Paralegal Degrees Online

Paralegal degrees online such as that available at South University are ideal for people with busy schedules. Paralegals, also known as legal assistants, 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.

Researched projections show that employment in trained paralegals continues to grow because law firms and government agencies tend to rely more heavily on paralegals for research instead of employing more expensive novice attorneys. You can complete paralegal degrees online in about two years. Paralegal programs are designed to give you intensive legal training by giving you a balanced curriculum of law, liberal arts, communication, and business courses. You can then pursue employment in federal government, local and state courts, city and state correctional facilities, and even private practice.

Programs are usually available at an associates or bachelors level. For example these programs:

South University
Associate of Science in Paralegal Studies
Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies

Kaplan University
A.A.S. in Paralegal Studies

Keiser University eCampus
Associate in Paralegal
Bachelor's in Legal Studies

Everest University Online
A.S. in Paralegal

Eastern Kentucky University
A.A. in Correctional & Juvenile Justice Studies
B.S. in Correctional & Juvenile Justice Studies

University of Maryland University College
B.S. in Legal Studies

Many schools offer a variety of online training for a certificate or 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 online and distance paralegal degrees can help you earn diplomas or certificate programs by offering flexibility for future paralegals who cannot physically attend programs because of their job, family or other obligations. There is a growing variety among online programs that rely on computers and the internet to provide interactive lessons and online classrooms. 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. When comparing programs, do some research on the nature of the self-paced program and also look at the course curriculum and compare it to different program. Also be sure to check if they are fully accredited and recognized.

According to a 2004 survey by the National Association of Legal Assistants, 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. The advantage of an associates 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. 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, typically two years long. Masters degrees are typically conferred as master of arts or science degrees in law, legal studies or legal administration. Getting a masters is another way to advance your career.