Paralegal Programs in Illinois

As 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.

What to Look for in a Paralegal Program

There 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.

— Fully Accredited Criminal Justice Degree Programs —

Paralegal Degree Programs Offered Online in Illinois

star= Editor Recommended Program

starKaplan University - School of Legal Studies: The Paralegal Studies Department at Kaplan University, is nationally recognized and offers the top paralegal programs in the country, including one of the leading paralegal associate degree programs. Accredited by The Higher Learning Commission, North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Graduates with work experience are eligible to sit for the NFPA Pace exam.

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AAS in Paralegal Studies
BS in Paralegal Studies
Advanced Start in BS Paralegal Studies
Advanced Start in BS Legal Studies
BS in Legal Studies

starVirginia 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.

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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.

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A.S. Paralegal Studies

George Washington University: This program is identical to the on-campus master's program offered at GW, but offered entirely online..

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Master of Professional Studies in Paralegal Studies

Hodges University: Graduates of the Paralegal program are eligible to sit for the Certified Legal Assistant (CLA) exam.

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Associate's in Paralegal
Bachelor's in Legal 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.

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Associate's in Paralegal Studies
Bachelor's in Legal 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.

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Certificate in Paralegal
Associate's in Paralegal
Bachelor's in Paralegal

Post University: Post University is accredited by the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education (CIHE) of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC), a national accrediting agency recognized by the United States Board of Education.

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Certificate in Paralegal Studies
Associate's in Legal Studies
Bachelor's in Legal 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).

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Associate's in Paralegal Studies

Paralegal Degree Programs in Illinois - Campus Based

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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

Northwestern College: Northwestern College offers an ABA approved associate's program. Northwestern College is 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

Rasmussen College: Rasmussen College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Programs Offered: Associate's | Paralegal

College of Lake County: These are ABA approved paralegal programs.

Programs Offered: Associate's, Post-Baccalaureate Certificate | Paralegal Studies

19351 West Washington Street
Grayslake, IL 60030
PH: 847-543-2041

Elgin Community College: ABA approved programs.

Programs Offered: Associate's, Post Baccalaureate Certificate | Paralegal

1700 Spartan Drive
Elgin, IL 60123
PH: 847-214-7466

Illinois Central College: These are ABA approved programs

Programs Offered: Associate's, Post-Degree Certificate | Paralegal

5407 N. University, Cedar Hall 8
East Peoria, IL 61635-0001
PH: 309-690-7691

Kankakee Community College: ABA approved paralegal programs in Illinois

Programs Offered: Associate's, Post-Baccalaureate Certificate | Paralegal/Legal Assistant Studies

100 College Drive
Kankakee, IL 60901
PH: 815-802-8216

Loyola University Chicago: These are ABA approved paralegal programs.

Programs Offered: Post-Baccalaureate Certificate, Bachelor's | Paralegal Studies

820 North Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL 60611
PH: 312-915-6820

Northwestern College: ABA approved paralegal program.

Program Offered: Associate's | Legal Studies

4811 N. Milwaukee Avenue, No. 205
Chicago, IL 60630
PH: 773-777-4220

Robert Morris College: ABA approved program @ the Chicago and Orland Park Campuses.

Program Offered: Associate's | Paralegal Studies

401 South State Street
Chicago, IL 60605
PH: 312-935-6231

Robert Morris College: ABA approved program @ the Springfield Campus.

Program Offered: Associate's | Paralegal Studies

3101 Montvale
Springfield, IL 62704
PH: 312-935-6231

Rockford Career College: ABA approved paralegal program.

Program Offered: Associate's | Paralegal/Legal Assistant

1130 S. Alpine Road; Ste. 100
Rockford, IL 61108
PH: 815-965-8616

Roosevelt University: ABA approved programs.

Programs Offered: Post-Baccalaureate Certificate, Bachelor's | Paralegal Studies

430 South Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL 60605
PH: 312-281-3300

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
Carbondale, IL 62901-4540
PH: 618-453-1230

South Suburban College: ABA approved paralegal programs.

Programs Offered: Associate's, Post-Degree Certificate | Paralegal/Legal Assistant

15800 South State Street
South Holland, IL 60473
PH: 708-596-2000 (Ext. 5807)

Harper College: ABA approved programs.

Programs Offered: Associate's, Post-Baccalaureate Certificate | Paralegal Studies

1200 West Algonquin Road
Palatine, IL 60014
PH: 847-925-6407

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