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Paralegal Programs in Minnesota

There are no regulations for paralegals/legal assistants in Minnesota with regards to licensure, certification or education. As with many states, this has created a situation where the profession has no standards for education or training. As the Paralegal profession advances and the workload becomes more complex, the demand for formally trained paralegals will increase. Those with formal training are finding the greatest career opportunities throughout Minnesota.

There are a variety of paralegal options to choose from in Minnesota. There are 6 American Bar Association (ABA) approved paralegal programs in the state and many regionally or nationally accredited online and campus based programs. The American Association of Paralegal Education (AAfPE) recommends attending an ABA approved paralegal program or a school accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the United States Department of Education. Research these programs here.

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

Choosing a Paralegal Program

The Minnesota Paralegal Association is a member of the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA) and is in support of the PACE exam. To be eligible for the PACE exam paralegals must possess a combination of work experience and education. Learn about the PACE exam eligibility requirements.

Given the increased complexities faced by paralegals today, a formal education is recommended by the national paralegal associations as well as employers across the country. The American Association for Paralegal Education (AAfPE) considers a qualified paralegal to be one that has earned an associate's or bachelor's degree with a concentration, major or minor paralegal credential from an American Bar Association (ABA) approved program, a school that is a member of the AAfPE or a school that has been nationally or regionally accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the United States Department of Education.

A recent email survey of law firms in Minnesota questioned what type of education and work experience they look for when hiring a paralegal. The results revealed that the majority of firms prefer hiring paralegals with a formal education and at least a year or two of legal related work experience. What this all means to someone researching paralegal programs in Minnesota is that accreditation or approval is important and that gaining work experience while earning a degree or certificate can set you apart from other candidates.

Contacting potential employers is one of the more important steps you can take. Ask what they look for in their paralegals with regards to education and work experience. This will give you a better grasp on your local marketplace and what you will need to do to make yourself competitive for jobs.

Below you will find nationally or regionally accredited online paralegal programs offered in Minnesota as well as a list of campus based programs and their accreditation or approval information.

Paralegal Degree Programs Offered Online in Minnesota

= 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 Minnesota - Campus Based

Minnesota School of Business: Accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools an accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education.

Programs Offered: Diploma, Associate's, Bachelor's | Legal Administrative Assistant, Paralegal

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

Brooklyn Center, Woodbury, Plymouth, Richfield / Bloomington, Shakopee, St. Cloud, Rochester

Hamline University: ABA approved programs as well as a member school of the AAfPE.

Programs Offered: Bachelor's, Post-Baccalaureate Certificate | Paralegal (Internship is Mandatory)

1536 Hewitt Avenue, #180
St. Paul, MN 55104
PH: 651-523-2745

Inver Hills Community College: ABA approved program and member school of the AAfPE.

Programs Offered: Associate's | Paralegal

2500 80th Street East
Inver Grove Heights, MN 55076-3224
PH: 651-450-8567

Minneapolis Business College: 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, Associate's | Legal Administration, Paralegal

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

Minneapolis

Minnesota Paralegal Institute: This is an ABA approved program and a member school of the AAfPE.

Programs Offered: Post-Baccalaureate Certificate | Paralegal

13911 Ridgedale Drive
Minnetonka, MN 55305
PH: 952-542-8417

Minnesota State University Moorhead: This is an ABA approved program. MSU Moorhead is a member school of the AAfPE.

Programs Offered: Bachelor's | Paralegal

1104 7th Avenue South
Moorhead, MN 56563
PH: 218-477-2918

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.

Programs Offered: Associate's, Certificate | Paralegal

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

Eden Prairie, Eagan, St. Cloud, Mankato, Brooklyn Park, Lake Elmo/Woodbury

North Hennepin Community College: These are ABA approved programs and North Hennepin Community College is a member school of the AAfPE.

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

7411 85th Avenue North
Brooklyn Park, MN 55445
PH:: 763-493-0546

Winona State University: This is an ABA approved program and an AAfPE member school.

Programs Offered: Bachelor's | Paralegal

212 Minne' Hall
Winona, MN 55987-5838
PH: 507-457-5400

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