Paralegal Programs in South Dakota

There has been no minimum education requirement set to become a paralegal in South Dakota. However, as the paralegal profession grows and the complexity of the work paralegals are encountering increases, formal training has become the standard for all new paralegals. Employers are trending toward formal education as a hiring preference and the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that those paralegals with a formal education will have the best career opportunities. Research the formal education options in South Dakota below.

The South Dakota Paralegal Association (SDPA) is an affiliate of the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) and is a proponent of all its members taking the CLA/CP exam. There are educational criteria that must be met for eligibility to sit for the CLA/CP exam, reinforcing the importance of a formal education and what it can do over the long run for one's career.

There are two American Bar Association approved paralegal programs, one AAfPE member school and a number of online paralegal programs offered in South Dakota.

Choosing a Paralegal Program: Advice

Associate's, bachelor's and post-degree certificates in paralegal studies or related area have become the standard for entering the paralegal profession. Depending on prior education, what education is desired in the paralegal marketplace and desired time frame for entering the paralegal profession, these will be options to consider.

Contacting potential employers in your local marketplace will provide a better picture of what education and work experience will be most competitive. Our research found that employers prefer hiring paralegals with prior work experience in the legal field. Students often gain this valuable work experience during internships while completing a paralegal program. When discussing programs with schools, ask about required internships or what type of assistance they offer students seeking an internship.

Since there are no minimum education qualifications for paralegals in South Dakota, the American Association for Paralegal Education (AAfPE) is a good place to find out where paralegal education is heading and what the standard for entering the paralegal profession looks like. The AAfPE recommends earning and associate, bachelor's, post-degree certificate or master's with a concentration, minor or major in paralegal and earning this credential through an American Bar Association (ABA) approved program or an AAfPE member school or a school that has been institutionally accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the United States Department of Education. They consider someone with one of these credentials a "qualified paralegal."

Campus based paralegal programs, such as ABA approved paralegal programs, can be few and far between in many states including South Dakota. Read an article about ABA and non-ABA approved paralegal programs. Online paralegal programs can be an alternative to these programs, however, you should investigate the program's accreditation to assure that it falls in line with the AAfPE's recommendations. Be wary of short term paralegal programs that do not provide the substantive paralegal specialty courses needed to prepare you for entering the work force.

Below you will find online and campus based paralegal programs with their accreditation information as well as their contact information. Request information from the programs that fit your personal and professional goals.

— Fully Accredited Criminal Justice Degree Programs —

Paralegal Degree Programs Offered Online in South Dakota - SD

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 South Dakota- Campus Based

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Colorado Technical University: Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, an accrediting agency recognized by the US Department of Education. CTU is a CHEA member and is accredited by a CHEA-recognized accrediting organization.

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

Globe University: Globe University is nationally accredited by Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS).

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

National American University: ABA approved program offered at the Rapid City campus. National American University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

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

Western Dakota Technical Institute: ABA approved paralegal program and an AAfPE member school.

Programs Offered: Associate's | Paralegal

800 Mickelson Drive
Rapid City, SD 57703-4018
PH: 605-394-4034