• Paralegal Programs - U.S.
• Criminal Justice Programs in TX

Paralegal Programs in Texas

There are no minimum education qualifications to become a paralegal in Texas. There is a voluntary certification through the Texas Board of Legal Specialization (TBLS) that the State Bar of Texas Board of Directors encourages paralegals to obtain. The State Bar of Texas Board of Directors also recommends attorneys hire paralegals with a minimum education of a bachelor's degree in any subject with one year of legal work experience under the supervision of a licensed attorney and fifteen hours of continuing legal education within that year or the successful completion of an American Bar Association (ABA) approved paralegal program or the completion of a paralegal program at a school that has been approved by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board or an accreditation agency of equivalent stature in another state.

National certification through either the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) or the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA) is also recommended by the State Bar of Texas Board of Directors as well as paralegal associations throughout the state. National certification has specific education criteria that needs to be met in addition to work experience requirements for eligibility to sit for the certification exams. Learn more about the specific education requirements at the NALA website (www.nala.org) or the NFPA website (www.paralegals.org).

The bottom line is that a formal education has become the standard for paralegals entering the profession and employers in Texas are well aware of the State Bar of Texas's recommendations regarding hiring paralegals. Learn more what to look for in a formal paralegal education program and research institutionally accredited schools below.

Find Nationally and Regionally Accredited Online Paralegal Programs
Find Campus Based Paralegal Programs in Texas

What to Consider When Choosing a Paralegal Program

There are ten American Bar Association (ABA) approved paralegal programs, more than ten American Association for Paralegal Education member schools and various online and campus based programs offered at institutionally accredited schools in the state of Texas. Ensuring the paralegal program you attend is offered at a school that has been institutionally accredited by an agency recognized by the US Department of Education or ABA approved or offered at an AAfPE member school is one of the most important criteria to research. This approval or accreditation ensures that the these schools have been carefully evaluated by an accrediting agency or an organization like the ABA and that the programs offered will adequately prepare students for professional positions upon graduation.

An ABA approved paralegal program is not always the most convenient for students, especially since there are just ten throughout the state of Texas. Students may need to consider other options such as an online paralegal programs or other campus based paralegal program options. Read an article about ABA and non-ABA approved paralegal programs. Online paralegal programs have made significant headway with their curriculum and though the face to face contact is not present, professor and students contact through email and live chat is often available to students. Most students use email and live chat for communication at campus based programs anyway. Just be very aware of what the program is offering and not over promising a short program's worth. Often those short programs do not provide the necessary legal specialty course hours and do not adequately prepare students for entry to the paralegal profession.

The American Association for Paralegal Education (AAfPE) is an authority in the field of paralegal training and career development and many paralegal organizations and bar associations around the country support their recommendation of the minimum education needed to qualify someone as a paralegal. The AAfPE recommends that a "qualified paralegal" hold an associate's, bachelor's, post-degree certificate or master's degree with a minor, major or concentration in paralegal and that this credential be earned through an ABA approved program or an AAfPE member school or at a school that has been accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the US Department of Education. Consider attending a program that fits these criteria.

Consider contacting potential employers to find out what education and work experience they prefer when hiring paralegals. This will offer insight as to what you will need to do in order to be most competitive in the marketplace.

A recent salary and career survey conducted by the NFPA found that 25% of paralegals hold an associate's degree and 49% have a bachelor's degree and 84% of all paralegals have received some form of formal paralegal training at a two or four year college or university. Consider earning, at minimum, an associate's degree and to be competitive for the more sought after positions, consider earning a bachelor's degree.

Consider programs with mandatory internships and if a program you really like does not have a required internship then make sure they can help you find one. An internship is a good way to gain valuable work experience that employers are looking for as well as find an area of specialization you might be interested in. Current areas of growth include health care, elder law, bankruptcy, foreclosure, divorce and criminal law.

Below you will find colleges and universities offering paralegal programs that meet the accreditation or approval recommendations mentioned above.

Paralegal Degree Programs Offered Online in Texas - TX

= 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 Texas - Campus Based

= Editor's pick

Center for Advanced Legal Studies: ABA approved paralegal programs and this school is a member of the AAfPE. The associate's degree is approved by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. These programs are offered "on-site or part-time online."

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

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

Houston

Everest College: Accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools, which is an accrediting agency recognized by the US Department of Education and the Council for Higher Learning.

Programs Offered: Associate's | Paralegal

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

Dallas, Fort Worth

South Texas Vocational Technical Institute: Approved and regulated by the Texas Workforce Commission Proprietary Schools Section and accredited by the Accrediting Commission of the Council on Occupational Education, which is an accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education.

Programs Offered: Diploma | Paralegal / Legal Assistant

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

McAllen

Texas Careers: Accredited by the Council on Occupational Education and Approved and regulated by the Texas Workforce Commission.

Programs Offered: Diploma | Paralegal

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

San Antonio (TC)

Amarillo College: ABA approved paralegal program.

Programs Offered: Associate's | Paralegal Studies

P.O. Box 447
Amarillo, TX 79178-0001
PH: 806-371-5213

Arlington Career Institute: ACI is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology, which is an accrediting agency recognized by the US Department of Education.

Programs Offered: Training | Paralegal/Legal Assistant

901 Avenue K
Grand Prairie, Texas 75050
PH: 817-640-8852

Central Texas College: ABA approved paralegal program and an AAfPE member school.

Programs Offered: Associate's | Paralegal Studies

6200 W. Central Texas Expressway
Killeen, TX 76540
PH: 254-526-7161

El Centro College: ABA approved program and a member school of the AAfPE

Programs Offered: Associate's | Legal Assistant

Main and Lamar Streets
Dallas, TX 75202-3604
PH: 214-860-3604

Lamar State College - Port Arthur: ABA approved paralegal program and an AAfPE member school.

Programs Offered: Associate's | Legal Assistant

1500 Procter Street
P.O. Box 310
Port Arthur, TX 77641-0310
PH: 409-983-4921

Lee College: ABA approved paralegal Program in Baytown.

Programs Offered: Associate's | Legal Assistant

511 South Whiting Street
Baytown, TX 77520-4703
PH: 713-427-5611

North Harris College: ABA approved paralegal program in Houston.

Programs Offered: Associate's | Paralegal

2700 W. W. Thorne; Ste. A-133
Houston, TX 77073
PH: 281-618-5735

San Jacinto College - North: AAfPE member school and ABA approved program in Houston.

Programs Offered: Associate's | Paralegal

5800 Uvalde Road
Houston, TX 77049-4599
PH: 281-458-4050

Southeastern Career Institute: ABA approved paralegal program.

Programs Offered: Certificate | Paralegal

12005 Ford Road, Suite 100
Dallas, TX 75234
PH: 972-385-1446

Texas State University-San Marcos: ABA approved programs.

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

601 University Drive
San Marcos, TX 78666-4616
PH: 512-245-2233

Tarrant County College: AAfPE member school.

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

828 Harwood Road
Hurst, TX 76054
PH: 817-515-6277

Texas Women's University: TWU is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

Programs Offered: Bachelor's | Paralegal Studies

Locations in Denton, Dallas and Houston
PH: 940-898-3971

University of North Texas - Lifelong Learning Center: This is a non-credit 6 course series.

Programs Offered: Mini-Courses | Paralegal Career

1155 Union Circle #311277
Denton, Texas 76203-5017
PH: 940-565-3353

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