Paralegal Schools in Kentucky
The following guide to paralegal schools in Kentucky contains vital information about the paralegal and legal assistant programs available in the state so that you can make the right choice for your education. The paralegal options available in Kentucky include programs in specialty areas like e-discovery and criminal litigation. You may also find that online paralegal degree programs are a good fit for your skills and career expectations. Visit our paralegal careers in Kentucky guide for further information on your career possibilities.
Quick Facts
- There are 6 colleges and universities that offer paralegal/legal assistant degree programs in Kentucky.1
- 1 school offers a certificate program for paralegals/legal assistants.1
- 3 schools offer an associate’s degree program for paralegals/legal assistants.1
- 4 schools offer a bachelor’s degree program for paralegals/legal assistants.1
- 1 school offers a master’s degree for paralegals/legal assistants.1
- 1 school ranked in Paralegal411’s Top Online Paralegal Programs.2
- 1 school ranked in US News & World Report’s Best Law Schools in 2022.3
- 1 school ranked in US News & World Report’s Best Legal Writing Programs in 2022.4
- 4 ABA-approved paralegal degree programs are in Kentucky.5
For not-for-profit colleges and universities with paralegal/legal assistant degree programs.
Table of Contents
- Comparison of Paralegal Programs
- Top-Ranked Schools with Paralegal Programs in Kentucky
- Select Schools in Kentucky with Paralegal Degrees
Comparison of Paralegal Programs
The table below will help you compare not-for-profit paralegal and legal studies programs in Kentucky based on various factors. The table includes paralegal program-specific information such as the programs offered and whether there are any online options. It also includes general school information to help you compare the colleges and universities that host these programs, including overall acceptance rate, graduation rate for first-time bachelor’s degree seekers, median debt for graduates, and net tuition per year for full-time undergraduate study. We have also included information on approval by the American Bar Association (ABA). While ABA approval is not required in order to work as a paralegal, it is a mark of program quality that is preferred by many employers.
| School | ABA Approved? | Paralegal Degree(s) | Acceptance Rate6 | Grad Rate1 | Online Options? | Median Debt7 | Net Price1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eastern Kentucky University (Richmond) | Yes | Certificate-Paralegal Studies; AAS-Paralegal Studies; BA-Paralegal Studies; Minor-Paralegal Studies | 94% | 45% | Yes | $14,000 | $14,151 |
| Kentucky Wesleyan College (Owensboro) | — | BA-Legal Studies; BS-Legal Studies | 62% | 38% | — | $12,000 | $19,348 |
| Madisonville Community College (Madisonville) | — | AAS-Paralegal Technology | 100% | 42% | Yes | $5,500 | $5,884 |
| Morehead State University (Morehead) | Yes | BA-Legal Studies; Minor-Legal Studies | 76% | 43% | — | $15,214 | $12,498 |
| Northern Kentucky University (Highland Heights) | Yes | MS-Legal Studies | 90% | 47% | Yes | $14,500 | $9,664 |
| Western Kentucky University (Bowling Green) | Yes | AA-Paralegal Studies; BA-Paralegal Studies | 97% | 52% | Yes | $14,250 | $12,705 |
- — indicates none.
- N.Av. indicates no data available.
Top-Ranked Schools with Paralegal Programs
Paralegal411’s Top Online Paralegal Programs 2018
- Eastern Kentucky University (#6)
US News & World Report’s Best Law Schools 2022
- Northern Kentucky University (#147-193)
US News & World Report’s Best Legal Writing Programs 2022
- Northern Kentucky University (#149)
Select Schools in Kentucky with Paralegal Degrees
Traditional Programs
Kentucky Wesleyan College
Students at Kentucky Wesleyan College (KWC) can earn either a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BS) in Legal Studies. Core courses include Introduction to Criminal Justice; Introduction to Law; State and Local Government; American National Government; and Internship in Legal Assistance. An internship program is offered biennially, through which the Kentucky Legislative Research Commission places select students in internships at the Capitol. These positions are highly sought-after, paid opportunities. Courses in other disciplines, including business, criminal justice, history, political science, and psychology, are included in the four-year graduation track to present different perspectives and build legal expertise. This degree path is designed for students who intend to pursue law school, but those who graduate with a minimum 3.0 GPA are eligible for faculty recommendation for potential employment with local attorneys.
