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.

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Paralegal Degree Programs Offered Online in Minnesota

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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

Associate's in Paralegal
Bachelor's in Legal Studies

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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

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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

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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.

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

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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).

Associate's in Paralegal Studies

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Paralegal Degree Programs in Minnesota - Campus Based

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Globe University: Globe University is nationally accredited by Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS).

Programs Offered: Certificate, Diploma, Associate's, Bachelor's | Criminal Justice, Legal Admin Asst, Paralegal