Best Online Paralegal Certificate Programs in Ohio (OH)
Considering a paralegal career in Ohio? There’s never been a better time to join this rapidly growing profession. With demand for skilled paralegals on the rise across the state, earning your paralegal credentials can set you on a path to professional growth and job stability. Ohio offers a variety of accredited online and hybrid programs that equip you with the legal expertise, critical thinking skills, and communication abilities needed to thrive.
In this guide, STEPS has simplified your search by highlighting Ohio’s best paralegal programs, outlining financial aid opportunities, and sharing valuable salary insights and career trends.
Paralegal Certificates in Ohio
A wide variety of online paralegal programs are available, with the least intensive option being a certificate. Often, paralegal certificate programs a viable path into the profession particularly for students who already hold a degree and are employed in a related career. With a degree already in hand, professionals embarking on paralegal certificate programs in Ohio can build on their bachelor’s degree to gain a specialized education in the law in topics such as estate and probate, contracts, tort law, and other timely legal issues.
University of Cincinnati
The University of Cincinnati has an American Bar Association (ABA) approved online Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Paralegal Studies. The program, available to anyone with a bachelor’s degree in any field, focuses on the legal substance and functional legal skills necessary to prepare graduates for employment as paralegals immediately upon graduation. Students learn legal research, writing, and analytical skills.
Duration: 1 year
Mode: Online
Cost: $13,976 OH resident, $14,336 nonresident (including fees)
Curriculum:
- Exploring the Legal Profession
- Legal Research and Writing
- Law Office Technology
- Civil Litigation I & II
- Investigative Techniques and Evidence
- Advanced Legal Research
- Advanced Paralegal Seminar
Paralegal Associate Degrees in Ohio
An associate degree in paralegal studies in Ohio opens you up to a world of opportunities in the legal field. Completing an online paralegal associate degree program enables you to immediately embark on a private or public sector paralegal career, transfer to a four-year university to earn your bachelor’s degree or a post-associate certificate in a specialized paralegal subject.
Columbus State Community College
Columbus State Community College offers an online Associate of Applied Science in Paralegal Studies that’s accredited by the ABA. The curriculum has been created with practical skills as the focus, preparing students through experiential learning in preparing legal documents, conducting discovery-related work, and more. Notably, Columbus State keeps costs low, increasing accessibility to quality paralegal training for many students. In addition, the program gives students the opportunity for internship and job placements, preparing students for success in the legal field upon graduation.
Duration: 2.5 years
Mode: Online
Cost: $11,708
Core Curriculum:
- Introduction to Paralegal Studies
- Law Office Technology
- Torts and Contracts
- Business Organizations
- Administrative Law
- Civil Practice & Procedure
- Advanced Legal Research
- Family Law
- Practicum and Seminars
Paralegal Bachelor’s Degrees in Ohio
Online bachelor’s degree programs could be the right choice if you are certain of your love of law and the work associated with being a paralegal. In addition to the paralegal coursework you’ll tackle, pursuing a bachelor’s degree offers an in-depth and well-rounded education, enabling you to sharpen your communication, critical thinking, and interpersonal skills.
University of Ohio
The University of Ohio offers a Bachelor of Science in Law and Paralegal Studies. Comprising 120 credits, the degree couples the basic skills necessary for direct entry into the paralegal profession with a solid liberal arts curriculum emphasizing critical thinking and strong communication skills. The curriculum covers basic legal writing, research, and litigation, and it exposes students to more specialized aspects of the law. This balanced curriculum prepares graduates for various legal, corporate, and governmental paralegal positions, and it lays a solid foundation for those considering more advanced legal work, including attending law school.
Duration: 4 years
Mode: Online
Cost: $69,880 OH resident, $71,680 nonresident (including fees)
Core Curriculum:
- Legal research and writing
- Law office technology
- Family law
- Civil litigation
- Estate planning and probate
- Administrative litigation
- Real estate law
- Corporate law, intellectual property
- Investigative techniques
- Criminal saw & procedures
- Bankruptcy and employment law
- Environmental, health care, and sports & entertainment law
- Healthcare law
Student Support: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work while studying in an online paralegal program?
Technically, yes. However, depending on your course load and the demands of your job, working full time while also attending school full time may prove difficult for many students. That said, online degrees are flexible, so they’re perfect for working students. They typically allow you to complete coursework on your schedule, on your own time, around your work schedule.
Do I need prior legal experience to enroll in an online paralegal program?
No, prior legal experience is generally not required for entry into most online paralegal programs, especially at the associate’s degree or bachelor’s degree levels. Programs are designed to provide foundational knowledge and skills, starting with the basics.
What kind of technology do I need for an online paralegal program?
You’ll need a reliable computer (desktop or laptop) with a stable internet connection. Most programs use a learning management system, which requires a modern web browser. You may also need a webcam and microphone for online meetings or presentations. Some programs might require specific software, but this is usually communicated before enrollment.
