Online Paralegal Degrees: Reviewing Top Programs

Foundations of Paralegal Degrees

Paralegal studies cover the foundations of law, legal writing and research, negotiation, and ethics. Shorter programs, including certificates and associate degrees, stick with more general classes. However if you pursue a bachelor’s degree, you may be able to specialize in a particular type of law, such as real estate, family law, criminal law, or estate planning. Throughout your coursework and in your career as a paralegal, every day you’ll draw on your communication and interpersonal skills, detail orientation, organizational skills, and research abilities. By completing your degree online, you’ll have the flexibility to study when and where works best for you.

Still interested? Let’s take a deeper look at career paths in the paralegal field and see which one might be the right fit.

Possible Careers with a Paralegal Degree

As a paralegal, you’ll have plenty of options for which direction to take your career, providing a great way to tie your work to your natural interests. As you start looking at paralegal programs, review the course listings to see which are a match. The list of fields and possible jobs below will give you an idea of what might be ahead for you.

Paralegal Salary Trends

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Difference in Degree Levels for Paralegals

You’ll have a few pathways to choose from for becoming a paralegal, each catering to a different segment of the student population. The quickest entry point is to pursue a paralegal certificate program. Some certificate programs require you to already have an associate or bachelor’s degree, while others are open to high school graduates.

Associate degrees are another popular entry point, generally requiring just two years of study. However, some employers prefer paralegals with bachelor’s degrees. These degrees can be in paralegal studies or legal studies.

If you have a bachelor’s in an unrelated topic, you can complete a post-baccalaureate certificate. No matter the program you’re leaning toward, you’ll find fully online options for each.

All About Undergraduate Certificates

The quickest, most convenient, and (in most cases) most affordable way to prepare for a paralegal career is through an online paralegal certificate program. Curriculum requirements and completion times vary by program, but you’ll find most require a full-time commitment of around one year.

Part-time options are also available from some programs and require around 1½ years to complete. Read the program materials carefully; some certificates are designed for those who already have an associate or bachelor’s degree, while others are open to those with a high school diploma or the equivalent.

STEPS Pick: Best Online Undergraduate Certificate Program

California State University, East Bay’s Certificate in Paralegal Studies

Approved by the American Bar Association (ABA), this standout paralegal certificate program is for students who have at least 53 college credits. Prospective paralegals start the program in either August or January and take a mix of synchronous and asynchronous courses. Instructors are legal experts and practicing attorneys. The program requires 10 core courses, one elective, and an internship, and takes 12 months to complete. However, if you need a slower pace, you can take up to three years to finish it.

Associate Degrees for Paralegals

The most common and most popular path to paralegal career preparation is an associate degree. Associate degree programs typically require earning (depending on term lengths) 60 to 90 credits and are commonly completed with two years of full-time study or less, with transfer credits. Associate degree paralegal programs offer a great balance between a quick completion time (approximately half that of a bachelor’s program) and the ability to apply credits earned to a future bachelor’s program.

STEPS Pick: Best Online Associate Degree Program

Northwest Arkansas Community College’s Paralegal Studies Program

Another ABA-approved program, this top online paralegal associate degree program puts you on the path to earn an Associate of Applied Science in Paralegal studies in as little as two years. Classes are offered online or on-campus. With the knowledge this program provides in legal research, torts, contracts, legal writing, civil litigation, bankruptcy law, immigration law, and computers and the law, you’ll be ready to land a job in the legal area of your choice.

Inside Online Bachelor’s Degrees

Getting your bachelor’s degree in paralegal studies offers some serious benefits. These programs are a great choice for anyone considering continuing their academic studies later to earn a graduate degree or even attend law school.

A paralegal bachelor’s degree also helps job seekers stand out from their associate degree competition. Like most bachelor’s degrees, the typical completion time for a full-time paralegal bachelor’s program is around four years.

STEPS Pick: Best Online Bachelor’s Degree Program

Davenport University’s Bachelor of Science-Legal Studies

Davenport University takes a hands-on approach to the Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies program. Internships, study abroad programs, and other real-world learning opportunities will help you stand out.

Coursework at this includes a mix of legal and business classes, including legal research, litigation, legal writing, project management, macroeconomics, and managerial accounting, plus general education classes.

Exploring Paralegal Master’s Programs

If you want to get to the top of your field, a master’s in paralegal studies is the way to go. These credentials can put you at the top of the list for promotions, salary increases, and added responsibilities. Paralegal master’s programs are relatively niche, so be sure to weigh the benefits against the costs as you consider applying for admission. You’ll need a bachelor’s degree to apply, though it doesn’t have to be in paralegal studies. You may also be qualified to teach in a paralegal program with this degree.

STEPS Pick: Best Online Master’s Degree Program

The George Washington University’s Paralegal Studies Master of Professional Studies

Approved by the ABA, this online master’s program is geared toward working professionals and nontraditional students. It requires nine credits of synchronous instruction. Classes include American Jurisprudence, Advanced Legal Writing, Administrative Law, Intellectual Property Law, and a noncredit practicum. To apply, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree, 3.0 GPA, and letter of recommendation. The program also offers an 18-credit graduate certificate.

Questions for Finding the Right Program

Your level of education will determine which type of paralegal program makes sense for you, and our rankings list will help you find the very best option. As you review the curriculum and size up the coursework, are you excited about what you see? If so, you’re on the right track.

Your next step is to think through the career itself. We’ve developed a list of questions to ask yourself to consider if the everyday work life of a paralegal is a good fit for you. If any of these questions give you pause, that doesn’t necessarily mean the career isn’t a good fit, though you might want to take a few extra steps to get the support you need to thrive as a paralegal.

