The Importance of Finding Accredited Paralegal Studies Online:
What to Look for in a Paralegal Program
Accreditation is one of the most important measures you can use to evaluate an online paralegal program. This doesn't mean that you won't get a quality education at an unaccredited paralegal school. Paralegal schools seek accreditation voluntarily, and the process is expensive. As a result, some schools elect to follow the guidelines of an accrediting body without actually seeking accreditation. However, an accredited paralegal studies program is still your safest bet.
Accredited online paralegal schools have undergone a rigorous review process and can guarantee adherence to established standards of educational excellence. As such, accredited paralegal studies online degree programs can provide you with some distinct benefits.
Benefits of an Accredited Paralegal Studies Online Program
Here are some of the advantages of enrolling in an accredited online paralegal college:
- Accredited online paralegal schools qualify for federal and state financial aid programs.
- Graduates of an accredited program who later decide to pursue an advanced degree, such as a master's or doctorate, can gain acceptance into accredited graduate school programs.
- Depending on the job market, employers may require their paralegals to hold a degree from an accredited school.
Organizations That Accredit Paralegal Studies Programs
Paralegal colleges can apply for accreditation through a variety of agencies. Here are a few of the organizations that accredit paralegal programs:
- American Bar Association (ABA): Approximately 260 of the paralegal programs offered in the United States have earned ABA accreditation. Although the ABA does not accredit online paralegal training, its guidelines can help you evaluate any programs you want to consider.
- Distance Education and Training Council (DETC): A nationally recognized accrediting agency, the DETC is dedicated to maintaining and promoting educational excellence in distance education programs.
- Regional Accreditation: Regional accrediting bodies earn their right to grant accreditation status to schools in their jurisdiction after undergoing a review and approval process through the federal government.
- State Bar Accreditation: Some locations offer paralegal school accreditation through state or local bar associations.
- Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools: This agency accredits private colleges that offer professional, technical or occupational career training through traditional classroom or distance education programs.
Considerations Beyond Accreditation
As you narrow down your school choices, you should consider more than accreditation. Think about these factors when evaluating the quality of an online paralegal studies program:
- Curriculum content in terms of whether it matches your professional goals and provides any specialized legal training you want to pursue
- Reputation of a school's paralegal training program in the legal community and among the general public
- Experience level of instructors, both as practitioners in the field and as teachers
- Job placement and other services that the school offers, including career counseling, financial aid resources and orientation programs
- Special considerations for students taking distance education courses, such as training in online learning tools, ongoing technical assistance, availability of academic advisors and access to instructors
Graduating from an accredited online paralegal degree program can benefit your career. Considering accreditation, along with several other important factors, will help you make the best choice among your online paralegal training options and help you start your paralegal career on the right foot.
