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Paralegal Programs in the District of ColumbiaBecoming a paralegal in Washington DC requires no specific education requirements, certification, or licensure. However, a formal paralegal education has become almost standard in metropolitan areas such a DC, especially with the larger law firms. Paralegal associations as well as the American Bar Association recommend formal education that meets certain criteria for anyone thinking about entering the paralegal field. Learn more about recommendations from these and other organizations below. There are over a hundred law firms in the greater Washington DC vicinity and numerous other employers of paralegals including banks and government agencies. For such a small geography there are many options for paralegal employment depending on one's interests. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), job growth is projected to increase faster than average for the paralegal field. The BLS also projects that those paralegals with a formal education to have the greatest opportunities for jobs. Find Nationally and Regionally Accredited Online Paralegal Programs Choosing a Paralegal ProgramThe National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA) recently conducted a survey, which found that 84% of paralegals have some type of formal education earned at either a two or four year college or university. This signifies the importance of formal training to be competitive for jobs and reinforces the recommendations of the American Bar Association, the American Association for Paralegal Education, The NFPA and the National Association of Legal Assistants for paralegal education. The American Association for Paralegal Education (AAfPE) is highly regarded in the field of paralegal education and career development. The AAfPE recommends potential paralegal students consider attending an American Bar Association (ABA) approved paralegal program or a program offered through an AAfPE member school (A searchable data base of AAfPE member schools can be found on their website: www.aafpe.org) or a program offered at a school that has been accredited by an accrediting body recognized by the US Department of Education. The AAfPE also recommends earning an associate's, bachelor's, master's or post-degree certificate with a minor, major or concentration in paralegal. Find schools and programs that meet these criteria in Washington DC below. Accreditation or ABA approval may be one of the most important consideration when choosing a paralegal program. Accreditation by an agency recognized by the US Department of education means that the college or university has been evaluated by the agency to ensure that the programs will adequately prepare students for professional careers. These schools are evaluated on a consistent basis and are required to maintain a high quality of education in order to keep their accreditation. ABA approval and AAfPE membership are additional assurances that the programs meet specific criteria and offer students the highest quality of education. When deciding on the level of education to pursue (associate's, bachelor's, etc.), it is a good idea to contact potential places of employment to learn what their preferred qualifications are for paralegals with regards to education and experience. This provides insight as to what type of program and internships will help one be most competitive for job opportunities upon graduation. Paralegals with a bachelor's degree or post-baccalaureate certificate are becoming more common. Large law firms in metropolitan areas are trending toward hiring paralegals with a bachelor's degree or state that it is one of their preferred qualifications. Depending on education time frame and specialization that is desired, a bachelor's degree may be necessary. The paralegal programs below meet the afore mentioned accrediting, ABA approval or AAfPE membership recommendations mentioned above.
Paralegal Degree Programs Offered Online in Washington DC (District of Columbia)
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
AAS 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
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
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
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
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
Paralegal Degree Programs in Washington D.C. - Campus Based
George Washington University: George Washington University is an AAfPE member school. Programs Offered: Master's, Post-Degree Certificate | Paralegal Studies 2101 F Street NW, Suite 100
Georgetown University: This is an ABA approved paralegal program in Washington DC. Programs Offered: Certificate | Paralegal Studies 37th and O Street, NW
University of the District of Columbia: This is an AAfPE member school. Programs Offered: Associate's | Legal Assistant 4200 Connecticut Avenue NW
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