As of May 2020, Oklahoma paralegals earned an average salary of $47,490, or $22.83 per hour, and jobs for these professionals during this time totaled about 2,690. With extensive experience and top industry credentials, there’s plenty of room for growth for Oklahoma’s paralegals. The top-paid pros (top 10%) here earned more than $76,800 during this time.
Paralegals have become a cost-effective way for law firms, corporations, non-profits, court systems, and government agencies to lower legal costs while still maintaining quality.
From non-profit organizations to pharmaceutical companies to environmental law firms, there are plenty of opportunities for Oklahoma paralegals and plenty of places to establish your career niche.
Oklahoma Paralegal Certification
There is no mandatory licensing or certification for paralegals in Oklahoma.
Where to Earn Your Paralegal Certificate or Degree in Oklahoma
Paralegal Certificates
University of Oklahoma
The University of Oklahoma College of Law offers a Legal Assistant Certificate that requires 42 credit hours in the core legal program, as well as 40 credit hours of general education from any accredited institution of higher learning. Students benefit from an inspiring, high-tech learning environment, including a modern courtroom, law library and plenty of study space. Courses are held on Saturdays, so students can advance their career opportunities while still working.
- Estimated Program Cost: $19,866 for residents; $34,461 for non-residents (based on fall 2013 per-credit tuition for core legal classes only)
- Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent with an ACT score of at least 17, at least 12 credit hours of accredited higher education or a baccalaureate or academic associate degree
- ABA Approved: Yes
- Format: On campus
University of Tulsa
The University of Tulsa‘s post-baccalaureate certificate in paralegal studies program was established in 1992. Both day and evening programs are available, and students can take advantage of two law libraries, career services, 24-hour computer labs and Westlaw. The program strives to teach students an understanding of the law and the legal profession; courses cover legal theory, practical applications of legal research and writing and the use of technology to provide the graduate with the organizational, analytical and technical skills to enter the workplace with confidence. Internships are available with local law firms and organizations.
- Estimated Program Cost: $5,950 (based on 2013 full-program tuition and fees)
- Prerequisites: Bachelor’s degree
- ABA Approved: Yes
- Format: Oncampus
Paralegal Associate Degrees
Rose State College (RSC)
Located in Midwest City, Rose State College (RSC) is a two-year public institution that offers an Associate in Applied Science in paralegal studies via both day and evening classes. Students are educated in the role of the paralegal, substantive legal theory, legal research, document preparation and ethics. It was the first such program in Oklahoma and has been approved by the ABA since 1976.
- Estimated Program Cost: $5,166 for state residents; $18,270 for out-of-state students (based on fall 2013 per-credit tuition)
- Prerequisites: High school diploma and completion of ACT or similar tests
- ABA Approved: Yes
- Format: On campus
Sample required courses:
- American Federal Government
- Introduction to Law
- Legal Research & Writing I & II
- Civil Procedure I & II
Vatterott College (Oklahoma City Campus and online)
Vatterott College offers a 108-quarter credit hour Associate of Applied Science in paralegal studies at its Oklahoma City campus. This 90-week program includes an externship that gives students supervised work experience. Experienced legal professionals instruct students in legal research, and impart an understanding of the law and technological skills. Vatterott has been recognized as a military-friendly college.
- Estimated Program Cost: $34,776 for on-campus program; $25,120 for online program (based on 2013 full-program tuition)
- Prerequisites: High school diploma or GED
- ABA Approved: No
- Format: On campus or online
Sample required courses:
- Law & Legal Terminology
- Law Office Management
- Introduction to Logic
- Contract Law
- Tort Law
Paralegal Bachelor’s Degrees
East Central University (ECU)
East Central University (ECU) is a four-year public institution in Ada, Oklahoma. Its Bachelor of Science in legal studies provides a quality liberal arts education with a solid foundation in substantive law. This program explores the connection between law and politics, and graduates are prepared to enter the workplace, assisting attorneys in law firms, working in the court system, government or the private corporate sector, or to continue on to law school.
- Estimated Program Cost: $16,028 for state residents; $30,595 for out-of-state students (based on 2013-2014 per-credit tuition)
- Prerequisites: ACT score of 20 or higher, SAT score of 940 or higher or minimum GPA of 2.7 while meeting curricular requirements
- ABA Approved: No
- Format: On campus or online
- Introduction to Law
- Legal Systems Applications
- Legal Research & Writing I & II
- Civil Procedure & Litigation
Paralegal Master’s Degrees
University of Oklahoma
Located in Norman, Oklahoma, the University of Oklahoma College of Law offers an on-campus Master of Legal Studies in energy and natural resources program and an online Master of Legal Studies in indigenous peoples law. The energy and natural resources curriculum can be completed in one year of full-time study, or two years of part-time study. The indigenous peoples option can only be complete on a part-time basis, and takes four semesters to complete.
- Estimated Program Cost: $14,190 for state residents; $24,615 for out-of-state students (based on 2013-2014 per-credit tuition, not including fees)
- Requirements: Bachelor’s degree, letters of recommendation and demonstrated leadership potential
- ABA Approved: Yes
- Format: On campus or online
Sample required courses:
- Administrative Law
- Agricultural Biotechnology Law
- Agricultural Environmental Law
- Alternative Dispute Resolution
- Comparative Law
Additional Paralegal Educational Programs
Northeastern State University
Tahlequah, Oklahoma
Degree Offered: Bachelor of Science
Professional Organizations
- The Central Oklahoma Association of Legal Assistants (COALA) provides support, communication and continuing education opportunities for legal assistants. Its helps maintain high professional standards and offers access to certification exams, a newsletter, job postings and networking opportunities.
- The Oklahoma Paralegal Association (OPA) promotes fellowship among members and the advancement of the paralegal profession. It works in cooperation with local, state and national bar associations in setting and maintaining standards for legal assistants, as well as offers an annual scholarship to a student enrolled in an ABA-approved program. Student memberships are available, allowing students to network with working professionals.
- The Tulsa Area Paralegal Association (TAPA) is involved in the promotion of the paralegal professional on a local, state and national level. It holds luncheons with keynote speakers that address legal issues and specialties; members can also attend conventions, take part in certification study groups and access news regrading issues that affect the profession and the legal community.
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.