What’s in a Paralegal Program?
By Rhonda J. Brashears, CP, Board Certified Paralegal, Personal Injury Trial Law,
Texas Board of Legal Specialization
Did you know that all paralegal programs are not created equal? Paralegal programs, like many things in today’s society,
are a buyer- or a student-beware market. A student should thoroughly research a program before applying or enrolling.
Programs across the state (and while I did not research nationwide programs I imagine this holds true nationwide), provide
vastly different results at the end of the program. In addition, the type of student that a program can accept varies from
program to program. This article discusses the various types of programs offered to or that are available to residents of the
State of Texas, but is not meant to recommend a specific program over another.
Types of Programs
Associates Degree Program
These programs are offered by two-year community colleges, universities and business schools. The two-year program is
sometimes offered in conjunction with an associate’s degree. Upon successful completion of the two-year program that may
offer up to 60 to 70 semester hours, a student earns an associates degree. The course usually offers both substantive law
courses and general education courses.
Baccalaureate Degree Program
These programs are completed in approximately four years and are offered by four-year colleges/universities. They offer a
major or minor in paralegal studies or a concentration within another major. To be accepted into these types of programs a
student would be required to meet the criteria to register in that college or university.
Master’s Degree Program
These programs offer an advanced degree in paralegal studies. In the State of Texas, there are only a few programs that
offer this degree. Entry into this type of program would require a four-year college degree and, most often, a minimum GPA.
There may be other requirements set by the college or university for acceptance.
Certificate Programs
There are programs around the state that are not associated with a college or university that offer a certificate of
completion in paralegal studies. Sometimes, these programs will require the student to have already obtained an associates or
bachelor’s degree. These programs vary in the number of credit or clock hours that they offer. After successful completion of
the program the student receives a certificate of completion.
How Do You Choose a Program?
With so many choices, how does a potential student possibly decide which course will work best and provide the necessary
education to obtain a paralegal job or to advance in the job already held?
One of indicators of a good program is whether it is ABA (American Bar Association) approved. The ABA is the most
recognized paralegal program accrediting entity for paralegal programs. The ABA has been approving paralegal education
programs since 1975. In order for a program to be approved by the ABA, a paralegal program must be offered by an institution
that is accredited by an accrediting agency on an approved list and must go through a self-evaluation process and various
on-site evaluations. It must meet standards relating to administration, resources, curriculum and academic policies, faculty
and program direction, admission standards and practices, student services including placement and counseling, library, and
facilities. An overview of the approval process for programs as well as a list of the ABA approved programs across the United
States is available at www.abanet.org/legalservices/paralegals. A program that has been approved by the ABA will provide you
with a well-rounded paralegal education.
It is not necessary for a program to be ABA approved to be a quality program. Look for a program that provides students
with good basic educational courses, skill-type courses such as keyboarding and document formatting, and of course, a good
line-up of substantive legal courses (generally between 15 and 24 semester hours).
It is also wise to research paralegal programs through the American Association for Paralegal Educators website at
www.aafpe.org. This website offers advice on how to select a paralegal program. If you are considering attending a paralegal
program, you should review AAfPE’s policy statement regarding short-term programs as well as the “Statement of Educational
Minimums.” In addition, AAfPE has links within its website to: Finding a Quality Program; Choosing a Program; Educational
Standards; Evaluating Programs; and a database of paralegal programs by location/state.
It takes a very through investigation of a program and the results that that program has offered its legal community
to determine whether a program will provide an adequate education. A little bit of homework ahead of time can make all the
difference.
Rhonda is a Board Certified Paralegal in Personal Injury Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization and a
certified paralegal by the National Association of Legal Assistants. She is currently serving a President Elect of the
Paralegal Division.
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