Crestpoint University was founded in 2003 and has been continuously accredited by the DEAC since 2006. Initially offering 10 courses and one academic program, Crestpoint now offers seven academic programs and more than 100 courses. Crestpoint courses are instructor-led and feature live interaction with instructors and lectures and other materials that can be viewed or downloaded for offline use by students at any time.
Until 2024, Crestpoint University was known as National Paralegal College. Our paralegal programs continue to be offered under National Paralegal College, which is now a division of Crestpoint University.
Mission
The mission of Crestpoint University is to provide high-quality, accessible education that empowers students with diverse backgrounds and life circumstances to fulfill their academic and professional potential. We seek to provide students with the skills and knowledge they need for personal growth and career advancement, and to inspire students to promote honesty, ethical behavior, fairness, and equity in their communities.
The goals of Crestpoint University are to:
- Create an accessible, inclusive learning environment that acknowledges and accommodates the diverse needs, backgrounds, and experiences of our students, and that provides programs and educational services that give every student the opportunity to succeed.
- Offer flexible learning formats, including asynchronous and synchronous access to instruction, course materials and faculty, to fit the unique schedules and responsibilities of students.
- Build a supportive community that provides resources and services tailored to nontraditional students, including academic advising, mentoring, and career counseling to maximize students’ abilities to succeed.
- Use theory-based assessment to train students to maximize their academic talents and potential and skills-based assessments to connect academic theory with practical skills, preparing students for success in their professions.
- Conceive and implement policies that are student-centered and equitable.
- Instill in students values of ethical behavior and civic responsibility; inspiring students to contribute positively to their communities and professions.
- Offer individualized support to help each student identify and achieve their unique goals, ensuring they are prepared for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
Admissions Criteria
To apply for admission, please complete and submit our online application form. If there is information that you are not comfortable providing online, please call Crespoint’s admissions office at 800-371-6105, ext. 0, to discuss your options. Only individuals who have earned a high school diploma, G.E.D., or equivalent will be considered for admission to Crestpoint. No other formal training or education is required. However, individuals should only apply to Crestpoint if they are capable of reading at a college level and if they are committed to putting a significant amount of work and effort into their education.
Academic Programs
Crestpoint University offers programs leading to:
- Certificate in Paralegal Studies
- Associate of Paralegal Studies
- Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies
- Bachelor of Business Administration
- Bachelor of Science in Psychology
- Master of Science in Legal Studies,
- Master of Science in Compliance Law,
All programs consist of highly interactive structured courses.
To facilitate the ability of students with college credits to earn their certificates or degrees in an expeditious and efficient manner, Crestpoint accepts certain transfer credits earned in pursuit of a degree from colleges and universities accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the United States Department of Education or a foreign equivalent.
Crestpoint accepts transfer credits that are recommended for credit by the American Council on Education (ACE), the National College Credit Recommendation Service (NCCRS) or the Connecticut Credit Assessment Program (CCAP), provided that transfer credit from noncollegiate sources may not constitute more than 25% of the student's program's credit requirements. For example, a student seeking an associate's degree in paralegal studies requires 60 credits in all, and so may transfer a maximum of 15 credits towards that degree from noncollegiate sources. In addition, transfer credit from noncollegiate sources may not replace a core course in any academic program. For example, a "Torts" course from a noncollegiate source may not be used to replace the "Torts and Personal Injury" core course requirement for Crestpoint's paralegal certificate, Associate in Paralegal Studies and Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies programs. For this purpose, "noncollegiate sources" means credit for any course not provided on the transcript of a college or university accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the United States Department of Education or foreign equivalent.
For details on Crestpoint’s transfer credit policy, including those that apply to each program, please see the Crestpoint school catalog. If a student wishes to transfer from Crestpoint to another institution, the extent to which such institution will accept Crestpoint credits is determined by the receiving institution.
Academic Advisement
Crestpoint University employs a staff of academic advisors to help guide new students through the study and work process. Newly enrolled students are assigned a personal advisor who will help them get acclimated to the school and give them specific study suggestions, and can also review and give feedback on early assignment submissions before they are submitted for grading. All Crestpoint academic advisors are graduates of Crestpoint, so they know the "ropes" and what it feels like to be a new student. This is in addition to the availability of all faculty members for advice, encouragement and feedback. At Crestpoint, you are never alone in your education.
A student who requires reasonable academic accommodations based on disability should complete and submit the disability accommodation request form along with supporting documentation. Each request will be evaluated individually. Please note that accommodations cannot be made if they would fundamentally alter the nature of the student's academic program. Please send the completed form and documentation only to Crestpoint's Director of Compliance, Amy Dubitsky, Dean Stephen Haas, or an Crestpoint official to whom you have been referred for disability accommodation.
Voice Proctor
Crestpoint uses the Voice Proctor system for exam security. Voice Proctor uses voice biometrics to ensure that the person taking the exam is the student who has registered for the course. This system protects Crestpoint's academic integrity while allowing students to take exams at the time and location of their convenience, without being in front of a camera.
