The body of knowledge required to effectively perform legal support services can only come from a formal education in paralegal studies. As attorneys, corporations and government agencies work within an increasingly complex legal framework, the level of responsibility they expect paralegals to be able to take on has also increased. Law offices and other employers in Missouri have come to rely on paralegals with the kind of expertise that can only come from earning a certificate or degree in paralegal studies.
The Missouri Courts official government website representing the state’s entire judicial branch – everything from municipal courts to the state Supreme Court – released a 69-page document called Significant Missouri Law Distinctions. This document lists 11 areas – ranging from administrative law and evidence to family law and estates – in which Missouri law differs substantially from other state and federal laws. In the era of national universities offering distance learning programs, you better believe that some of the best options are available online.
We’ve put together some recommendations. Here you’ll find degree and certificate programs designed for paralegals at all stages in their professional development, whether you’re fresh out of high school, changing careers, or an experienced paralegal looking to advance and specialize.
Drury University
AS Paralegal Studies – Campus and online
Culver-Stockton College
Bachelor’s Degree in Legal Studies – Campus
Metropolitan Community College
AAS in Paralegal Practice – Campus
Missouri Southern State University
Paralegal Studies Certificate/Minor – Campus and online
Missouri Western State University
Minor in Legal Studies – Campus
Legal Assistant Certificate (post-associate) – Campus
AS in Legal Assistant Studies – Campus
BS in Criminal Justice, Legal Studies – Campus
Rockhurst University
Paralegal Certificate – Campus
Paralegal Minor – Campus
Saint Louis Community College
AAS in Legal Studies for the Paralegal – Campus
Certificate in Legal Studies for the Paralegal (post-associate) – Campus
Stevens – The Institute of Business & Arts
AAS in Paralegal Studies – Campus
BA in Paralegal Studies – Campus
Webster University
Minor in Legal Studies – Campus
BA in Legal Studies – Campus
MA in Legal Studies – Campus and synchronous online
Legal Studies Graduate Certificate (post-bac) – Campus and synchronous online
William Woods University
BS in Paralegal Studies – Online
BA in Political/Legal Studies – Campus