Online Paralegal Degree Programs

Holders of an online paralegal degree are also known as legal assistants. Paralegals carry out behind-the-scenes tasks for law firms, corporations, and government agencies.

Trained in many aspects of the law, but unable to make arguments before the court or to represent themselves as lawyers, paralegals often research cases and examine documents under the direct supervision of a practicing attorney. An online paralegal degree is generally offered at the paralegal associate degree online and bachelor paralegal degree degree levels. Learn more about the Paralegal Programs listed below. The advantage of an associates online paralegal degree is that you can transfer many credits to a bachelors program. Bachelor's paralegal degree programs are not as commonly available as associates degree or certificate programs but there are some schools that offer the program. An good online paralegal degree program is designed to give you intensive legal training by giving you a balanced curriculum of law, liberal arts, communication, and business courses.

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Selected Online Paralegal Degree and Legal Studies Degree Programs

Bryant & Stratton College

• Associate in Paralegal Studies

George Washington University

• Master’s Degree in Paralegal Studies

South University

• Associate of Science in Paralegal Studies
• Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies

• AAS in Paralegal Studies
• Advanced Start BS in Legal Studies
• Advanced Start BS in Paralegal Studies
• BS in Legal Studies
• BS in Paralegal Studies
• Legal Secretary Certificate
• MS in Legal Studies
• Pathway to Paralegal Postbaccalaureate Certificate

• Associate in Paralegal
• Bachelor's in Legal Studies

• A.S. in Paralegal

• Paralegal Associates Degree

Everest University Online

• Associate of Science in Paralegal

• AAS - Paralegal Studies

Paralegal Education and Training

Many paralegal degrees online also offer certificate and diploma programs through business or vocational programs, community colleges, and four-year universities. There are some paralegal degrees online that require only a high school diploma or that allow students with previous legal experience, such as legal secretaries, to enroll without a college degree.

Online degrees are accepted by many employers because completing an online paralegal training program demonstrates drive, organization and self-discipline which are all attractive qualities to an employer. Most programs are self-paced so the time to completion can vary, but most require about the same amount of time as a traditional certificate program. Also be sure to check if they are fully accredited and recognized.

A bachelor's paralegal degree programs provide in-depth paralegal training for career advancement. If you already have a bachelor's degree, you can pursue a masters degree. Masters degrees are typically conferred as master of arts or science degrees in law, legal studies or legal administration.

Paralegal Careers

With an online paralegal degree you can You can then pursue employment in federal government, local and state courts, city and state correctional facilities, and even private practice. According to a 2004 survey by the National Association of Legal Assistants in the United States, about a 1/3 of paralegals have an associates degree. In many employment markets, it is considered the appropriate level of paralegal training for recent high school graduates or others without secondary degrees to enter the field.

Most paralegal career options are available in private law firms, corporate legal departments, and many government agencies at the local, state, and federal level. Paralegals and legal assistant work in many different areas of the law and legal affairs such as personal injury, civil litigation, workers’ compensation, property law, corporate law, criminal law, employment law, family law, bankruptcy, and estate administration.

Paralegal duties vary depending on the type of organization or legal setting, but duties may typically include assisting attorneys in gathering facts from clients and witnesses, researching cases and statutes, writing trial and appellate briefs, preparing corporate instruments, drafting pleadings, preparing trial notebooks. However, in all these legal tasks attorneys must supervise paralegals and assume ultimate responsibility for the paralegals’ output.

Expected Salary and Projected Career Growth