Online Paralegal Degrees: Reviewing Top Programs

Types of Paralegal Degree Programs

As an aspiring paralegal, you have a few different options for your education.

If you’re looking to kickstart your career as soon as possible, a certificate program may be up your alley. But if you’re looking to set yourself apart from others, you may want to consider spending a bit more time in school to pursue a bachelor’s degree.

Learn more about each of the different degree types below so you can decide which one is right for you.

Undergraduate Certificates

The quickest, most convenient, and most affordable way to prepare for a paralegal career is through an online paralegal certificate program.

While overall requirements vary by program, you’ll find that most require a full-time, one-year commitment. Part-time options are also available from some programs and require around 1½ years to complete.

When looking at different programs, make sure to carefully read through the admission requirements, as some programs are open to those with a high school diploma, while others require an associate or bachelor’s degree.

STEPS Pick: 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. Students have the option of starting the program either in the fall (August) or spring (January).

The certificate includes a mix of synchronous and asynchronous courses taught by legal experts and practicing attorneys.

The program requires 10 core courses, one elective, and an internship. If you study full-time, the program takes 12 months to complete. However, if you need a slower pace, you can take up to three years to finish it.

Associate Degrees

The most common and most popular path for aspiring paralegals is an associate degree. These programs typically require 60 to 90 credits and are commonly completed with two years of full-time study.

Associate degrees in paralegal studies offer a great balance for students seeking a quick program and setting themselves up for professional success and/or further education. While they take about half the amount of time as bachelor’s programs, they give students more applicable credits to transfer for future studies compared to certificates.

STEPS Pick: Northwest Arkansas Community College’s Paralegal Studies Program

Another ABA-approved program, this 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 and on campus, giving students the choice to choose which format works best for them. With the comprehensive knowledge this program provides in legal research, torts, contracts, legal writing, civil litigation, bankruptcy law, immigration law, and more, you’ll be ready to land a job in the legal area of your choice.

Bachelor’s Degrees

Online bachelor’s degrees in paralegal studies are a great choice for anyone thinking about eventually pursuing a graduate degree or even attending law school.

When it comes to competing in the job market, a bachelor’s degree can help you stand out from others with an associate’s or certificate.

Like most other bachelor’s degrees, the typical completion time for full-time paralegal students is around four years.

STEPS Pick: Davenport University’s Bachelor of Science-Legal Studies

Davenport University takes a hands-on approach to the Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies program through internships, study abroad programs, and other real-world learning opportunities.

Coursework in this program is a mix of legal and business classes, including legal research, litigation, legal writing, project management, macroeconomics, and managerial accounting, alongside general education classes.

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. You may also be qualified to teach in a paralegal program with this degree.

Paralegal master’s programs are relatively few and far between, so you’ll most likely be looking at a master’s in legal studies instead.

Given their rarity, make sure you take the necessary time to weigh how a master’s in paralegal studies could help your career and if it’s worth the investment of your time and money.

STEPS Pick: 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 in classes that 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 a letter of recommendation.

Types of Paralegals

As a paralegal, you’ll have plenty of options for which direction to take your career.

As you compare paralegal programs, review the curriculum to see which program matches the specialty you’re most interested in.

Keep reading to learn more about the five most popular types of paralegals:

Paralegal Salary Trends

Should I Become a Paralegal?

Now that you have a better idea of which type of program makes sense for you and where your education can take you, are you excited about taking the next step?

If so, you’re on the right track.

Before pursuing any education, it’s important to think with the end in mind. To help you reflect on whether becoming a paralegal is a good fit for you, we’ve developed a list of questions to ask yourself.

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 education than traditional programs, cost is still an important factor to consider. While every program will come with a different price tag, there are a couple of universal things to keep in mind:

• Community colleges, which offer certificates and associate degrees, typically cost less than four-year colleges and universities.
• Financial aid, including scholarships and students loans, can help you lower your tuition total.
• Asynchronous, online learning is a great option if you want to continue to work (and make money) while studying.

The most important thing to keep in mind is to look at all costs that come with a program, not just tuition. Look at different factors like application fees, textbooks, and technology fees in order to get the full picture of how much your paralegal program will cost.

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.

Best Online Paralegal Programs

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.