ABA Approved Paralegal Programs: Build Your Legal Career Foundation with American National University and Lexis+
Choosing a paralegal program starts with understanding what you want your education to help you accomplish. You may be preparing for your first role in the legal field, changing careers, or looking for education that connects legal knowledge with practical technology skills. As you compare ABA approved paralegal programs, look beyond the credential’s title to examine the learning experience and the opportunities available within the curriculum.
American National University offers an ABA-approved Paralegal Associate’s Degree and an ABA-approved Paralegal Studies Certificate. Both programs give students the opportunity to earn the Lexis+® Paralegal Certificate through PLG207 Legal Research and Writing. This named certificate pathway connects a specific course with an additional credential opportunity, helping prospective students understand how legal research technology fits into their education. an.edu
What Does ABA Approval Mean for a Paralegal Program?
The American Bar Association approves paralegal education programs rather than certifying individual paralegals. Approval indicates that a program has demonstrated compliance with the ABA’s Guidelines for the Approval of Paralegal Education Programs. When comparing schools, students can consult the ABA’s program directory and review the particular degree or certificate option they plan to pursue.
It is also helpful to distinguish an academic certificate from professional certification. A paralegal certificate recognizes completion of an educational program. Professional certification involves meeting a separate certifying organization’s requirements, which may include an examination and other eligibility criteria. Graduating from an ABA-approved program does not make someone an “ABA-certified paralegal.” americanbar.org
Choose the American National University Paralegal Pathway That Fits Your Education
Your previous education is an important starting point when deciding between a degree and a certificate. Consider whether you are seeking your first college credential or already have a degree and want to add education focused on the legal field. The right conversation with admissions begins with that distinction, along with your career goals and available study time.
American National’s Paralegal Associate’s Degree covers legal terminology, procedural law, document drafting, and research. Students also have the option to complete a 120-hour externship at a local business or organization. The Paralegal Studies Certificate is designed for students who have already earned an associate’s or bachelor’s degree, including graduates entering the legal field and professionals changing careers. an.edu
A Named Certificate Pathway: The Lexis+® Paralegal Certificate
An additional credential opportunity is easier to evaluate when a school identifies it by name and explains where it fits into the curriculum. At American National University, the named certificate pathway is the Lexis+® Paralegal Certificate, available through PLG207 Legal Research and Writing in both paralegal programs. Students have the opportunity to earn this certificate; it should not be treated as an automatic award upon enrollment. an.edu
For prospective students, this creates a useful question to ask while comparing programs: how does the coursework connect legal research instruction with the tools used to perform that research? Understanding legal concepts and learning to navigate a research platform are related parts of preparation. A clearly identified certificate opportunity gives students something specific to discuss with admissions and the program faculty.
The Lexis+® Paralegal Certificate is distinct from American National University’s academic Paralegal Studies Certificate. It also should not be confused with a separate professional paralegal certification. When describing your education to an employer, use the exact names of the credentials you have earned so that your qualifications are clear.
Can ABA Approved Paralegal Programs Be Online?
Yes. The ABA permits fully online programs when at least nine semester credits, or the equivalent, of legal specialty courses are delivered through synchronous instruction. Synchronous learning includes real-time interaction between faculty and students and among students. Online delivery and ABA approval can therefore be compatible. americanbar.org
American National University’s associate degree offers online classes through videoconferencing, while its certificate program combines synchronous video and asynchronous online learning. Both program pages identify the required synchronous legal specialty coursework. Before enrolling, ask about scheduled class meetings, attendance expectations, and weekly assignments so you can plan how school will fit around work and other responsibilities. an.edu
Compare the Details Before You Enroll
A useful program comparison should answer practical questions as well as academic ones. Review admission requirements, total tuition and fees, class schedules, available support, and the credential awarded at graduation. For any additional certificate opportunity, ask which course includes it and what students must complete to earn it.
Start with the positions you would like to pursue and examine their education requirements. Then compare those expectations with the program’s curriculum and your existing qualifications. This approach helps you choose with a clear purpose and gives you a more useful basis for evaluating different ABA approved paralegal programs.
Explore Your Next Step with American National University
Whether you are seeking an associate degree or adding paralegal education to a degree you already hold, American National University offers two paths to explore. The opportunity to pursue the Lexis+® Paralegal Certificate adds a specific legal research credential pathway to that conversation.
Explore American National University’s paralegal programs and speak with admissions about your previous education, learning goals, and the Lexis+® Paralegal Certificate opportunity. Ask which program fits your starting point and what your next steps would be.
Paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public, except as permitted by law.