Morehead State University
The ABA-approved Legal Studies Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree program at Morehead State University (MSU) is a practical route to gaining the skills necessary to conduct legal research, prepare legal documents, offer litigation support, provide law office management, and interview clients. All courses are taught by licensed practicing attorneys who are experienced in supervising paralegals and legal assistants. Students are provided opportunities to apply learned skills and engage with the local community through staffing pro se divorce and wills clinics as well as coordinating mock trial programs with multiple age groups of students. MSU’s emphasis on career training gives students the technical skills to access entry-level legal positions by providing career planning, resume support, and interview training.
Western Kentucky University
Western Kentucky University (WKU) offers an Associate of Arts (AA) in Paralegal Studies and a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Paralegal Studies for students interested in the legal field. The associate degree requires 60 credit hours and can be completed in two years, while the 120-credit bachelor’s degree can be finished in four years of full-time study. Those with previous academic credit may be able to transfer course hours from other ABA-approved programs. Both degree programs start with general education courses before moving on to specialized legal subjects. The curricula focus on legal theory and practice with an additional emphasis on ethics in the field. Required courses include Legal Research and Writing; Administrative Practice and Procedures; Real Estate Law for the Paralegal; Women and the Law; and Family Law. Students also complete an internship before graduation to gain real-world experience. Graduates from both programs can find work in fields ranging from private law practice to corporate legal departments to banks and insurance companies.
As a new paralegal getting that first job is tough because employers are looking for experience. Any internships a paralegal student can do would be beneficial in the long run and worth the legal experience gained in the field.” –Tammy Martinez, Vice President of the Greater Lexington Paralegals Association.
Hybrid and Online Programs
Eastern Kentucky University
Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) offers a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Paralegal Science, an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Paralegal Science, a post-baccalaureate Certificate in Paralegal Science, and a Minor in Paralegal Science, all of which have been approved by the ABA and incorporate a rigorous legal curriculum with hands-on internship opportunities. These programs are available in either a hybrid format or entirely online, with a minimum of nine semester hours of legal courses required to be completed through synchronous online instruction. Students can complete the rest of their curriculum online in a flexible format. Courses are taught by qualified professionals who all hold either a Juris Doctor (JD) or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). As a career-centered program, students graduating from the EKU paralegal programs have access to job placement assistance. Financial aid and scholarship opportunities are available for qualified students.
Northern Kentucky University
Graduate students at Northern Kentucky University (NKU) can earn an ABA-approved Master of Legal Studies (MLS) entirely online. This 30-credit degree can be completed in as few as 10 months. The program is designed for entrepreneurial business leaders, business owners, and individual professionals who are seeking to advance their careers through a more thorough understanding of the law along with a focus on technology, digital commerce, and online security. The curriculum starts with required courses, including Legal Analysis and Problem Solving; Basic Legal Skills- Research; Digital Crimes and Torts; and Legal Boundaries in the Digital Age. Two elective courses must be completed, which include Digital Forensics and Law; Emerging Technologies and the Law I; and Emerging Technologies and the Law II. These online courses are taught by the same on-campus faculty, providing students with the opportunity to gain education and guidance from professionals in the legal field.
References:
1. National Center for Education Statistics College Navigator: https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/
2. Paralegal411’s Top Online Paralegal Programs: https://www.paralegal411.org/degrees/bachelors/online/
3. US News & World Report Best Law Schools 2022: https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-law-schools/law-rankings
4. US News & World Report Best Legal Writing Programs 2022: https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-law-schools/legal-writing-rankings
5. American Bar Association Approved Paralegal Programs: https://www.americanbar.org/groups/paralegals/
6. Niche: https://www.niche.com/
7. Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce, Ranking ROI of 4,500 US Colleges and Universities: https://cew.georgetown.edu/cew-reports/CollegeROI/