Paralegal Programs in Massachusetts
There is no required paralegal education or certification requirement for paralegals in Massachusetts. As the paralegal profession has evolved, more employers are starting to look for paralegals with experience and formal training in the field. In Massachusetts some employers are specifically seeking paralegals with bachelor's degrees in legal related subjects. The Massachusetts Paralegal Association is a member of the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA) and is a proponent of paralegals taking PACE exam to become Registered Paralegals, which is helping to create a standard for the paralegal profession in Massachusetts. There are education and work experience criteria required for eligibility to take the PACE exam to consider and can be found below.
There are five schools offering American Bar Association (ABA) approved paralegal programs in Massachusetts and many other online and campus based options that are either nationally or regionally accredited.
Find Nationally and Regionally Accredited Online Paralegal Programs
Find Campus Based Paralegal Programs
What to Consider When Choosing a Paralegal Program
As mentioned above, the Massachusetts Paralegal Association (MPA) is a member of the NFPA. Both Associations are working toward bettering the paralegal profession. The NFPA offers the PACE exam to eligible paralegals. Eligibility for the NFPA PACE exam includes a combination of education and work experience. Read about PACE exam eligibility. You may want to consider the required education for eligibility prior to choosing a paralegal program, so that you have the option to pursue the Registered Paralegal title later in your career.
Contact employers that you have an interest in working for to find out what type of education and work experience they look for when hiring a paralegal. This will give you a feel for the marketplace as well as narrow down what level of paralegal education you should be looking for. Some may require that their paralegals have graduated from an American Bar Association (ABA) paralegal program and others may consider regionally accredited programs just as legitimate as the ABA programs. The bottom line is that you will have a better feel for where you need to start researching programs after contacting these employers.
The American Association for Paralegal Education (AAfPE) considers a qualified paralegal to have an associate's or bachelor's degree with a minor, major or concentration in paralegal studies or a master's degree in the field or a post-secondary paralegal certificate. As the paralegal profession evolves and paralegals handle more complex legal issues, formal paralegal training will afford students with the greatest career opportunities.
Check that the paralegal programs you're interested in are regionally or nationally accredited by accrediting agencies recognized by the United States Department of Education or have ABA approval. This accreditation or approval demonstrates the program's legitimacy and quality of education.
Below you will find schools offering online paralegal programs that are accredited by agencies recognized by the United States Department of Education as well as campus based paralegal programs offered throughout the state of Massachusetts.

Paralegal Degree Programs Offered Online in Massachusetts
= 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 Massachusetts - Campus Based

Salter School: Accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools, which is an accrediting agency recognized by the United States Department of Education.
Programs Offered: Diploma | Paralegal
Click on a Campus Location to Request Program Information ==>
Malden

Bay Path College: ABA approved programs, AAfPE member school
Programs Offered: Associate's, Bachelor's, Post-Baccalaureate Certificate | Paralegal Studies
588 Longmeadow Street
Longmeadow, MA 01106
PH: 413-565-1000

Elms College: ABA approved programs, AAfPE member school
Programs Offered: Associate's, Bachelor's, Post-Degree Certificate | Paralegal Studies, Legal Studies
291 Springfield Street
Chicopee, MA 01013
PH: 413-594-7787

North Shore Community College: ABA approved programs and AAfPE member school
Programs Offered: Associate's, Post-Baccalaureate Certificate | Paralegal Studies
1 Ferncroft Road
Danvers, MA 01923
PH: 978-762-4087

Northern Essex Community College: ABA approved programs and AAfPE member school.
Programs Offered: Associate's, Post-Baccalaureate Certificate | Paralegal Studies
Elliott Way
Haverhill, MA 01830
PH: 978-556-3967

Suffolk University: ABA approved programs and AAfPE member school.
Programs Offered: Associate's, Bachelor's, Post-Baccalaureate Certificate | Paralegal Studies
8 Ashburton Place
Boston, MA 02108
PH: 617-305-1958
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