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Paralegal / Legal Assistant Programs in Montana
There are only two schools offering American Bar Association (ABA) approved paralegal programs located in Great Falls and Missoula, which can be geographically limiting to attend for many students. Online paralegal programs have become a popular option for those seeking a paralegal education in Montana. There are a few other campus based schools that offer accredited paralegal programs in the state that are worth investigating as well.
The state of Montana has no regulations for the paralegal profession with regards to required education or formal training. The State Bar of Montana created a Paralegal Section for paralegals to join once they meet certain educational criteria. This information can be found below.
- Find Nationally and Regionally Accredited Online Paralegal Programs
- Find Campus Based Paralegal Programs in Montana
Choosing a Paralegal Program
Membership requirements for the State Bar of Montana Paralegal Section state that applicants must meet one or more of the following requirements:
- Graduate of an ABA approved Paralegal Program
- Graduate of an associate's or bachelor's paralegal program
- Certified Legal Assistants (CLA) or Certified Legal Assistant Specialists (CLAS) - Certifications offered by the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA)
- Practicing as a paralegal for more than one year and are qualified to do so based on experience or training and have a Montana licensed attorney attest to their qualifications as a paralegal.
Membership in the State Bar of Montana as well as national paralegal certification demonstrates a commitment to the paralegal profession as well as a legitimacy to the paralegal when applying for a job within the state. Formal education has been part of an increasing trend in the paralegal field and is required for the national certifications. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that formally trained paralegals will have the greatest career opportunities.
The American Association for Paralegal Education (AAfPE) believes a qualified paralegal is one that possesses an associate's or bachelor's degree with a minor, major or concentration in the paralegal/legal assistant field and has earned the degree at either an ABA approved paralegal program, a program offered through an AAfPE member school or a paralegal program offered at a school that has been accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the United States Department of Education. Schools that meet these criteria are listed below.
Before choosing a paralegal program it is wise to inquire with potential employers as to what education and work experience they prefer a paralegal job candidate to posses. This will provide an idea of how to be competitive for positions in the paralegal marketplace. Often work experience requirements can be met with legal field internships, which can be completed while attending a paralegal program.
Research the online and campus based paralegal programs below. Most, if not all, the paralegal programs offered in Montana can be found here.
Paralegal Degree Programs Offered Online in Montana
= Editor Recommended Program
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Paralegal Degree Programs in Montana - Campus Based
Request Information from the School(s) by selecting a campus location
University Of Great Falls: ABA approved programs.
Programs Offered: Associate's, Bachelor's | Paralegal Studies
1301 20th Street South
Great Falls, MT 59405
PH: 406-791-5350
University of Montana: ABA approved program
Programs Offered: Associate's | Paralegal Studies
909 South Avenue West
Missoula, MT 59801
PH: 406-243-7850
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Program outcomes vary according to each institution's specific curriculum and employment opportunities are not guaranteed.