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Paralegal Programs in Missouri

There is not an educational requirement that needs to be met in order to work as a paralegal or legal assistant in Missouri, however, the Missouri Bar Committee on Paralegals has developed "Threshold Educational Standards." These educational standards were developed by the Missouri Paralegal Association and the Missouri Bar Committee on Paralegals, so that attorneys would have a baseline educational standard to use when hiring a paralegal. These guidelines also serve to advise potential students as to what educational criteria they should be looking for in a paralegal program if they would like to pursue a paralegal career after graduation in the State of Missouri.

There are currently three ABA approved paralegal programs and ten AAfPE member schools in Missouri as well as quite a few online paralegal programs that are either regionally or nationally accredited by agencies recognized by the United States Department of Education. There are many options available and they can be researched below.

Find Regionally Accredited Online Paralegal Programs
Find Accredited Campus Based Paralegal Programs in Missouri

What to Consider When Choosing a Paralegal Education in Missouri

For the most part, "Threshold Educational Standards" coincide with the American Association for Paralegal Education's (AAfPE) guidelines for quality paralegal education. The Missouri Bar Committee on Paralegals recommends attending an American Bar Association (ABA) approved paralegal program, a paralegal program offered at an AAfPE member school or a school that has been regionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools or a regional counterpart. The AAfPE recommends a paralegal program that has been accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the United States Department of Education.

The AAfPE also recommends earning an associate's or bachelor's degree with a concentration, minor or major in the paralegal/legal field. They also support earning a master's or post-baccalaureate certificate to qualify as a paralegal. As the legal field expands and paralegals encounter more complex legal situations, formal training has and will become a standard. This is evidenced by the Missouri Bar's Threshold Educational Standards. Many of the job postings for paralegals in Missouri require paralegal related education and prefer candidates with a bachelor's degree.

Being that there are only three ABA approved paralegal programs in the state of Missouri, this may not be convenient for all students. Research online programs as well as other accredited programs below. Read more about ABA versus non-ABA approved paralegal programs.

Contact any potential employers to find out exactly what education and work experience they prefer when hiring a paralegal. This can narrow the paralegal education search down to what level of degree is needed as well as what type of accreditation to look for. Any work experience requirements can often be addressed while attending a program and completing a required or voluntary internship at a law firm. These internships are often unpaid, however, an internship can provide valuable legal field work experience to put on a resume.

Research the colleges and universities in Missouri that offer paralegal programs as well as online programs offered in Missouri.

Paralegal Degree Programs Offered Online in Missouri

= 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 Missouri - Campus Based

Everest College: Accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools, which is an accrediting agency recognized by the US Department of Education and the Council for Higher Learning.

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

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

Springfield

Hickey College: Accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools, an accrediting agency recognized by the US Department of Education.

Programs Offered: Diploma, Associate's | Legal Administartion, Paralegal

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

St. Louis

Sanford-Brown College: Accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS), an accrediting agency recognized by the US Department of Education and the Council for High Education Accreditation.

Programs Offered: Associate's | Paralegal Studies

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

Fenton

Maryville University: ABA approved program and member school of the AAfPE.

Programs Offered: Bachelor's | Paralegal Studies

13550 Conway Road
St. Louis, MO 63141
PH: 314-529-9688

Missouri Western State University: These ar ABA approved programs and Missouri Western State University is a member school of the AAfPE.

Programs Offered: Associate's, Bachelor's, Certificate | Legal Studies

4525 Downs Drive, Wilson Hall 204
St. Joseph, MO 64507
PH: 816-271-4454

Penn Valley Community College: AAfPE member school.

Programs Offered: Associate's | Paralegal Studies

3201 Southwest Traffic Way
Kansas City, MO 64111
PH: 816-759-4007

William Woods University: AAfPE member school.

Programs Offered: Bachelor's | Paralegal Studies

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