School of Law and Public Service
Setting Dallas College Apart
The School of Law and Public Service prepares students for a lifetime of good citizenship and participation in society. Students can earn academic degrees in areas such as history, government, psychology and philosophy, while job-ready programs prepare students for careers in fields including social work and law enforcement.
The best part is it's near downtown Dallas, providing students with access to hands-on training at nearby law firms as well as proximity to the Records Building, George Allen Civil Courthouse, Frank Crowley Criminal Courthouse and Earle Cabell Federal Courthouse.
“Every time I speak about my college experience, I always start with, ‘I attended a community college first.’ People are like, ‘Wow, you did?’ I’m like, ‘Yeah, and it was one of the best experiences of my life.”
“My paralegal classes really gave me the foundation of what it means to be a paralegal. I got a lot of practical information, particularly in legal research and writing, on how to write persuasively. The overall quality of instruction was really just exceptional.”
Notable Occupations in Law and Public Service
Based on Projected 3-Year Job Growth in DFW
| Occupation | Dallas College Program | Current Employment | Forecasted 3-Year Job Growth Rate | Typical Entry-Level Hourly Wage | Typical Median-Level Hourly Wage | Typical Entry-Level Education |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Police and Sheriff Patrol Officers | Criminal Justice | 14,612 | 3% | $25.41 | $36.90 | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Fire Inspectors and Investigators | Fire Protection Technology | 221 | 6% | $22.61 | $29.11 | Postsecondary nondegree award |
| Paralegals and Legal Assistants | Paralegal | 8,163 | 10% | $18.84 | $29.36 | Associate degree |
| Social Workers | Social Work | 654 | 5% | $18.52 | $30.20 | Bachelor's degree |
| Legal Support Workers | Conflict Management/ Mediation | 888 | 4% | $17.67 | $29.54 | Associate degree |
Degrees/Certificates
Dallas College is proud to present credential opportunities in LPS that meet industry needs. Here are a few featured programs that we offer:
Degrees
- Substance Abuse Counseling – A.A.S.
- Criminal Justice – A.A.S.
- Fire Protection Technology – A.A.S.
- Paralegal – A.A.S.
- Social Work Associate – Generalist – A.A.S.
Certificates
- Mental Health/Substance Abuse Prevention
- Basic Criminal Justice
- Crisis Intervention
- Fire Arson/Investigation
- Fire Science
- Human Services Certificate
Continuing Education
- Basic Peace Officer
- Basic Police Recruit Training
Specialized Skills In Demand
- Social Work
- Law Enforcement
- Lawsuits
- Psychology
- Mental Health
- Case Management
4-Year Transfer Possibilities
Criminal Justice,
Bachelor’s Degree
Social Work,
Bachelor's Degree
Political Science (Legal Studies Emphasis),
Bachelor's Degree
Commerce: Paralegal Studies,
Bachelor's Degree
Notable Employers in DFW
All data gathered for Dallas/Fort Worth. Source: Dallas College Labor Market Intelligence.
