Trade Schools
If you want to become a paralegal in the state of Missouri, the first step is to earn a certificate or degree provided by a community college or university.
Holding a degree in Paralegal Studies is highly desirable by employers.
A degree in Criminal Justice, Business, or a related field may also qualify you for work as a paralegal in a law office or similar setting.
Paralegal certificate programs are also available and designed for students who already have a degree in a different field.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Missouri paralegals reportedly made $58,040 per year, on average.
To help you choose the path and the program that best meets your needs, on this page we have compiled information about the best paralegal training programs in Missouri.
1Culver Stockton College
About the School
Founded in 1853, Culver Stockton College now offers more than 80 majors and minors.
The college’s campus covers 140 acres and sits atop “the Hill”
Culver Stockton College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Courses Offered
The college provides a Legal Studies major that gives students the opportunity and skills to work in a legal environment upon graduation or be ready for law school.
The curriculum includes core courses such as:
- Legal Issues
- Introduction to Law
- Criminal Law
- Civil Litigation and Procedure
- Legal Research, Analysis, and Writing
- Constitutional Law
- Senior Legal Seminar
- Logic
- And more
Students also need to complete 12 hours selected from elective courses such as:
- Communications Law
- Real Estate
- Ethics and the Legal Professional
- Current Issues in Legal Studies
- Comparative Criminal Justice
- Selected Topics in Legal Studies
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: One College Hill, Canton, MO 63435
- Phone: 573-288-6000
- Website: https://culver.edu
2Drury University
About the School
Drury University is a small private university located in Springfield, Missouri.
Students receive life and career credentials and have the chance to pursue their intellectual passions while becoming technically proficient and career-ready.
The university is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association.
Courses Offered
Drury University provides a Paralegal Studies degree that focuses on the study of American court systems, constitutional law, criminal law, civil law, legal research, legal writing, discovery, and interviewing and investigating.
Students also attend a Legal Practicum- an unpaid internship with a practicing attorney.
The internship emphasizes practical applications and prepares students for real-world scenarios.
The curriculum includes the following required courses:
- Introduction to Law and Legal Reasoning
- Legal Research and Writing for Paralegals
- Criminal Law for Paralegals
- Litigation
- Tort Law
- Family Law
- Professional Practicum
Contact Information
- Address: 900 North Benton Avenue, Springfield, MO 65802
- Phone: (417) 873-7879
- Website: https://www.drury.edu
3Maryville University
About the School
Maryville University provides more than 90 undergraduate and graduate college majors.
The university is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
The full-time rate is $12,383 per semester for full-time enrollment that includes 12-18 credits.
The part-time rate is $781 per credit hour.
Courses Offered
Maryville University provides a Liberal Studies major as well as a Pre-Law major.
The university provides legal-related courses such as:
- Business Law
- Legal Environment of Business
- Legal and Financial Management
- Medical Law and Risk Management
- Law, Ethics, and Testimony
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 650 Maryville University Drive, St. Louis, Missouri 63141
- Phone: 314.529.9360
- Website: https://www.maryville.edu
4Saint Louis University
About the School
Saint Louis University provides several colleges and schools, including a College of Arts and Sciences, a School of Law, a School of Social Work, a School of Science and Engineering, and more.
The School of Law provides four concentrations, 10 dual degree programs, three centers of excellence, extensive professional skills training, and public service opportunities.
Courses Offered
The university’s School of Law provides a full-time and a part-time evening program that leads to a Juris Doctor degree.
Students must complete 91 credit hours, including 30 hours of first-year core curriculum, four upper-division course requirements, and elective credits.
The program includes courses such as:
- Contracts
- Torts
- Introduction to Legal Studies
- Legal Research and Writing
- Criminal Law
- Civil Procedure
- Constitutional Law
- Electives
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 1 N Grand Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63103
- Website: https://www.slu.edu
5University of Missouri
About the School
The University of Missouri has a School of Law founded in 1872.
The school boasts four clinics, three centers, nine dual degree programs, and 10 certificate programs.
The University of Missouri is fully accredited by Cognia and the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement.
Courses Offered
The following areas of study are available:
- Criminal Justice (Concentration)- a program designed for students who are beginning their legal careers as prosecutors or criminal defense counsels and for those who want to learn the skills necessary to the practice of law in legal analysis, factual investigation, negotiations, and other substantive areas
- Dispute Resolution (Certificate)- a program that teaches students about client counseling, negotiation, mediation, arbitration, and creative problem-solving
- Tax Law (Concentration)- a program that provides students with entry-level competence to begin practicing law with appropriate supervision in the concentration’s subject matter area or in a practice setting
Contact Information
- Address: Columbia, MO 65211
- Phone: 573-882-2121
- Website: https://missouri.edu
6University of Missouri- St Louis
About the School
The University of Missouri- St Louis has a beautiful 450-acre campus and provides a variety of academic programs at the undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, and professional levels.
More than 50 degrees are offered.
Fully online and evening formats are available to fit different student lifestyles.
Courses Offered
The University of Missouri- St Louis provides a Legal Studies Program that introduces students to the role of the law in regulating relations among individuals, businesses, and governments.
