Paralegal Schools in Minneapolis, MN
Just over 5,000 paralegals were listed in Minnesota as of 2020, with the vast majority working out of Minneapolis. The industry is set to see steady growth until at least 2026 (per the Bureau of Labor Statistics) making it the perfect field in which to invest your time.
As a prospective paralegal interested in starting out in Minnesota, our list of schools is a good place to start.
Paralegal Programs in Minneapolis, MN
Although not all employers require a person to have formal training to apply for a paralegal position, those that do are able to command higher wages.
There are several entry-level programs to consider when looking to move ahead in this field. The most common entry-level paralegal educational paths are; Paralegal Certificates, Associate Degree in Paralegal Studies, and Bachelor’s Degree in Paralegal Studies.
These programs take between 10 months and four years to complete, but they are well worth the time investment for a better future.
Paralegal Bachelor Degree Programs
A paralegal bachelor's degree program is a more in-depth course of study in the field of law. Completing a B.A. program as a paralegal usually takes four years or 120 credits. Some locations offer degree completion programs that will also take your prior legal education into account. A GED or high school diploma in addition to an A.S. is required to enroll. This course path explores legal issues and practices at a deeper level.
Paralegal A.S. Degree Programs
An associate’s degree program for the paralegal field is required if you plan to pursue a bachelor’s degree or higher. To enroll in an A.S. course, a high school diploma or GED is required. Most classes are offered in person, but there are also some offered online. It takes two years to complete an A.S. program when studying full time. Some programs offer ABA-approved A.S. degrees as well. Certain schools may also offer hybrid programs with both online and in person classes.
Paralegal Certificate or Degree Programs
A generalist paralegal certificate is for entry-level students, and a specialized certificate is for a specific legal field. Both require at least a high school diploma while a specialized certificate also requires previous paralegal experience or degrees in order to qualify. Certificates can be obtained through online, or in-person classes and generally take between 10 and 18 months to complete.
2021 Paralegal Schools in Minneapolis, MN
Winona State University
P.O. Box 5838, 175 West Mark Street, Winona, MN 55987, Ph: 507.457.5411
Winona State University is located in lovely Winona, Minnesota. With a long standing track record of educating paralegal and future practitioners of law, their 4-year Legal Studies degree program that is ABA approved teaches students practical legal skills and gain real-world experience with an internship in several legal settings.
Rasmussen College
8301 93rd Avenue North Brooklyn Park, MN 55445, Ph: (888) 549-6755
Are you interested in becoming a part of the legal profession but don't have the time for law school? Becoming a paralegal is a great way to start. Rasmussen University offers an online certificate and an online Associate's Degree in the paralegal field. This university's programs provide critical knowledge and skills that are relevant to the paralegal field. A unique feature of the school is the Paralegal Capstone which helps to prepare students for a career in the legal field where they can actually put their education to use. Exam preparation is included in the course, and they will also teach you critical transferable skills that can be used in any field. Tuition varies and financial aid is available for those who qualify.
National American University
Brooklyn Center, MN, Ph: 800-209-0182
National American University offers a range of ABA-approved paralegal degree programs. The great thing about this school is that you can attend classes online with an affordable tuition cost that ranges from $166 to $370 per credit hour. Instead of spending years in law school, you can choose one of the two paths NAU offers online to become a skilled paralegal. The Associate and Bachelor’s of Paralegal Studies offered by NAU will give students a strong foundation upon which to build their legal careers. In addition to these two degree options, the school also offers special courses for those looking to expand their knowledge in specific areas of law. The online A.S. degree can be completed with 90.5 credits and is a good option for potential paralegals looking for entry-level employment. The online B.S. degree can be completed with 180.5 credits and is good for career professionals and graduate students looking to get ahead in the legal field.
Herzing University
435 Ford Rd, St Louis Park, MN 55426, Ph: 800-596-0724
Herzing University offers an A.S. degree program in paralegal studies. The on-campus programs are ABA-approved and perfect for people interested in getting into the field of law. Online courses are also available which will allow you to learn at your own pace. Although the classes are online, the course remains extremely comprehensive. Herzing University also offers a B.A. program in legal studies and some credits can be transferred for those that are seeking to continue their studies in the same field. An A.S. paralegal degree can be completed in as little as 20 months and the program also offers NALA certification exam preparation as part of the regular paralegal course. High school transcripts and an entrance exam are required to enroll. Financial aid is available for those who qualify.
Hamline University
1536 Hewitt Avenue Saint Paul, MN 55104, Ph: 651-523-2857
Hamline University offers two different certificate paths for those interested in the paralegal field. Potential students are able to earn a graduate paralegal certificate while being an undergrad and can even apply the credits earned to an M.A. in Law. For potential students that already have a B.A., the program allows for a paralegal certificate to be earned in less than a year..To enroll online you will need transcripts of your graduate and/or undergrad work. For those enrolling with a B.A., you must have a GPA of at least 3.0 from an accredited educational body. The fees per credit range between $450 and $700, however financial aid is available for those who qualify.
North Hennepin Community College
7411 85th Avenue North, Brooklyn Park, MN 55445, Ph: 763-488-0391
North Hennepin Community Colleges offers students an affordable way to start their careers as outstanding paralegals. The school offers both an A.S. program and a certificate program for those interested in becoming a paralegal. In addition to regular courses, there are also specialty courses for those looking to learn more about specific legal aspects. In order to apply for a paralegal certificate, students must first complete an A.S. in art or science. Also, those that have a B.A. or higher may apply for a certificate after the completion of their paralegal courses. You will learn about legal ethics, rules, procedures, and more as a part of their comprehensive paralegal courses. Classes are most often held in the evenings and the paralegal courses at this college are ABA-approved.
Inver Community College
2500 East 80th Street Inver Grove Heights, MN 55076, Ph: 651-450-3000
Inver Community College offers Associate in Science degrees and post-graduate paralegal certificates that are ABA-approved paralegal certificates and degree programs for their students. The university has been providing high-quality paralegal programs to those interested in law since 1978. Classes are offered in a hybrid form that is partially online along with traditional in-person teaching. The comprehensive paralegal courses will give students an in-depth look at the law, how it is applied, and other common legal procedures. The school also offers an in-house internship for students enrolled in their paralegal courses. To enroll you must provide transcripts from your past educational institutions and pass an entrance exam.