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 Paralegal Programs in CaliforniaCalifornia has been at the forefront of paralegal legislation. As a result, there are some paralegal education requirements you should be aware of prior to choosing a paralegal training program in California. On September 13, 2000 AB1761 was passed. This bill established an initial standard of education that individuals must complete prior to practicing as a paralegal. Under the California Business and Professions Code Section 6450 (c)(1)(2) a paralegal certificate is considered valid if it meets one of the following criteria: 1) Completion of an American Bar Association (ABA) approved paralegal program. 2) Completion of a paralegal program or a degree program that requires at least 24 semester units of law related courses. In addition, the school must have been accredited by a national or regional accrediting body or approved by the Bureau for Private Post-secondary and Vocational Education. 3) Possession of a baccalaureate degree or advanced degree in any subject along with a written declaration from an attorney who has been an active member of the State Bar of California or practiced in the federal courts of California for at least the previous three years. 4) A high school diploma or equivalent with at least 3 years of law related work experience under the supervision of an attorney who has been an active member of the State Bar of California or practiced in the federal courts of California for at least the previous three years. Paralegals in California should have a record of their paralegal certificate or degree to present upon request from their employer or a client. Find Nationally and Regionally Accredited Online Paralegal Programs Additional Considerations When Choosing a Paralegal ProgramWith California's paralegal education requirements in mind, we have only listed online schools that are Nationally or Regionally accredited and included their accrediting body for your information. Often non-ABA approved programs can be less expensive than ABA approved schools, yet offer an education that would actually meet the ABA's requirements for approval. We have also listed the ABA approved paralegal programs in California. Read more about ABA and non-ABA approved paralegal programs. One of the things we recommend is to inquire with your desired place of employment as to what their hiring requirements are for paralegals. We have found that some of the larger firms in California require a specific education, such as an ABA approved paralegal certificate and a bachelor's degree as well as a certain amount of related work experience. This is on an extreme end and not all firms or employers will have these requirements, however, it makes since to find out exactly what you need to do to pursue your personal and professional career goals. When inquiring about schools be sure to ask about academic counseling, financial aid and job placement services. These are important student services that a college or university should offer their students and commonly do.
Paralegal Degree Programs Offered Online in California
Associate's in Paralegal Studies
Colorado Technical University/Stonecliffe College: Stonecliffe College Online offers one of the most up to date and accredited paralegal associate degree programs in the country. Students are educated in document organization systems, handling document production, how to write legal correspondence and other relevant skills necessary for paralegal career preparation. Accredited by The Higher Learning Commission, North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. A.S. Paralegal Studies
AAS in Paralegal Studies
Everest University Online: The Everest University Online paralegal associate degree program is widely recognized for graduating some of the most qualified and successful paralegals in the country. Let Everest help you pursue your paralegal education and career goals. Request information today! Accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS), an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Paralegal Associate's Degree
George Washington University: This program is identical to the on-campus master's program offered at GW, but offered entirely online.. Master of Professional Studies in Paralegal Studies
Herzing University Online: Herzing University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association, which is an accrediting body recognized by the US Department of Education. Graduates of the AS in Legal Assisting and Paralegal program are eligible to sit for the Certified Legal Assistant and Certified Paralegal exams administered by the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA). AS in Legal Assisting and Paralegal
Hodges University: Graduates of the Paralegal program are eligible to sit for the Certified Legal Assistant (CLA) exam. Associate's in Paralegal
Jones College: Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED. The school is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS). Associate's - Legal Assistant
Keiser University: E-Campus Online Programs. Accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, which is recognized as a national accrediting agency by the United States Department of Education. Associate's in Paralegal Studies
Minnesota School of Business: Request information from the online paralegal program today. Accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS), an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Certificate in Paralegal
Rasmussen College: Accredited by the The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools a national accrediting agency recognized by the United States Board of Education. Associate's in Paralegal Studies
South University: The South University Partially Online Associate's in Paralegal Studies program is approved by the American Bar Association. Students are required to take the remaining classes at a South University campus or at an institution approved by South University. This is an excellent opportunity to pursue an ABA approved paralegal program and benefit from the flexibility offered by the online format. Associate's in Paralegal Studies (Partially Online)
Southwest Florida College Online: Request information from the associate's in Paralegal Studies program today. Accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS), an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Associate's in Paralegal Studies
Virginia College: Virginia College is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS), which is an accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Associate's in Paralegal Studies
Westwood College: You can earn an Associate's degree in Paralegal Studies in as little as 20 months. Westwood College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology (ACCS). Associate's in Paralegal Studies
Paralegal Degree Programs in California - Campus Based
Kaplan College: Accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS), which is recognized as an accrediting agency by the United States Department of Education. Programs Offered: Diploma, Associate's | Legal Administrative Assisting Click on a Campus Location to Request Program Information ==>
North-West College: Approved by the Bureau for Private Post-secondary Schools and Vocational Education. This is an important criteria that validates this program's certificate under the California Business and Professions Code Section 6450 (c)(1)(2). Programs Offered: Diploma | Paralegal Studies Click on a Campus Location to Request Program Information ==>
Oxnard College Programs Offered: Certificate | Legal Assisting/Paralegal 4000 South Rose Ave.
