Court Reporting

Program Description

You’ve seen high-profile trials with a person keying the testimony into a stenograph machine or reading the scrolling captions for the hearing-impaired on your TV screen. The person recording the spoken words at speeds ranging from 180 to 225 words a minute is a court reporter. If you’re an excellent listener, enjoy keyboarding, have strong language and communications skills, and are committed to accuracy and confidentiality, a career in court reporting may be a perfect fit for you.

Statewide Salary Range for Recent Graduates

$32,508 $56,998

Approximate Costs

• $122.20 per credit (resident)
• $183.30 per credit (out-of-state resident)
• *Online students are not charged out-of-state fees.

Program Outcomes

• Develop proficiency in machine shorthand using realtime theory.
• Produce salable transcripts on a realtime translation system.
• Demonstrate knowledge of proper reporting procedures and responsibilities for freelance and official reporting.
• Demonstrate knowledge of legal and medical concepts and terminology.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the professional reporting organizations and methods of gaining certification as a Registered Professional Reporter.
• Develop a personal dictionary, read, translate, and edit transcripts using CAT (computer-aided transcription) software.

Career Opportunities

• Legislative Reporter
• Official Court Reporter in the Court System
• Freelance reporter
• Scopist