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.
Find Nationally and Regionally Accredited Online Paralegal Programs
Find Campus Based Paralegal Programs in New Jersey
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.

Paralegal Degree Programs Offered Online in New Jersey
= 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


South University: South University is regionally accredited by the Commission on Colleges, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). The University is also a member of the American Association for Paralegal Education (AAfPE)
Associate's in Paralegal Studies
Bachelor's in Legal 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 New Jersey - Campus Based

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
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