Comprehensive directory of law schools worldwide including ranking and costs. Accredited Online Paralegal Degree Guide for 2015. There are many compelling reasons to choose a degree in paralegal studies The degree can be completed in a fairly. Online Accredited Schools Explore the OEDb database for accredited online colleges. Search compare by state and available online degree programs. Sullivan University is an Accredited Private College in Kentucky. We offer practical degrees that allow you to gain work experience in your field while continuing. Paralegal Education Requirements and Career Info. There are no universal requirements for a paralegal, but there are several possible educational paths a potential paralegal might take. Educational options include certificate programs and degree programs. The American Bar Association ABA approves educational programs for paralegals. However, only a little over a quarter of the available associate and bachelors degree programs are ABA approved. Any programs that offer a degree entirely online are not ABA approved, because the ABA requires that at least ten semester hours of courses related to the law be taken in a traditional classroom. Certificate Programs. The path requiring the least amount of time is a certificate, which can take as little as seven months to complete. Aba Accredited Paralegal Programs Colorado' title='Aba Accredited Paralegal Programs Colorado' />African American Scholarships. African American scholarships are available in colleges and universities across the United States and beyond. A college education isnt. Interested in pursuing a paralegal degree online Our guide provides helpful tips for students choosing between online paralegal programs. A paralegal is required to have some formal education. Learn about the degree programs, job duties, and other requirements to see if this is the right career for you. Most certificate programs are for people who have an associates or bachelors degree in another area. A few require applicants to have a specified number of college credit hours plus experience in the area of law. Certificate programs only include courses pertinent to paralegal work and do not include general education courses. Courses cover Law and ethics Legal research Legal writing Business law Family law Intellectual property Personal injury Degree Programs. Students in associates and bachelors degree programs take a basic core of general education courses in English, math, science, and social studies as well as the required courses for paralegal work. There are some masters degree programs available, but this level of education is not required by most employers. Certification. In 2. The National Association of Legal Assistants has offered voluntary general certification since the early 1. In 2. 01. 0, the association added an advanced paralegal certification in personal injury. The American Alliance of Paralegals also offers voluntary certification. Paralegal Schools and Online Paralegal Programs Directory. Cuisinart Troubleshooting Blender. Paralegal 4. 11 is a comprehensive site designed to help you learn about paralegal schools and careers. Our resources include information on career paths, career interviews, salaries, certification options, our annual scholarship, and much more for those interested in learning more about the paralegal field. The paralegal field can be profitable, with the top 1. The paralegal profession is also fast growing. Between now and 2. US. 2. Paralegal degree programs are available at over 9. United States and are designed to train future paralegals to work in law firms, corporations, or government. In addition to traditional on campus programs, numerous paralegal schools offer online programs at the certificate, associates, bachelors, and masters levels. Over 2. 60 paralegal programs in the United States are American Bar Association ABA approved. Paralegal School Facts. There are 9. 13 colleges or universities that offer a paralegal or legal assistant degree program in the United States. ABA approved programs for paralegalslegal assistants. Paralegal School Information by State. Whether you are looking for a paralegal certificate or a more advanced program culminating in an associate, bachelors, or masters paralegal degree, we offer a comprehensive listing of schools available to you. Many schools offer online options in addition to traditional on campus programs, with options available for working professionals and those who have already started a career. Click on your state in the list below to learn about paralegal degree programs in your area. Factors to Consider When Choosing a Paralegal Program. Vetting through the selection process takes time. Below we have compiled some questions to consider that should help guide you through the process 1. Does the school have national or regional accreditation It is essential to find out whether the school is accredited by a US Department of Education recognized accreditation body. These accreditation bodies are trusted by the US Department of Education to evaluate whether a school meets minimum quality standards. You can find a schools accreditation status by searching the US Department of Educations database. Unaccredited schools may not provide a comparable level of instruction or training. Furthermore, students at unaccredited schools cannot receive federal student aid and their credits may not be transferrable to a different college or university. Is it an American Bar Association ABA approved program Some employers require that paralegals have graduated from an ABA approved program. There are approximately 2. ABAs standards and you can find them on the ABA website. What services are offered to students Many programs offer robust coursework in addition to career services and externships. Savvy students know that not all paralegal programs are created equal. Find out if the school has value added services such as career services, financial aid counseling, placement assistance, tutoring, and academic advising. Online paralegal programs should have these services as well. What facilities are available The school should have quality classrooms, a legal research library, and computer labs. All of the designated space and hardware should be ADA compliant. What is the nature and scope of the curriculumCourses should combine practical job skills and strong legal theory. Coursework should consist of legal research, litigation, legal writing, case management, legal ethics, contracts, and torts. The program should help students to develop their critical thinking skills within the framework of the paralegal profession. What are the goals of the program The mission or goals of the program should be congruent with your career and professional goals. Make sure the overarching mission of the program is a good fit. What are the graduation requirements You will need to make sure you are able to complete all graduation requirements and that they are in line with your learning and career goals. Background of faculty. A good paralegal program will feature knowledgeable professionals who have vast experience in the legal field. Recent Paralegal Career Interviews. Read our career interviews with current legal professionals who share their career paths and advice for students who are preparing to graduate. Click on a profile image below to go to the individuals interview. See all of the interviews on our paralegal career interviews page. Also see our Advice for Getting Hired as a Paralegal page with job advice from 4. Popular Paralegal Schools. Below we have highlighted some well known schools that offer a traditional paralegal program. Schools offering certificates, associate degrees, bachelors degrees, and masters degrees are included in the list. Ranked by the Philadelphia Business Journal as one of the Top 1. Highly regarded as a leader in paralegal education, the University of Cincinnati offers several programs in paralegal studies, including a bachelors degree, a minor, and a professional certificate. The paralegal program at the University of Cincinnati prepares students through extensive study within the field and readies its graduates for advanced study or immediate employment. The curriculum is extensive and includes focus area studies with courses such as Employment Law, Administrative Law, and Environmental Law, among others. Located in Memphis, Tennessee, the University of Memphis offers a four year Bachelor of Professional Studies BPS with a concentration in legal studies. Legal studies concentration courses include professional paralegal core courses and legal related electives. Ethics, legal research, and civil procedure are among the required courses in the program. The University of Memphis prides itself on preparing students to embark on successful careers in the legal field. The Georgetown University paralegal program is known for its academic rigor and cutting edge curriculum. The program is approved by the American Association for Paralegal Education AAf. PE, the International Practice Management Association IPMA, and the National Federation of Paralegal Associations NFPA. The program is designed to be completed in just one year or three 1. Program graduates acquire an understanding of the essential elements of law as well as critical thinking and decision making skills within the context of the duties of a paralegal. The Villanova University paralegal program confers a certificate in paralegal studies upon completion. Students may pursue the certificate full or part time the part time evening program can be completed in one year while the full time day program can be completed in just 1. Both programs include courses in legal principles, legal research, and ethics. To be eligible for admission, students must have at least a bachelors degree from an accredited school. The paralegal program at Villanova University is approved by the American Bar Association. The Louisiana State University paralegal program can be completed in as little as 1. The program is designed for working adults, with the majority of courses held in the evenings. Prospective students must have at least 4. The LSU paralegal certificate program is the only non credit paralegal program in the state of Louisiana that holds approval from the American Bar Association. The University of San Diego paralegal studies program offers flexible delivery options, with classes during the day or evening.