EMU Today

YPSILANTI - University Headquarters recently ranked the paralegal program at Eastern Michigan Univesity for offering one of the best affordable paralegal degrees across the country.

The independent education organization ranked Eastern No. 15 in the rankings of its top programs.

“Since joining Eastern Michigan University in fall 2020, I have been impressed with the caliber of students, faculty, and courses in the paralegal program, including our unique internship opportunity at the Washtenaw County EMU Legal Resource Center,” said Elizabeth Donovan, assistant professor and coordinator of EMU’s Paralegal Program. “Immediately after graduating, our students are perfectly positioned to begin rewarding and successful legal careers in the private, public, and not-for-profit sectors.”

The paralegal program, approved by the American Bar Association, comprises students who begin their undergraduate studies at EMU and transfer from community colleges. 

A unique feature of the paralegal program is that students spend a semester at the Washtenaw County EMU Legal Resource Center, located in the Washtenaw County Courthouse. Under the supervision of an attorney, students assist members of the public in navigating the court system and seeking guidance on family, probate, landlord-tenant, and other matters. Through the internship, which includes an academic component taught by the program coordinator, students gain hands-on experience while serving the community.

University Headquarters collects data from government sources and occupational salaries from private job search sites to assign a ranking to schools within a specific region or focus on a particular degree, like paralegal studies. The organization makes this objective data accessible to students to make college choices. 

About Eastern Michigan University

Founded in 1849, Eastern is the second oldest public university in Michigan. It currently serves more than 15,000 students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, specialist, doctoral, and certificate degrees in the arts, sciences, and professions. In all, more than 300 majors, minors, and concentrations are delivered through the University's Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Engineering and Technology; Health and Human Services; and its graduate school. EMU is regularly recognized by national publications for its excellence, diversity, and commitment to applied education. For more information about Eastern Michigan University, visit the University's website.