Paralegal Programs in North Carolina

The state of North Carolina does not have any specific education or training requirements in place to become a paralegal. However, in July, 2004 the North Carolina State Bar did create some guidelines that allow North Carolina paralegals' to apply for voluntary certification. Becoming a certified paralegal is not mandatory and will not guarantee you employment, however, many employers in North Carolina are starting to only hire "certified paralegals". In addition, such certification speaks for itself when it comes to verifying your credentials.

It is important to understand that it is not absolutely necessary to have a formal paralegal education to work as a paralegal or legal assistant in the state. However, just as with other lucrative and competitive careers, formal education and training can help set yourself apart from the other candidates when applying for a job. In addition, according to the North Carolina State Bar, as of July, 2007, you must graduate from a qualified paralegal education program in order to apply to become certified.

Find Nationally and Regionally Accredited Online Paralegal Programs
Find Campus Based Paralegal Programs in North Carolina

Choosing a Paralegal Studies Program in NC

When you are trying to decide what school or program to choose, there are some important things to consider. For instance, if you are or think you may be interested in becoming a North Carolina certified paralegal in the future, the program you graduate from must be qualified by the NC Board of Paralegal Certification. All ABA approved programs automatically satisfy qualifying requirements, however, there are only five of these such programs in the state. Generally, those that are accredited by a national or regional accrediting agency recognized by the United States Department of Education should qualify as well. It is a good idea to check with the North Carolina State Bar Board of Paralegal Certification if you are uncertain about whether graduation from a particular program will qualify you as an applicant to become a certified paralegal in the state.

Another thing to keep in mind when researching schools is to inquire about the additional services that you will get as a student. For instance, many schools offer free services to students such as academic counseling, career counseling, internship opportunities, job placement at graduation, and financial aid opportunities. All of these services and more can be very helpful to you as a student from point of enrollment to graduation and beyond.

Below you will find several accredited online paralegal programs as well as a number of more traditional campus based options to explore. Regardless of which program you decide to go with, you can feel confident that those listed here uphold the highest standards of paralegal education.

— Fully Accredited Criminal Justice Degree Programs —

Paralegal Degree Programs Offered Online in North Carolina

= 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 North Carolina- Campus Based

Request Information from the School(s) by selecting a campus location

Kings College: Approved by the NC Board of Paralegal Certification. King's College is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools.

Charlotte, NC

Programs Offered: Diploma, Associate's | Paralegal Studies, Legal Administrative Assistant

South College: Approved by the NC Board of Paralegal Certification. Accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools, which is an accrediting agency recognized by the US Department of Education. Member of the National Association for Legal Assistants.

Asheville, NC

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

Carteret Community College: ABA approved Program

Programs Offered: Associate's | Paralegal Technology Program

3505 Arendell Street
Morehead City, NC 28557-2989
Phone: 252.222.6230

Central Piedmont Community College: Program is ABA approved.

Programs Offered: Associate's, Post- Degree Diploma | Paralegal Technology

8120 Grier Road
Charlotte, NC 28215
Phone: 704.330.4857

Fayetteville Technical Community College: ABA approved program.

Programs Offered: Associate's | Paralegal Technology

Post Office 35236
Fayetteville, NC 28303
Phone: 919.678.8400

Meredith College: Program is ABA approved.

Programs Offered: Post-Bacculaureate Certificate | Paralegal

3800 Hillsborough Street
Raleigh, NC 27607-5298
Phone: 919.760.2855

Pitt Community College: Program is ABA approved.

Programs Offered: Associate's | Paralegal Technology

Post Office Drawer 7007
Greenville NC 27835-7007
Phone: 252.321.4503

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Program outcomes vary according to each institution's specific curriculum and employment opportunities are not guaranteed.