Platt College: The College is approved by the Bureau of Private Post-secondary and Vocational Education. Programs Offered: Associate's, Bachelor's | Paralegal Studies Click on a Campus Location to Request Program Information ==>
Santa Barbara Business College: Programs Offered: Diploma, Associate's | Paralegal Select a Campus Location to Request Program Information ==> Bakersfield, Palm Desert, Ventura
University of California - Irvine: This certificate program is approved by the American Bar Association (ABA). Programs Offered: Certificate | Paralegal Click on a Campus Location to Request Program Information ==>
Westwood College: Programs Offered: Associate's | Paralegal Select a Campus Location to Request Program Information ==> Anaheim, Inland Empire, Los Angeles, South Bay
California State University East Bay: This an ABA approved program. Programs Offered: Certificate | Paralegal Studies Division of Continuing and International Education
California State University - Los Angeles: This is an ABA approved program. Programs Offered: Certificate | Paralegal Studies 5151 State University Drive
Coastline Community College: ABA approved program. Programs Offered: Associate's, Certificate | Paralegal Studies 11460 Warner Avenue
College of the Sequoias Programs Offered: Certificate | Paralegal (Business) 915 S. Mooney Blvd.
Cerritos Community College: ABA approved program Program Offered: Associate's | Paralegal Studies 11110 East Alondra Boulevard
Cuyamaca College: This is an ABA approved program. Programs Offered: Associate's in Science | Paralegal Studies 900 Rancho San Diego Parkway
DeAnza College: This is an ABA approved program. Programs Offered: Associate's | Paralegal 21250 Stevens Creek Boulevard
El Camino College: ABA approved program. Programs Offered: Associate's, Certificate | Paralegal Studies 16007 Crenshaw Boulevard
Fullerton College: ABA approved programs. Programs Offered: Associate's, Certificate | Paralegal Studies 321 East Chapman Avenue
Miramar College: ABA approved programs Programs Offered: Associate's, Certificate | Legal Assistant 10440 Black Mountain Road
Mount San Antonio College: ABA approved program. Program Offered: Associate's | Paralegal Studies 1100 North Grand Avenue
MTI College: ABA approved program. Program Offered: Associate's | Paralegal Studies 5221 Madison Avenue
Pasadena City College: ABA approved programs. Programs Offered: Associate's, Certificate | Paralegal 1570 East Colorado Boulevard
Santa Ana College: ABA approved program. Program Offered: Associate's | Paralegal 1530 W 17th Street
University of California Santa Barbara - Extension Program: This is an ABA approved paralegal program. Programs Offered: Certificate | Paralegal 3585 Maple St., Ste 112
University of California, Los Angeles - Extension: ABA approved. Program Offered: Post-Baccalaureate Certificate | Paralegal 10995 LeConte Avenue, Suite 517
University of California, Riverside - Extension: ABA approved program. Program Offered: Certificate | Paralegal 1200 University Avenue
University of California San Diego - Extension: ABA approved Certificate program. Program Offered: Certificate | Paralegal 9500 Gilman Drive
University of La Verne: ABA approved program. Programs Offered: Bachelor's | Legal Studies 1950 Third Street
University of San Diego: ABA approved program Program Offered: Post-Baccalaureate | Paralegal 5998 Alcala Park AW1-204
West Los Angeles College: ABA approved programs. Programs Offered: Associate's, Certificate | Paralegal Studies 9000 Overland Avenue
West Valley College: Programs approved by the ABA. Programs Offered: Associate's, Post-Degree Certificate | Paralegal Program 14000 Fruitvale Avenue
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