• Paralegal Schools in the U.S.
• ABA vs non-ABA Programs
• NFPA PACE Exam Eligibility
• Criminal Justice Programs in Indiana

Paralegal Programs in Indiana

There was a proposed voluntary regulation, proposed Regulation Rule 2.2, supported by Indiana's paralegal associations and the Indiana State Bar Association that was rejected by the Indiana Supreme Court in September, 2008. This was a significant hit for the paralegal profession as paralegals, state bar associations and paralegal associations across the country try to establish standard for the profession. As of this time there are no educational requirements or regulations for paralegals to abide by.

Find Nationally and Regionally Accredited Online Paralegal Programs
Find Campus Based Paralegal Programs

What to Look for in a Paralegal Education

It is worthwhile to consider what the Indiana Paralegal Association (IPA), the Michiana Paralegal Association (MPA) and the Northeast Indiana Paralegal Association (NIPA) and the Indiana State Bar Association wanted the educational qualifications for paralegals to be in order to use the term Indiana Registered Paralegal "IRP." It is quite possible that these associations will work toward a new rule that will pass and you will want to make sure you qualify. If this is what the associations tied to the paralegal profession and marketplace desire of their paralegals then these are probably the qualifications you want to possess.

Those qualifications proposed by the Indiana Paralegal Association (IPA), the Michiana Paralegal Association (MPA) and the Northeast Indiana Paralegal Association (NIPA) and the Indiana State Bar Association included meeting one of the following:

A PACE or CLA / CP Certification.
A Bachelor’s Degree in Paralegal Studies + 1 year work experience.
A General Bachelor’s Degree + 2 years work experience.
An Associate’s Degree in Paralegal Studies + 3 years work experience.
A General Associate’s Degree + 4 years work experience.
A Paralegal Certificate + 5 years work experience.
A High School Diploma or Equivalent + 6 years work experience.

Look for schools and programs with national or regional accreditation that is recognized by the United States Department of Education or a paralegal program that is American Bar Association (ABA) approved. There are only two ABA approved paralegal programs in the state of Indiana, which may not be convenient for some students to attend based on geographic location. Tuition costs at ABA approved programs can also be more expensive due to school's the cost of applying for and maintaining the ABA approved designation. There are many alternatives to ABA approved programs in Indiana and since ABA approval does not seem to be a huge factor for employers or any of the associations in Indiana, you can feel confident in choosing an accredited paralegal program you are comfortable with. Read more about ABA and non-ABA programs.

Compare curriculum offered at the two ABA approved programs in Illinois with other programs you are considering. Curriculum should have at least 18 semester credit hours or equivalent covering paralegal courses according to the AAfPE. These courses generally cover legal writing and research, legal ethics, torts and litigation. Check each program's students services for financial aid and job placement information. Schools should offer academic and career counseling as well as job placement assistance.

Below, you will find online paralegal programs and programs offered on campuses throughout Indiana. Request information from the programs that fit your personal and professional needs.

Paralegal Degree Programs Offered Online in Indiana

= Editor Recommended Program

Bryant & Stratton College : Bryant & Stratton College Online is accredited by the Commission on Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, one of the six regional accreditation agencies recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Commission on Recognition of Postsecondary Accreditation.

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

Kaplan 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.

AAS in Paralegal Studies
BS in Paralegal Studies
Post-Baccalaureate Pathway to Paralegal Certificate
Advanced Start in BS Paralegal Studies
Advanced Start in BS Legal Studies
BS in Legal 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
BS in Legal 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

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
Paralegal Bachelor'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
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.

Certificate in Paralegal
Associate's in Paralegal
Bachelor's 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 Indiana - 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: Associate's, Bachelor's, Certificate | Paralegal Studies, Legal Studies

Click on a Campus Location to Request Program Information ==>

Indianapolis, Merrillville, Michigan City, Ft. Wayne, South Bend

International Business College: Accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools, which is recognized by the United States Department of Education.

Programs Offered: Diploma, Associate's, Bachelor's | Paralegal

Click on a Campus Location to Request Program Information ==>

Fort Wayne, Indianapolis

Ball State University: ABA approved paralegal program.

Programs Offered: Associate's | Legal Assistance (Paralegal/Legal Assistant Education)

Department of Political Science
2000 W. University Ave.
Muncie, IN 47306
PH: 800-382-8540

Calumet College of St. Joseph:

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

2400 New York Avenue
Whiting, IN 46394
PH:: 877-700-9100

Vincennes University: ABA approved program.

Programs Offered: Associate's | Paralegal Studies

1002 North 1st Street
Vincennes, IN 47591
PH: 812-888-4420