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 Maine have come to rely on paralegals with the kind of expertise that can only come from earning a certificate or degree in paralegal studies.
Whether you’re looking for a job with a local law firm, a government position with the State Legislature in Augusta, or with major companies like MainHealth, Hannaford Bros, or L.L.Bean, you’re going to need to be a well-qualified and competitive job candidate to get your foot in the door.
There are online programs that offer something for everyone… but we’re here to help you find the one that’s right for you. Whether you’re a recent high school graduate, a paralegal with extensive experience, or someone embarking on a new career, you’ll find one of our recommendations to be a perfect fit. Request information from one of the schools shown above to learn more.
Husson University
AS Paralegal Studies – Campus
BS Paralegal Studies – Campus
Paralegal Studies Certificate – Campus
Advanced Civil Practice Paralegal Studies Certificate – Campus
Advanced Criminal Practice Paralegal Studies Certificate – Campus
We’re featuring this school because it offers one of the widest ranges of different paralegal program options of all schools in the nation.
The AS program has 61 semester credits and takes two years to finish. The BS program has 122 semester credits and takes four years to finish. Both programs are open to anyone who meets HU’s basic admission requirements.
The Paralegal Studies Certificate program is open to anyone and designed for students who are changing careers or who are already working as paralegals and want to gain more professional qualifications. This program is 15 credits, and can be used as a stepping-stone to the advanced certificates. The two advanced certificates offered by HU are both 15 semester credits and are open to those who have already earned the Paralegal Studies Certificate. All certificate programs take approximately half a year to complete.
Students in the AS, BS, and advanced certificate programs have the opportunity to complete an internship in the greater Bangor area.
Kaplan University
AAS Legal Support and Services – Campus and online
BS in Legal Support and Services, Paralegal Concentration – Campus and online
Undergraduate Legal Secretary Certificate – Campus and online
Paralegal Certificate (post-bac) – Campus and online
- Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
This school made our list because it offers current and prospective paralegals a range of options tailored to specific career and credential goals.
All programs are offered on KU’s Portland and Augusta campuses, as well as online. The AAS, BS, and undergraduate certificate programs are open to any students that meet KU’s basic enrollment requirements. The post-bac certificate program is open to anyone who already has a bachelor’s degree.
The AAS degree is comprised of 90 credits that can be completed in two years. The BS degree is comprised of 180 credits and can be completed in four years. The undergraduate certificate is 31 credits and can be completed in 44 weeks. It is a shorter version of an AAS or BS degree, and the credits you earn in this certificate program are transferable to those programs. The post-bac certificate is 36 credits and can be completed in 55 weeks.