field.
- Estimated Program Cost: $13,608 (based on 2013-2014 per-credit tuition)
- Prerequisites: Bachelor’s degree
- ABA Approved: No
- Format: On-campus
Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College
Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College (MGCCC) offers a paralegal technology certificate at their Jefferson Davis campus in Gulfport, Mississippi, just west of Biloxi. This 30-credit program gives graduates the basic skills needed to support lawyers in law firms, government, corporations, insurance companies and a variety of other businesses where legal services are needed.
- Estimated Program Cost: $3,450 for state residents; $5,760 for out-of-state students (based on 2013-2014 per-credit tuition)
- Prerequisites: High school diploma or GED
- ABA Approved: No
- Format: On-campus
Sample required courses:
- Microcomputer Applications
- Mechanics of Communications
- Introduction to Law
- Legal Research
- Legal Writing
Paralegal Associate Degrees
Antonelli College
Antonelli College offers an Associate of Applied business in paralegal studies at their Hattiesburg campus and online. Recognizing the growing need for paralegals, Antonelli offers students a curriculum that provides them with the legal knowledge and paralegal skills necessary to be desirable members of legal teams. Students become familiar with legal and office software, investigation tactics, client relations, transcription, confidentiality requirements, legal research and writing and other legal basics. Antonelli also offers continuous career placement services.
- Estimated Program Cost: $14,850 (based on 2013 full-program tuition)
- Prerequisites: High school diploma or equivalent
- ABA Approved: No
- Format: On campus or online
Holmes Community College (HCC)
Holmes Community College‘s (HCC) Associate of Applied Science in paralegal technology is taught at the school’s Ridgeland campus, just north of Jackson, Mississippi. The program is based on standards developed by the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) and prepares graduates to take the NALA Certified Paralegal Exam. Additional curriculum has been developed in response to surveys of experts in business, the legal field and education, helping to ensure that the program is up-to-date and relevant.
- Estimated Program Cost: $4,000 for full-time state residents; $5,160 for full-time out-of-state students; $6,600 for for part-time state residents; $7,260 for part-time out-of-state students (based on 2013-2014 tuition rates)
- Prerequisites: High school diploma or GED
- ABA Approved: No
- Format: Oncampus or online
Sample required courses:
- Intro to Law
- Law Office Management
- Legal Writing
- Public Speaking
Itawamba Community College
Fulton, in northwest Mississippi, is the home of Itawamba Community College. Offering both a paralegal Associate of Art degree and Associate of Applied Science in paralegal technology, Itawamba gives students the benefits of a community-oriented college along with low tuition. Students gain a liberal arts education covering math, science, humanities and social science in addition to core legal studies in areas such as civil litigation, legal research and writing and family law. The Associate of Art program requires 63 credit hours, while the Associate in Applied Science requires 69 to 70 credit hours.
- Estimated Program Cost: $4,200 for state residents; $8,600 for out-of-state students; $9,000 for international students (based on 2013 per-semester tuition)
- Prerequisites: High School Graduate, GED, ACT, SAT
- ABA Approved: No
- Format: Hybrid (On campus and online)
Paralegal Bachelor’s Degrees
Mississippi University for Women (MUW)
Mississippi University for Women was founded in 1884 as the first public college for women in country, and today it welcomes both men and women. It offers both Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees in legal studies; these comprehensive programs give students a basic understanding of legal concepts and analytical skills, in addition to a solid general education. Small class sizes help to ensure that students receive personalized attention, and a free tutoring program is open to all students through the school’s Center for Academic Excellence.
- Estimated Program Cost: $22,560 for state residents; $61,440 for out-of-state students (based on 2013-2014 per-semester tuition)
- Prerequisites: GPA and SAT/ACT score requirements; exceptions apply
- ABA Approved: Yes
- Format: On Campus
Sample required courses:
- Intro to the Legal Profession
- Legal Writing
- Civil Litigation
- Legal Bibliography & Research I & II
University of Southern Mississippi (USM)
Individuals seeking to gain a paralegal degree from the University of Southern Mississippi (USM) can earn one at the school’s Hattiesburg campus or its Gulf Park campus. The Bachelor of Arts in Paralegal Studies offered by this public, four-year institution encompasses legal concepts, terminology and skills. Graduates are able to research legal issues, draft legal documents and understand legal ethics and rules.
- Estimated Program Cost: $26,976 for state residents; $33,120 for out-of state students (based on 2013-2014 per-semester tuition)
- Prerequisites: College preparatory curriculum; GPA and SAT/ACT score requirements
- ABA Approved: Yes
- Format: On campus
Sample required courses:
- Introduction to Paralegalism
- Civil Litigation
- Legal Research
- Law Office Computing and Management
Additional Paralegal Educational Programs
Copiah-Lincoln Community College
Wesson, Mississippi (two additional campuses)
Degrees Offered: associate degree
Hinds Community College
Raymond, Mississippi; Jackson, Mississippi; online
Degrees Offered: Associate of Applied Science
University of Mississippi
University, Mississippi
Degrees Offered: Bachelor of Professional Studies
Mississippi College
Clinton, Mississippi
Degrees Offered: Bachelor of Science
Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College
Perkinston, Mississippi (additional campuses throughout the state)
Degrees Offered: Diploma, Associate of Applied Science
Northwest Mississippi Community College
Senatobia, Mississippi (available online and at multiple campuses)
Degrees Offered: Associate of Applied Science in Paralegal Technology
Professional Organization
- The Mississippi Paralegal Association (MPA) supports paralegals and legal assistants with education, networking opportunities and access to certification exams. Members can benefit from guest speakers at monthly luncheons, which are also available via Livestream. The MPA also offers professional recognition, quarterly newsletters and job placement services. Student members are welcome.
2020 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary data and job market trends for paralegals reflect state and national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed January 2022.