Are paralegal degree programs accredited?
You’ll need a reliable computer (desktop or laptop) with a stable internet connection. Most programs use a learning management system, which requires a modern web browser. You may also need a webcam and microphone for online meetings or presentations. Some programs might require specific software, but this is usually communicated before enrollment.
Are there any online paralegal programs in Ohio that are completely self-paced?
While many online degrees provide some flexibility, the phrase “totally self-paced” is rarely seen. Many degrees have deadlines for assignment completion and exams; however, it is often possible to accelerate these deadlines and progress through the program faster. Some degrees introduce competency-based mechanisms where it is possible to advance on demonstration of skills rather than on a strict time frame. Contact each school individually to determine the flexibility allowed within the coursework outlines.
How long does it take to become a paralegal in Ohio?
The answer depends on the level of education you want. Certificates can be completed in less than a year. Associate degrees usually take two years of full-time study. Bachelor’s degrees take around four years of full-time study. Taking a reduced course load will increase these timelines.
Salary & Career Outlook for Paralegals in Ohio
| Area | Occupation | 10th Percentile | 90th Percentile | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. | Paralegals and Legal Assistants | $39,710 | $98,830 | $60,970 |
| Ohio | Paralegals and Legal Assistants | $36,030 | $81,220 | $53,330 |
| Akron, OH | Paralegals and Legal Assistants | $34,070 | $75,550 | $48,230 |
| Canton-Massillon, OH | Paralegals and Legal Assistants | $38,090 | $74,400 | $49,700 |
| Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN | Paralegals and Legal Assistants | $40,750 | $82,180 | $59,820 |
| Cleveland-Elyria, OH | Paralegals and Legal Assistants | $35,660 | $86,850 | $57,830 |
| Columbus, OH | Paralegals and Legal Assistants | $43,020 | $83,810 | $57,090 |
| Dayton, OH | Paralegals and Legal Assistants | $37,040 | $76,290 | $48,890 |
| Lima, OH | Paralegals and Legal Assistants | $33,090 | $59,640 | $46,140 |
| Mansfield, OH | Paralegals and Legal Assistants | $28,670 | $53,190 | $39,520 |
| Springfield, OH | Paralegals and Legal Assistants | $30,130 | $70,870 | $46,330 |
| Toledo, OH | Paralegals and Legal Assistants | $34,510 | $69,620 | $49,150 |
| Youngstown-Warren-Boardman, OH-PA | Paralegals and Legal Assistants | $29,000 | $61,440 | $43,680 |
Source: Paralegals and Legal Assistants, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Area | Occupation | Curr. Jobs | Proj. Jobs | New Jobs | Growth % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | Paralegals and Legal Assistants | 354,300 | 369,100 | 14,800 | 4.20% |
| Ohio | Paralegals and Legal Assistants | 8,450 | 8,290 | -160 | -1.90% |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
Ohio Resources for Paralegal Students & Professionals
Ohio paralegal professionals and students can access state bars associations, professional associations, and ongoing legal education schools to help find jobs, stay current in the field, and establish professional networks and skills. These organizations offer professional networks, job postings, legal news, certification preparation, mentorship, and professional development.
- Cincinnati Paralegal Association: The CPA is a nonprofit organization that provides a job board, networking across the Cincinnati area, a monthly newsletter, a mentor program, and ongoing charitable work.
- Cleveland Association of Paralegals Inc.: CAP is a professional organization based in Cleveland featuring over 14,000 members and 160 organizations. With a series of networking events, seminars, and “Lunch ‘n Learns,” among other events, it offers multiple opportunities to learn and engage with others.
- Paralegal Association of Central Ohio: Becoming a member of PACO automatically qualifies you to join the National Federation of Paralegal Associations. Activities include charitable giving, networking events, alliances with local law firms, and more. Paralegal studies students may join with an instructor as a mentor.
- Paralegal Association of Northwest Ohio: Monthly membership meetings with keynote speakers, professional development opportunities, and leadership and mentoring activities are just a few of the perks of joining PANO.
- Ohio Bar Paralegal Certification Program: This voluntary certification program available in Ohio can help increase your salary and add another layer of credentials to your resume as you enter the paralegal field.
Top Picks: Online Paralegal Schools in Ohio
Selecting an online paralegal program in Ohio requires careful evaluation of your individual needs and circumstances and a comparison of how these needs match up with individual program offerings. To help inform your decision, we’ve evaluated and ranked the top online paralegal programs across the state using multiple objective criteria. Our comprehensive assessment examines key factors such as online learning accessibility, digital support services for remote students, and financial assistance options. For a detailed explanation of our evaluation process, please refer to our methodology section below.
UC Clermont College
Batavia, Ohio
Public
Lakewood University
Cleveland Heights, Ohio
Private
