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Paralegal Programs in IllinoisAs of 2008, there are no requirements or regulations for paralegals with regards to education or the profession. No professional registration, certification or regulation is in place in the state of Illinois. Formal training in paralegal studies, such as an associate's degrees, bachelor's degrees or post-baccalaureate certificates are the most common form of training found in Illinois's paralegal work force. Formal training is recommended by national and state paralegal associations as well as the American Association for Paralegal Education. Those paralegals with formal training and work experience will often have the greatest career opportunities. Find Nationally and Regionally Accredited Online Paralegal Programs What to Look for in a Paralegal ProgramThere are a variety of paralegal programs offered in Illinois and choosing the right program will be critical to your future paralegal career. There are short programs (3 to 6 months), diploma programs, associate's degree programs, bachelor's programs and post-baccalaureate certificates. Your prior education and work experience will determine what level of education you will need to pursue. The paralegal profession has become quite competitive in Illinois based on the salaries, bonuses and benefits offered by employers, so employers usually have their pick of candidates. One of the first things to do is contact employers where you may like to work as a paralegal and ask their human resources department what they desire in their paralegal candidates including their education and work experience preferences. This will give you a better idea of where to start. Some may require a bachelor's degree with work experience in an area of law they practice and others may be fine with a diploma or associate's degree and no legal field work experience. Consider educational standards and recommendations for paralegal programs set by national or local associations. National or Regional Accreditation, American Bar Association approval and the Illinois Paralegal Association recommendations are important when choosing a paralegal program. There are around 12 ABA approved programs in Illinois. There are no online ABA approved paralegal programs. Some employers do require an ABA approved program, however, this is not always a feasible option based on geography or cost. Other employers may have no preference to where the program was taken. Again, this is a good reason to research your employment market to know specifically what type of program you should attend. There are number of non-ABA approved programs offered online as well as throughout Illinois that are accredited by agencies recognized by the United States Department of Education. Some of these programs would actually meet the criteria for ABA approval but have not applied for it based on the cost to the schools for approval which are passed on to the student by way of tuition costs. Read more about the pros and cons of ABA and non-ABA paralegal programs. The following schools hold regional or national accreditation recognized by the United States Department of education or ABA approval. These programs offer and paralegal education covering the Illinois and federal legal system, issues in ethics, legal research and writing and practical paralegal job skills. Many of them offer assistance finding internships or require them as part of the curriculum. Financial aid assistance is offered at many of these schools as well as academic counseling and job placement assistance. Inquire with these schools to learn more about there paralegal programs today.
Paralegal Degree Programs Offered Online in Illinois
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 Illinois - Campus Based
Brown Mackie College: Accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS). ACICS is listed as a nationally recognized accrediting agency by the U.S. Department of Education. Programs Offered: Diploma | Paralegal Assistant Click on a Campus Location to Request Program Information ==>
College of Lake County: These are ABA approved paralegal programs. Programs Offered: Associate's, Post-Baccalaureate Certificate | Paralegal Studies 19351 West Washington Street
Northwestern College: ABA approved associate's programs. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, which is recognized by the United States Department of Education. Programs Offered: Certificate, Associate's | Paralegal Studies Click on a Campus Location to Request Program Information ==> Chicago, Naperville, Bridgeview
Elgin Community College: ABA approved programs. Programs Offered: Associate's, Post Baccalaureate Certificate | Paralegal 1700 Spartan Drive
Illinois Central College: These are ABA approved programs Programs Offered: Associate's, Post-Degree Certificate | Paralegal 5407 N. University, Cedar Hall 8
Kankakee Community College: ABA approved paralegal programs in Illinois Programs Offered: Associate's, Post-Baccalaureate Certificate | Paralegal/Legal Assistant Studies 100 College Drive
Loyola University Chicago: These are ABA approved paralegal programs. Programs Offered: Post-Baccalaureate Certificate, Bachelor's | Paralegal Studies 820 North Michigan Avenue
Northwestern College: ABA approved paralegal program. Program Offered: Associate's | Legal Studies 4811 N. Milwaukee Avenue, No. 205
Robert Morris College: ABA approved program @ the Chicago and Orland Park Campuses. Program Offered: Associate's | Paralegal Studies 401 South State Street
Robert Morris College: ABA approved program @ the Springfield Campus. Program Offered: Associate's | Paralegal Studies 3101 Montvale
Rockford Career College: ABA approved paralegal program. Program Offered: Associate's | Paralegal/Legal Assistant 1130 S. Alpine Road; Ste. 100
Roosevelt University: ABA approved programs. Programs Offered: Post-Baccalaureate Certificate, Bachelor's | Paralegal Studies 430 South Michigan Avenue
Southern Illinois University at Carbondale: Only ABA approved Straight Bachelor's Degree in Paralegal Studies. Program Offered: Bachelor's | Paralegal Studies 1000 Faner Drive Mailcode 4540
South Suburban College: ABA approved paralegal programs. Programs Offered: Associate's, Post-Degree Certificate | Paralegal/Legal Assistant 15800 South State Street
Harper College: ABA approved programs. Programs Offered: Associate's, Post-Baccalaureate Certificate | Paralegal Studies 1200 West Algonquin Road
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