Though there are a few other associate-in -science paralegal programs throughout the state, SPC’s is the only ABA-approved program at a state institution.

ST. PETERSBURG – This month, St. Petersburg College’s Legal Studies programs gained re-approval from the American Bar Association.

The approval is for a period of seven years and follows the previous one held since 2012.

According to Dean Susan Demers, there are more than 1200 paralegal programs in the U.S., but only 266 have received approval from the ABA. Though there are a few other associate-in -cience programs throughout the state, SPC’s is the only ABA-approved program at a state institution.

“This means that this quality degree comes at the bargain state college tuition rate,” Demers said.

Since the ABA approves schools and not tracks, all three of SPC’s programs – the associate in science, the bachelor’s of applied science, and the post-four-year degree certificate – must meet the ABA’s rigorous guidelines.

After working with the ABA education consultant to line up the reporting complexities of the multiple program offerings and then documenting all learning down to the assignment level within the program, a two-member team visited SPC last September and met with students, faculty, administrative staff and the advisory committee to confirm the school’s reports.

Demers said much was learned in the process.

“As with all self-studies, we learned many things that will make the program better and our graduates stronger,” she said. “I deeply value both the final approval and what we learned along the way.”

Photo courtesy of St. Petersburg College.

St. Petersburg College | Legal Studies | Paralegal | Education | Tampabay News

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