New Jersey Paralegal Programs

There are no laws supporting regulation of paralegals in New Jersey at this time. This means that an individual can become a paralegal in New Jersey by way of on the job training and no formal education. However, this avenue to becoming a paralegal has lost much of its appeal due to the increasingly complex legal issues that paralegals face in the work place and the fact that most employers now seek paralegals with a formal education and legal field work experience. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that those paralegals with formal training will have the greatest job opportunities going forward.

The Paralegal Association of New Jersey is an affiliate of the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) and supports the voluntary certification to become a Certified Legal Assistant (CLA) or Certified Paralegal (CP). Testing for these certifications does require specific eligibility requirements including education criteria that can be found below.

Even though there are no specific education requirements for paralegals in New Jersey, a formal education demonstrates a paralegal's commitment and capabilities to the profession and potential employers. Explore the various paralegal programs offered in New Jersey below.

Choosing a Paralegal Program in New Jersey

The American Association for Paralegal Education (AAfPE) considers a qualified paralegal to be one that holds an associate's or bachelor's degree with a concentration, minor or major in paralegal studies and has graduated from an American Bar Association (ABA) approved paralegal program, a paralegal program offered at an AAfPE member school or a paralegal program offered at a school that has been accredited by an agency recognized by the US Department of Education. These are some of the most important criteria to look for when researching paralegal programs in new Jersey.

Before choosing a paralegal program contact potential employers to find out what they look for in paralegal job candidates as far as education goes. Some employers want their paralegals to have graduated from an ABA approved program and other employers will not have a preference. This will provide a perspective into what makes candidates competitive in the New Jersey paralegal marketplace and a better idea as to which type of program to enroll in and what type of school to attend.

As mentioned above, the Paralegal Association of New Jersey is an affiliate of NALA and supports their members taking the CLA or CP exam. According to NALA, National paralegal salary surveys consistently demonstrate that paralegals with the CLA/CP designation earn more money. Again supporting the benefits of formal education and certification. Learn more about the NALA CLA/CP certification exam eligibility on their web site (www.nala.org/cert.htm).

ABA approved paralegal programs offer a prestige and legitimacy recognized by employers around the country as well as other paralegals, however ABA paralegal programs can be more expensive and sometimes geographically difficult to attend. Read more about ABA and non-ABA approved paralegal programs. Online programs offered by schools accredited by agencies recognized by the US Department of Education are alternative options offering excellent education, often of the same caliber. There are also a number of campus based paralegal programs in New Jersey offering exemplary education. Research all options prior to making any decisions. Request information from the programs below to learn more.

— Fully Accredited Criminal Justice Degree Programs —

Paralegal Degree Programs Offered Online in New Jersey

star= Editor Recommended Program

starKaplan 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.

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

starVirginia 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.

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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.

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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..

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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).

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Associate's in Paralegal Studies

Paralegal Degree Programs in New Jersey - Campus Based

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Berkeley College: The Associate's in Paralegal Studies programs offered at the campuses below are approved by the American Bar Association (ABA). Berkeley College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Programs Offered: Associate's, Bachelor's | Paralegal Studies, Criminal Justice Studies

Prism Career Institute: The Prism Career Institute is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology (ACCSCT).

Programs Offered: Diploma | Paralegal Studies

Atlantic Cape Community College: ABA approved paralegal program and AAfPE member school

Programs Offered: Associate's | Paralegal

5100 Black Horse Pike
Mays Landing, NJ 08330-2699
PH: 609-625-1111

Bergen Community College: ABA approved paralegal program and AAfPE member school.

Programs Offered: Associate's | Paralegal Studies

400 Paramus Road
Paramus, NJ 07652
PH: 201-447-7184

Brookdale Community College: ABA approved program and AAfPE member school

Programs Offered: Associate's | Paralegal Studies

765 Newman Springs Road
Lincroft, NJ 07738-1597
PH: 732-224-2976

Burlington County College: ABA approved paralegal program and AAfPE member school.

Programs Offered: Associate's | Paralegal

County Route 536
Pemberton, NJ 08068-1599
PH: 856-222-9311

Cumberland County College: ABA approved paralegal program and AAfPE member school

Programs Offered: Associate's | Paralegal Studies

College Drive
Vineland, NJ 08360
PH: 609-691-8600

Fairleigh Dickinson University: ABA approved paralegal program and AAfPE member school

Programs Offered: Post-Baccalaureate Certificate | Paralegal Studies

285 Madison Avenue, Mailstop: M-DH2-02
Madison, NJ 07940
PH: 973-443-8690

Gloucester County College: ABA approved program and AAfPE member school

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

1400 Tanyard Road
Sewell, NJ 08080-9518
PH: 856-415-2150

Mercer County Community College: ABA approved programs and member of AAfPE

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

Post Office Box B
Trenton, NJ 08690
PH: 609-586-4800

Middlesex County College: ABA approved programs and AAfPE member school

Programs Offered: Associate's, Certificate | Paralegal Studies

2600 Woodbridge Avenue
Edison, NJ 08818-3050
PH: 732-906-2576

Montclair State University: ABA approved paralegal programs and AAfPE member school

Programs Offered: Bachelor's, MAster's | Legal Studies

Dickson Hall - DI-350
Upper Montclair, NJ 07043
PH: 973-655-7963

Raritan Valley Community College: ABA approved programs and AAfPE member school.

Programs Offered: Associate's, Certificate | Paralegal Studies

Post Office Box 3300
Lamington Road
Somerville, NJ 08876
PH: 908-526-1200

New Jersey Paralegal Programs