Rankings

EKU is the only university in the nation to claim all six of these outstanding recognitions
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Rankings

EKU is the only university in the nation to claim all six of these outstanding recognitions:

  1. EKU is included again in the US News and World Report’s annual listing of top colleges and universities as a first-tier regional university.
  2. EKU is listed by Forbes Magazine as being in the top 10 percent of America’s colleges and universities for the third year in a row.
  3. EKU is listed in the Top 10 Online Colleges in the Nation, according to Best Colleges online rankings.
  4. Military Times Edge Magazine ranks EKU highest among the Nation's top 100 colleges and universities listed in its upcoming "Best for Vets: Colleges" Issue.
  5. For the second consecutive year, EKU ranks in the top 15 percent of educational institutions doing the most to embrace veterans as students and was designated as one of America’s most Veteran Friendly campuses by GI Jobs magazine
  6. EKU is among only 230 of America’s colleges and universities to be recognized for community engagement – both curricular and in practice – by the Carnegie Foundation.

Accreditation

Eastern Kentucky University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS*).
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Accreditation

Eastern Kentucky University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS*):

This regional accrediting body is recognized by both the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA**) and the United States Department of Education (USDE).

*Eastern Kentucky University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award associate, baccalaureate, masters, and doctorate degrees. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of Eastern Kentucky University. The Commission on Colleges should be contacted only if there is evidence that appears to support an institution’s significant non-compliance with a requirement or standard.

** Council for Higher Education Accreditation: One Dupont Circle N.W., Suite 510, Washington, DC 20036 / Phone: 202-955-6126 / Web: www.chea.org

About EKU

A Distinguished Record of Educational Service
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About EKU: A Distinguished Record of Educational Service

Eastern Kentucky University is a regionally accredited, co-educational, public institution of higher education. Founded in Richmond, Kentucky, in 1906, the university offers both undergraduate and graduate level programs as well as professional training in a variety of fields including education, business, health sciences, art, justice, science and safety. Originally established to help prepare quality teachers for elementary and secondary schools, more than 100 years later, EKU has expanded exponentially to currently offer over 15,000 students each year over 165 general and liberal arts programs.

The university continues to honor its commitment to education and our students by implementing small class sizes and a low student-to-teacher ratio. By encouraging direct student-to-student and teacher-to-student interaction, as well as encouraging teachers to take a very personal vested interest in each student, Eastern Kentucky University demonstrates its dedication to providing high-quality instruction.

EKU Paralegal Program

Approved by the American Bar Association

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Distinguish yourself in a growing profession

If you’re ready to pursue an exciting career in the legal profession, the Paralegal Program at Eastern Kentucky University is your first choice for the level of education and preparation you’ll need to stand out from the crowd.

The EKU Paralegal Program has the distinction of being approved by the American Bar Association, which means that EKU delivers a first-rate paralegal program that adheres to the quality standards required by the ABA.  Courses are taught by career teachers and legal professionals with Juris Doctorate degrees who are judges, practicing attorneys, and elected officials---a unique arrangement, which gives students direct access to experts in their fields

Even with the uncertainty of the economy, the employment outlook for paralegals is bright.  According to the United States Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics*, the paralegal profession continues to grow at a pace quicker than the norm.  Although the job outlook is positive for this profession, applicants for these jobs should anticipate a significant increase in competition.  Paralegals who have formal training complemented by experience in the field are the most desirable candidates.

By combining a rigorous curriculum with internship opportunities, EKU’s program gives graduates a competitive edge for their job search.  Graduates of the EKU Paralegal Program are highly employable, with 70% of alumni reporting they have obtained jobs before graduation and 90% reporting they have secured a position within three months of graduation.  The credentials earned through EKU’s program are well respected in the legal community. 

A paralegal degree from Eastern Kentucky University is affordable and accessible.  Financial aid and scholarship opportunities are available, and students in the Central Kentucky area can complete the entire program at the Leestown Road Campus of Bluegrass Community & Technical College (BCTC) campus in Lexington or EKU’s main campus in Richmond. 

If you’re interested in pursuing a baccalaureate degree, the Bachelor of Arts (Paralegal Science B.A.) balances the study of law and paralegal skill with a thorough background of liberal arts.  Baccalaureate level paralegals have broad employment opportunities that may include law offices, community legal services programs, real estate, bankruptcy, medical malpractice, and product liability, and well as opportunities working with federal, state, and local government agencies, consumer organizations, and the courts.

If your goal is to enter the workforce quickly, the Associate degree program (Paralegal Studies A.A.S.) can be completed in approximately 21 month of full-time study.

The Post-Baccalaureate Certificate program is structured for students who already hold a baccalaureate degree in an area other than Paralegal Science.  The Certificate program prepares students to enter the paralegal workforce within nine months (only two semesters) and focuses on practical paralegal skills, including legal research, legal administration, and the latest applications of technology in the law office.

The Minor in Paralegal Science is designed for students who want to enhance their chosen baccalaureate degree program with a strong background in law and paralegal skills.

*Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition, http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos114.htm

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