Am I okay with being supervised by an attorney?

If you’re used to being the boss, stop and consider how you’ll react to taking direction from a supervising attorney. You may find that you’re most comfortable in a smaller legal office, where you can work shoulder to shoulder with the attorney. You might also opt for a large legal office with multiple paralegals to learn from.

Is highly detailed work appealing to me?

Legal work is rarely simple. The amount of research, writing, and rewriting can be intense, and details matter — every time. One way to ease the stress of highly detailed work is to work in a legal field that’s of the most interest to you. For example, if you’re passionate about immigration law you’ll find the details come much more naturally.

Am I prepared to deal with people in distress?

A legal career has a certain amount of conflict built in. In cases where someone is accused of a crime, they’ll be understandably upset and scared about the potential implications. If you’re in family law, divorces and custody cases can be intense. You may have to deliver bad news or explain complicated scenarios with clients who are frightened or angry. Consider the possibilities and talk to others in the field to ensure you’ll be comfortable with your job duties.

Am I organized?

You’ll be dealing with reams of legal documents, and you’ll be responsible for being able to put your hands on exactly what you need, when you need it. If that sounds like a breeze, great! If not, think through the best organizational systems to keep yourself on track, and ask experienced paralegals for their tips and tricks.

Am I able to work long hours, as needed?

If a case is headed to court, you may be asked to put in extra hours to make sure the research and exhibits are ready. If overtime isn’t an option due to your other responsibilities, be sure to ask about the expectations once you have your degree and are interviewing for jobs.

What is Pricing Like for a Paralegal Degree?

Even though online paralegal programs offer a more affordable way to get the education you need, you may still be looking for help to pay for it. Qualifying students in an online paralegal program have access to a wide range of financial aid opportunities, including scholarships, grants, student loans, and more.

An associate degree is a popular option to get into the paralegal field. Because many associate degree are offered by community colleges, they can be some of the most economical options. For example, the Northwest Arkansas Community College Paralegal Studies Program is just $91/credit (or $5,500 overall) if you live in the district. Community college credits will transfer smoothly into a bachelor’s degree program if you decide to continue your education.

Certificate programs are another cost-effective option. The Paralegal Online Program from Duke University is self-paced and 100% online, with a price tag of $6,995 — a manageable investment to get you into a new career.

Online learning doesn’t have the expenses that go along with on-campus programs. You don’t have to move across the country, you can continue working in your current job (and potentially get tuition reimbursement from your employer), and many programs will allow you to set your own pace. All that makes good financial sense as you head into the paralegal field.

Student Help Center: Common Paralegal Questions

How long does it take to complete a paralegal degree program?

Associate degree programs typically require around two years of full-time study, bachelor’s degrees require around four years of full-time study, and paralegal certificates require around one year of full-time study. Your actual program length will also depend on variables like specific program requirements, choice of full-time or part-time study, and your number of transfer credits.

What’s the job outlook for paralegal degree program graduates?

The job outlook for paralegals in the U.S. is solid. According to the most recent figures available from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of paralegals and legal assistants is projected to grow by 1% between 2023 and 2033. In terms of earnings, the figures are also quite solid, with median annual wages for paralegals and legal assistants at $60,970. That’s almost $13,000 higher than the current median annual wage for all occupations.

What skills will I develop in a paralegal degree program?

We’re talking about marketable skills here, the kind lawyers value and rely upon from the paralegals they employ. Here are a few of the most important:

• Knowledge of the law, particularly legal terms and judicial system processes
• Communication skills, both written and oral, for effective interaction with lawyers, fellow staff members, and clients
• Research skills for conducting legal research applicable to your clients’ cases
• Critical thinking, organizational, and time management skills
• Legal principles and ethics, both in terms of general legal practice and specifically regarding paralegal conduct

Do I need to be certified to work as a paralegal after completing a paralegal degree program?

Paralegal certification, such as from The Paralegal Association, isn’t strictly a requirement to practice as a paralegal. However, it’s not uncommon for employers to require certification as a condition of employment. And even if not required, certification provides a major leg up on the competition.

Can I specialize in a specific area of law within a paralegal degree program?

Most online paralegal programs don’t offer specific concentrations or specializations, however you may have electives that you can use to carve out your own specialization. If specializing is of interest, consider the fully online Paralegal Certificate Program at Emory University, which allows students to add a specialization in one of nine legal subfields. Popular areas of specialization include civil litigation, criminal law, family law, medical malpractice, and personal injury.

Making an Informed Decision

You’ve gotten quite a bit of information on how to become a paralegal, and you might even have a list of schools to consider. If so, that’s great! You’re already on the path to a rewarding and challenging new career.

If you’re not quite sure, that’s okay too. Choosing a career field, the right type of program, and a specific school is a lot. Use our rankings list as a starting point to explore top paralegal programs and narrow down your list. Request information and set up appointments with admissions advisors so you can ask questions and get a feel for each school.

With the right fit, your online education will fly by. You’ll be brimming with knowledge and confidence, ready to start your paralegal career.

Best Paralegal Programs: Online Edition

With some good marketing, every paralegal program may look like a winner. That’s where our rankings come in.

Our system assesses key factors for each program and delivers a list of the very best. We focus on the criteria most important to you, including accreditation, online learning options, and access to academic support and career placement services. We also consider the variety of available programs, student engagement, tuition costs, graduation rates, financial aid availability, and student-to-faculty ratios.

The results below highlight top online paralegal studies programs. You can sort them by two-year and four-year schools to find the best fit for your needs.