The verdict is in: Clarion’s paralegal programs are ranked 11th in the nation.
Student Training and Education in Public Service, otherwise known as STEPS, determined this ranking for Clarion's Bachelor of Science in Business Administration paralegal program and the Bachelor of Science in integrative studies: paralegal program.
The ranking comes as no surprise to Clarion's faculty who have worked to meet exceptional standards in paralegal education.
"Over the past few years, with the support of Dean (Phillip) Frese and the entire College of Business and Information Sciences, Clarion's paralegal programs have grown from an associate degree at our branch campus to an outstanding, nationally recognized superior paralegal program. We now consist of an American Bar Association accredited B.S.B.A. in business and an outstanding liberal arts centered program in integrative studies: paralegal. This allows students to streamline their education to the type of law they wish to be engaged in," said Clarion Associate Professor C. Frank Shepard, MA, JD.
"To this outstanding array, we have also added an American Bar Association certificate that can be taken as a post-baccalaureate or in combination with any other major. We are proud of our programs and the recognition they have received," Shepard added.
According to the STEPS website, "To be eligible for this ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on government data provided by The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System:
- Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
- At least one program in subject area offered partially or fully online.
"After generating the list of eligible schools, the STEPS data team then assigned weights and ranked schools based on a mix of affordability, support services, and online program availability. Online program availability and overall affordability received the heaviest weightings."
The B.S.B.A. in paralegal studies is a unique and highly marketable paralegal business degree at Clarion. Graduates of the B.S.B.A. paralegal studies program develop expertise in the business field and also become paralegals.
The program is accredited by the most elite business organization, Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International, and the most elite paralegal approval organization, the American Bar Association.
The B.S. in integrative studies: paralegal, is a paralegal program offered from an arts and sciences perspective. Like the B.S.B.A. in paralegal studies, it is approved by the American Bar Association. It is offered for those students who prefer a legal career not centered in the business world. All of our law classes are taught by experienced attorneys who practice what they are teaching.
In keeping with American Bar Association requirements, no fewer than nine legal specialty credits out of the 120-credit total must be taken synchronously, either face-to-face or multi-modal via zoom or other platforms. These programs are available on campus or online.