Paralegal Studies at Cerro Coso Community College
Cerro Coso College appears in our ranking of the 10 Most Affordable Online Associate’s in Paralegal Studies Degree Programs.
Cerro Coso Community College offers students the choice of two paralegal programs that include the Paralegal Studies Certificate and the Paralegal Studies Associates Degree. Students who complete one of these programs may find career opportunities as paralegals, legal assistants, or legal document preparers. Graduates may also find work in real estate, criminal law, social security, and constitutional law environments, as well as become a Certified Paralegal with some further study. The paralegal programs teach students how to process legal documents, draft and organize legal documents, maintain legal schedules, and assist in pretrial preparation. Students will also learn to analyze legal information and data to help lawyers and attorneys with cases.
Students who enroll in the Paralegal Studies Certificate program will take classes like Introduction to Paralegal Studies, Business Law, Legal Research and Writing I, and Civil Litigation and Procedure I. Elective courses allow students to focus in an area of their particular interest. Available electives include Probate Law, Law Office Management, Bankruptcy Law, and Criminal Law & Procedure. Available and required classes for the associate’s degree are similar but also include general education requirements. Students will choose one of three general education routes to complete their degree program. Additional classes students may take include Family Law, Workers’ Compensation Law, Personal Injury & Tort Litigation, and Real Estate Property Law.
Both paralegal studies programs at Cerro Coso Community College are offered through CC Online. Students can take some of the general education courses required for the associate’s degree at various Cerro Coso Community College campuses and should look at the college catalog for more information on class locations. The approximate total cost for the associate’s degree program for California residents is $6,360 for four semesters of study and 60 total units. Non-residents will pay an estimated $19080 for four semesters of study. Alternatively, the certificate program requires that students complete 32 units over three semesters for a total cost of $3,392 for residents and $10,176 for non-residents.
The college reveals that growth of positions for paralegals will grow by an estimated 18 percent in the next decade. The college also suggests that most paralegals working in law have earned a certificate or an associate’s degree. Not only can graduates find work in traditional legal environments like law offices and local court jurisdictions, but paralegals can also work as independent document preparers on a freelance basis or as the owner of their own business. More information about the paralegal programs at the college is available from the Business and Information Technology Department.
About Cerro Coso Community College
Cerro Coso Community College is located in California and was established in 1973 as a college for students in Kern County. The public college offers online and traditional classes leading to certificate and two-year degrees. The school is part of the Kern Community College District. There are five locations in the region where students can attend classes that include campuses in the Kern River Valley, Indian Wells Valley, and South Kern. There are around 4,600 students attending classes at the college, which serves a district that covers 18,000 square miles. The college’s mascot is the Coyote. The Indian Wells Valley location offers classes to citizens of nearby cities like China Lake and Trona, as well as military personnel in the area.
Cerro Coso Community College Accreditation Details
Regional accreditation for Cerro Coso Community College comes from the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. The college was most recently reaffirmed in 2012 and will undertake the accreditation process again in 2022. Some programs offered by the college are also accredited by various organizations and agencies. The program leading to Certified Nursing Assistant is authorized to operate by the California Department of Public Health. The program is Medical Assisting is approved by the California Certifying Board for Medical Assistants. The Peace Officer Standards and Training Academy is authorized to provide education to students by the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training.
Cerro Coso Community College Application Requirements
Prospective students of many types are eligible to enroll in classes at Cerro Coso Community College. Applicants must have graduated from an accredited high school, have passed the California High School Proficiency Exam (CHSPE) or the General Education Development (GED) test. The college also allows people at least 18-years-old to enroll if they can benefit from the school’s programs. The college has special instructions for athletes, international students, military veterans, and students who are still in high school. Generally, students must complete the official application, send official transcripts, and attend an orientation session. Students who decide to enroll in classes should also meet with a counselor for assistance choosing classes, as well as meet with a financial aid counselor to discuss student loans or other aid. Students may also need to take an assessment test for class placement.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Tuition at Cerro Coso Community College is $46 per unit for residents and $212 per unit for non-residents. Students must pay their fees within ten days of registering for classes. Students may also need to pay other fees associated with attending classes at Cerro Coso Community College. For example, students will pay a $1 fee for student government. Students may also pay a fee of $8 per semester for membership in the college’s community discount program that reduces prices on local activities, funds community events, and offers reductions on the costs of software and computers. Students can receive a refund on their tuition if they drop a course within two weeks after the starting date.
Cerro Coso Community College is an accredited school, and eligible students can receive federal student loans and grants as part of their financial aid package. Students may qualify for Pell Grants if they can demonstrate financial need. These grants don’t need to be paid back. To qualify for financial aid, students must submit their FAFSA form online. In addition to loans and grants, students may also qualify for need-based federal Work-Study awards or scholarships. Some of the scholarship programs available to students include the Tania Lynn Atkisson Memorial Scholarship, the Eric Blackwell Memorial Scholarship, and the Steven Paul Brown Memorial Scholarship. Students should examine the many scholarships available at Cerro Coso Community College for assistance paying for their paralegal studies program.
