Blinn hosting paralegal, Forensic Science Academy information sessions
Programs put students on fast-track to careers in criminal justice and legal fields
October 6, 2020
The Blinn College District will hold virtual information sessions for prospective students interested in the Blinn-Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (TEEX) Forensic Science Academy or Blinn’s Paralegal and Legal Studies Program. All information sessions will take place on Zoom.
Sessions focused on the Blinn-TEEX Forensic Sciences Academy will be held Wednesday, Oct. 7, at 4:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. The information sessions related to the Paralegal and Legal Studies Program will take place Thursday, Oct. 8, at 9:30 a.m. and 7 p.m.
The Blinn-TEEX Forensic Science Academy information sessions will be led by Blinn Criminal Justice Program Coordinator Robert Stanberry and TEEX Forensics Academy Director Christine Ramirez. The discussion will address the curriculum, college credit options available through Blinn, and the application process.
“This collaboration provides students with access to leading industry professionals and state-of-the-art training in this versatile and growing field,” Stanberry said. “Graduates earn certificates in forensic science from both Blinn and TEEX and valuable credit that can count toward an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) Degree in Criminal Justice Technology.”
Students in the Blinn-TEEX Forensic Science Academy are co-enrolled at both insitutions, making them eligible to earn Blinn’s Forensic Science Certificate and TEEX’s Forensic Investigation and Evidence Management Professional Certificate. In addition to these certifications, Forensic Science Academy students earn 18 college credit hours that can be applied directly toward Blinn’s AAS degree in Criminal Justice Technology and may be eligible for additional financial aid opportunities.
Blinn and TEEX have different registration processes, so individuals interested in applying for the academy are encouraged to attend the information sessions for assistance. The next academy begins in January 2021.
Stanberry also will host the information sessions for the Paralegal and Legal Studies Program. He will give an overview of the program’s degree and certificate options and describe how students can engage in in-person or live online class sessions during Blinn’s second 8-week session that begins Monday, Oct. 19. The live online modalitiy involves real-time interaction with instructors while students attend class remotely via videoconference. These course modalities also will be available in Spring 2021.
“The legal profession is an exciting and essential profession,” Stanberry said. “This program also is a great fit for non-traditional students who work fulltime and want to earn their degree.”
Blinn’s Paralegal and Legal Studies Program equips students for a variety of careers in the legal field through an AAS degree or Legal Office Certificate. Legal assistants, or paralegals, serve as the top assistants to attorneys and are valuable members of legal teams. Duties include attending trials, assisting in testimony preparation, locating and interviewing witnesses, conducting client interviews, and research. Job opportunities are available in private law firms, courts, government, insurance companies, and corporations. In addition to preparing students for careers, Blinn provides a strong foundation for students who continue their education via law school.
To learn more about the Blinn-TEEX Forensic Science Academy or the Paralegal and Legal Studies Program, contact Stanberry at robert.stanberry@blinn.edu or visit www.blinn.edu.
Registration is still available for Blinn’s 4- and 8-week classes. Visit www.blinn.edu/fall for more information.