The program covers law-related topics while also encouraging critical thinking and reasoning skills.
Classes in international business law are also available at the university and promote student awareness of the differences in major legal systems and global legal trends.
Contact Information
- Address: 1 University Blvd. St. Louis, MO 63121-4400
- Phone: (314) 516-5000
- Website: https://www.umsl.edu
7Missouri Western State University
About the School
Missouri Western State University provides opportunities for its students to gain hands-on experience in and out of the classroom, preparing them to excel in their careers and make a difference in the community.
Courses Offered
A Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Legal Studies pathway is available at the university, among many other programs.
This program prepares students to work as paralegals, legal professionals, or for law school.
Associate of Science, Certificate, and Minor programs are also included in the Missouri Western State University catalog.
One such example is the Legal Assistance Certificate program.
This curriculum includes courses such as:
- Introduction to Law
- Paralegal Studies
- Legal Research
- Legal Drafting
- Advanced Legal Research
- And more
Students also have access to electives such as Criminal Evidence, Business Law, Real Property, Probate Law, Domestic Relations, Civil Rights Law, Selected Legal Topics, and more.
To qualify for admission into the Legal Assistance Certificate program, students must have earned at least 30 college credits prior to enrolling in this program.
Contact Information
- Address: 4525 Downs Drive, St. Joseph, MO 64507
- Phone: (816) 271-4200
- Website: https://www.missouriwestern.edu
8Park University
About the School
Park University has a flagship campus in Parkville, a new residential campus in Gilbert, campus centers across the United States, and also provides more than 60 online degrees.
More than 40 majors and more than 30 minors are available at the university.
Park University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Courses Offered
The Legal Studies Minor offered by Park University is designed for students who want to pursue further study in different areas of law.
The program prepares students for careers as legislative assistants, paralegals/legal assistants, or judicial administrators.
The curriculum includes courses in topics such as:
- American National Government
- Introduction to Law
- Constitutional Law
- Congress and the Presidency
- Internship
- Fundamentals of Logic
This minor requires 18 hours and a 2.5 GPA.
Contact Information
- Address: 8700 NW River Park Drive, Parkville, MO 64152
- Phone: 816-741-2000
- Website: https://www.park.edu
9Rockhurst University
About the School
Rockhurst University provides bachelor’s degrees and graduate programs rooted in Jesuit philosophy and the liberal arts tradition.
The university is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association.
Courses Offered
The university’s catalog includes a Pre-Law program designed to advise students about the opportunity of attending law school and entering the legal profession.
A Paralegal Minor is also available at the school.
The following courses are required for the completion of this minor:
- Legal Theory and Practice
- Ethics and Professionalism
- Litigation and Trial Practice
- Legal Research
Students also have to complete two three-credit, upper-division electives.
They can choose from courses such as:
- Business Organization
- Real Estate Law
- Estate Planning and Probate Administration
- Contract Law
- Evidence Law
- Introduction to the Criminal Justice System
- Tort Law
- Domestic Relations
Contact Information
- Address: 1100 Rockhurst Road, Kansas City, MO 64110
- Phone: 816-501-4000
- Website: https://www.rockhurst.edu
10St. Louis Community College
About the School
St. Louis Community College has four campuses, two education centers, two training centers, and four centers of excellence.
The college is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1966.
Courses Offered
Among many other areas of study, the college provides a program on Legal Studies for the Paralegal.
The following credentials are available for students enrolled in this program:
- Associate in Applied Science
- Certificate of Proficiency
The Certificate requires the completion of courses such as:
- Introduction to Law
- Law Office Management
- Computers and the Law
- Legal Research
- Civil Litigation
- And more
Electives are also available at the college.
Students choose from courses such as Contract Law, Tort Law, Family Law, Real Estate Law, Employment Law, Advanced Civil Litigation, Paralegal Clinical Studies, and more.
Contact Information
- Address: 3400 Pershall Road, Ferguson, MO 63135 (Florissant Valley)
- Phone: 314-513-4200
- Website: https://stlcc.edu
Regional Salary in Missouri
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Columbia, MO | 170 | $57,750 | $27.77 | $86,970 | $38,900 |
| Jefferson City, MO | 170 | $49,000 | $23.56 | $60,360 | $36,250 |
| Joplin, MO | 120 | $50,540 | $24.3 | $74,850 | $34,500 |
| Kansas City, MO-KS | 3,140 | $62,110 | $29.86 | $84,980 | $40,000 |
| St. Joseph, MO-KS | 50 | $51,810 | $24.91 | $68,200 | $37,870 |
| St. Louis, MO-IL | 3,030 | $62,840 | $30.21 | $84,680 | $39,210 |
| Springfield, MO | 390 | $54,630 | $26.26 | $76,380 | $37,070 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Final Thoughts
If you want to become ready for employment as a Paralegal, there are plenty of schools that provide specialized training programs.
Classes are available online and in person to allow students to complete the coursework while keeping a full-time job.
Now that you have read our selection of the best Paralegal schools in Missouri, the next step is to continue the research, gather information about all the factors that are relevant to you, and choose the program that best meets your needs.
