Hi, I'am currently completing my High School Diploma with them. And I'am interested in law at the moment will Education Direct's ASB Degree in Paralegal Studies be sufficient in California?. I dont plan on getting a job with the paralegal degee, but I want to use it as a stepping stone in getting a Bachelor Degree with Kaplan. Then I would apply for Concord Law School. Am on the right track? if not can someone help me get on the right track. Thanks. MATTY
You wish to become a lawyer in California? You wish to become so with a distance learning law degree?
No, I do not plan on being a lawer. I just wish to study law when im done with my High School Diploma. I'am more into business and banking procedures, I guess I just wish to study law for satisfaction plus I always had a interest in it, but would never make it my profession.
Hi Sauseda, I'm just curious...what do you plan to major in at Kaplan and what profession do you wish to pursue? I think it's admirable that you wish to study law. Good luck. Trish
Were you aiming to become a lawyer then there would be quite a tale to tell and much better tellers than your immediate respondent. There are, and particularly in California, a number of schools to satisfy your goal. Do a web search on something like < law schools distance learning > and you should find a few less expensive ones than Concord. Then check back here for opinions on the legitimacy and quality of the schools you like. That should do it.
Hello, Trish. With Kaplan I’ am currently wishing to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Paralegal Studies, I currently have no experience in law what so ever, that is why I was asking if the Associates Degree from Education Direct would be a good stepping stone. I was thinking I would do the Education Direct Associate Degree then use it to get into Kaplan’s Bachelor Degree, and I see from Concords website that a Bachelor is required for enrollment. I know all these degrees will take years, but in my opinion will be worth the hassle. However I do not plan on making it a profession at all I just wish to do it for satisfaction and pleasure. MATTY
reply Matty, How are you? It is good to see a young person taking interest in their future as you are. I have graduated from Education Direct with an Associate in Specialized Business with a major in Busines Management. I would definately recommend Education Direct to earn your degree. It is flexible and it is cost effective. Yes, there are some that would tell you that you should strictly go with a regionally accredited degree, but Education Direct has many schools that will accept their degrees for transfer. Kaplan is one that will accept DETC accredited, at least the last time I knew. You may also want to consider doing instead of Paralegal Studies, Criminal Justice. Education Direct offers Criminal Justice and you could then transfer to Excelsior College, where you could earn a Bachelor degree in Criminal Justice, as there regionally accredited. That is up to you. My point here, is that you can get a degree from Education Direct, that is DETC accredited and then transfer to a school that is regionally accredited (bachelor's level) and make out just as well, and save some money and time. Anyway, I would like to help you if you would like, so if you have many questions regarding accreditation, transfer credits, and such, you can send me a pm and I would be happy to help out. There are no dumb questions, and it is best for you to get all of your questions answered, and to have some, instead of winding up waisting time and money. The other thing you may want to consider is before exploring schools, to also check with a lawyer or paralegal in your area, or talk to a police officer. This way, this can give you an idea of what your interests may be and what you may have not known about each profession. Keep up the good work!
Philosophy, thank you very much. You have ansered all my questions in your post. If I have further questions I will PM you. Again thankyou.
Matty- I was in the Paralegal degree program from Ed Direct. It is a great program and you can use the credits at Kaplan, UOP, etc. The degree does suffice for Calif. law governing paralegals however, the degree will not be accepted by the State Bar if you try to gain addmission to law school with your ASB degree alone. Already tried it! The Calif. State Bar requires an AA, AS, Bachelor's of any type or three CLEP exams. I'm currently pursuing my BS in Criminal Justice and then I plan to attend William Howard Taft University (much cheaper and same accreditation as Concord) for my JD. If I can be of any help just send me a PM. Take Care and Good Luck! Jay
Re: reply I don't think Excelsior will accept credits from Ed Direct Criminal Justice Program. I know they will accept the ACE credits. The whole program would have to be ACE reviewed and according to Ed Direct only the business programs have been 100% ACE reviewed. Does anyone have info or experience to the contrary. I would be interested in knowing. Thanks
I Found the following information in Business_Catalog,Excelsior College Page 8 Credit Sources "Any Degree-granting University or college accredited by or holding candidacy status with one of the regional accrediting agencies" Ed direct got candidacy status from Middle States Commision of Higer Education(Middle States Association of colleges and schools) in 2003 I got this info from the following website http://www.msache.org/msache/content/direch.asp So I think Excelsior will accept credits from Ed Direct Criminal Justice Program.
Rocksat- Good point. I did not realize they had gained candidacy with MSA. I wonder why Ed Direct doesn't list that on their website. In any event, I will be enrolling with Excelsior soon. I will let you know if they take my credits.
Actually they do. Ed Direct includes the Middle States Association's logo on their home page, right next to the DETC logo. Their recent regional accreditation status is also reflected on the CHEA web site at: http://www.chea.org/institutions/action.cfm?CheaID=509.0 Please do post about your experiences with acceptance at Excelsior. Since Ed Direct now has RA for most of its programs, DETC for all, and ACE reviews on individual courses, it will be interesting to see if all that is finally enough for RA acceptance of credits. If so, then Ashworth should consider trying for the same accreditation status since they are Ed Direct's closest competitor. Good luck Jay, I really hope it works out for you! Kit
Excelsior and Education Direct Kit- I have good news! On March 25th, 2005, I received my official evaluation from Excelsior. Excelsior would not award credit for units earned in the associates’ degree (paralegal) program at Education Direct. Their basis for denial: the classes had not been ACE reviewed. I immediately faxed the following letter to my advisor: “I’m writing you in regards to my Student Evaluation Summary dated 3/25/05. In this report you stated the school could not award credit for the Paralegal Studies classes taken at Education Direct. Your premise for denial was due to the courses not being reviewed by the American Council of Education (ACE). The courses may not have been ACE reviewed however, Education Direct is accredited by the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC) and holds candidacy status with Middle States Commission on Higher Education, a regional accrediting body. For your convenience, I have referenced three web links which verifies their status as a candidate for regional accreditation. They are as follows: Middle States Commission on Higher Education http://www.msche.org/institutions_view.asp?idinstitution=161 Council for Higher Education Accreditation http://www.chea.org/institutions/action.cfm?CheaID=509.0 US Department of Education-Office of Postsecondary Education http://www.ope.ed.gov/accreditation/InstDetail.asp Therefore, according to the school’s policy the credits should be considered for transfer. I wish to direct your attention to the School of Liberal Studies catalog, page 8, section titled credit sources. It states credit may be awarded from “Any degree-granting college or university accredited by or holding candidacy status with one of the regional accrediting agencies recognized by the US Secretary of Education and/or CHEA…” (page 8, Excelsior College, Liberal Arts Catalog). Based on these facts, I believe it is appropriate for the school to apply these units toward my program. I request that you reconsider applying the units earned at Education Direct toward my Excelsior program”. Today, I received the verdict. Excelsior is going to award credit for the units earned at Education Direct. HOORAY!!
