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• ABA vs non-ABA Programs
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Paralegal Programs in South Carolina

In 2003, the South Carolina Alliance of Legal Assistants submitted a proposal for the regulation of paralegals to the state bar. This issue was set aside to be reviewed at a later time. As a result, there are no current rules or regulations pertaining to the education or training that a paralegal must have in the state of South Carolina. It is however widely recognized throughout the legal community of South Carolina, as well as in the state and national paralegal associations, that formal paralegal education is of great importance. This is further supported by the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, which states that those paralegals with formal education and training will have the most opportunities going forward in this booming field.

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

Criteria to Look for in a SC Paralegal Program

There are a large number of paralegal programs out there and choosing the right one for you can be overwhelming. One important thing to keep in mind when making your decision is to choose a program that is accredited in some way. For instance, the state of South Carolina has nine American Bar Association approved paralegal education programs. If a program is ABA approved, you can be assured that the curriculum has met or exceeds the highest standards.

However, the program you choose does not have to be ABA approved. In fact, there are a large number of excellent online and campus based paralegal programs out there that are not ABA approved. As a general rule of thumb, if a certain program is accredited by a regional or national accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education, or is a member of the American Association for Paralegal Education (AAfPE), you can feel confident that these will give you a high quality paralegal education as well. If you are still uncertain about your choice, inquire within the legal community about the reputation of a particular school or program that you are interested in.

Another thing you can consider doing to help narrow down your choices is to contact prospective employers to see what their education and training requirements are. Do they require that you graduate from an ABA approved paralegal program? If not, as many don't today, what type of accreditations do they require that a program have, if any? Do they prefer candidates with an associate's or bachelor degree, or is a paralegal certificate enough? In addition to formal education, what type of hands-on experience do they require? If you don't have any legal experience yet, you may consider choosing a program that offers some type of internship or practicum component to it.

Finally, remember to inquire about what other types of services the schools offer to you as a student. Many schools will offer student services such as academic counseling, financial aid, tutoring, career counseling, internships, and even job placement at graduation.

Below you will find a number of online and campus based paralegal education programs. All are listed with their accreditations to make your research a little easier. Take some time to explore your various options and request information to learn more about the schools that interest you most.

Paralegal Degree Programs Offered Online in South Carolina

= 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

On-Campus Paralegal Degree Programs in South Carolina

Miller-Motte Technical College:

Programs Offered: Associate's | Paralegal Studies

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

Charleston

South University: ABA Approved Programs. South University is regionally accredited by the Commission on Colleges, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Member of the AAfPE.

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

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

Columbia

Central Carolina Technical College: ABA approved paralegal program.

Programs Offered: Associate's | Legal Assistant / Paralegal

506 North Guignard Drive
Sumter, SC 29150
PH: 803-778-6665

Florence-Darlington Technical College: ABA approved

Programs Offered: Associate's | Paralegal

P.O. Box 100548
Florence, SC 29501
PH: 843-661-8047

Greenville Technical College: ABA approved, member of the AAfPE.

Programs Offered: Associate's, Post-Degree Certificates | Paralegal Studies

Post Office Box 5606 Station B
Greenville, SC 29606-5616
PH: 864-250-8487

Horry-Georgetown Technical College: ABA approved program.

Programs Offered: Certificate, Associate's | Paralegal

743 Hemlock Avenue
Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
PH: 843-477-2015

Midlands Technical College: ABA approved program.

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

Post Office Box 2408
Columbia, SC 29202
PH: 803-822-3620

Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College: ABA approved

Programs Offered: Associate's | Paralegal / Legal Assistant

3250 St. Matthews Road, N.E.
Orangeburg, SC 29118-8299
PH: 803-536-0311

Technical College of Lowcountry:

Programs Offered: Certificate, Associate's | Legal Assistant

921 Ribaut Road
P. O. Box 1288
PH: 800-768-8252

Trident Technical College:

Programs Offered: Certificate, Associate's | Paralegal Studies

Post Office Box 11867
Charleston, SC 29423
PH: 843-722-5501

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