Online Paralegal Programs

Top Paralegal Degrees

Paralegals perform a variety of functions depending on their organization's size and legal arena. Generally, their duties include preparing affidavits and other legal documents, researching legal precedents, conducting client interviews, and maintaining official correspondence with various stakeholders.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), paralegals and legal assistants earn a median annual salary of $52,920. This figure exceeds the median annual salary of $41,950 for all occupations. The BLS projects jobs for paralegals to grow 10% between 2019 and 2029.

Read on to learn about paralegal degree and certificate schools, including common courses and scholarship opportunities.

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How many years does it take to become a paralegal?

An associate degree in paralegal studies typically takes 18-24 months to complete. Most bachelor's degrees take four years. Learners can usually complete a paralegal certificate in one year.

What qualifications do you need to become a paralegal?

Paralegal degree and certificate schools maintain different admission requirements. Detail-oriented professionals with strong writing skills and well-developed research abilities can succeed in this career.

Are paralegals in high demand?

Yes. The BLS projects jobs for these professionals to grow 10% between 2019 and 2029, which is much faster than the average projected growth rate of 4% for jobs in other sectors.

How do you get a paralegal certificate?

Graduates with a bachelor's degree in a non-paralegal field can enroll in a certificate program, which can take one year to complete.

Why Get a Paralegal Degree And Certificate?

Paralegal degree and certificate schools provide the training and instruction needed for a career in this specific professional arena. Paralegals often work in law firms, but an increasing segment of practitioners work for banks, insurance agencies, and healthcare organizations.

Employers often prefer paralegals with at least an associate degree from an accredited institution. Certification in a specific area or an advanced credential can boost employment options and lead to professional advancement. For practitioners who plan to pursue further education, a bachelor's degree in paralegal studies meets the educational requirement for a master's in the field, law school, or a postgraduate program in a related arena.

How Much Does a Paralegal Degree And Certificate Cost?

The cost of a paralegal degree or certificate varies by school. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in-state enrollees at four-year public institutions spent an average of $21,035 during the 2019-20 academic year. In-state enrollees at two-year colleges paid an average of $11,070. Students who enrolled in a private college or university spent an average of $48,960 for a four-year program and $28,420 for a two-year program. All amounts include tuition, required fees, and room and board.

Online enrollees often spend less than on-campus students since they do not incur expenses for commuting or living on campus.

How Much Do Paralegal Degree And Certificate Majors Make?

Salary for paralegals depends on their professional arena and where they live. According to the BLS, the highest-paying employers for paralegals include merchant wholesalers ($134,210), land subdivision companies ($90,360), and semiconductor and electronic component manufacturers ($85,440). Law firms hire the most paralegals ($256,840) and pay an average annual salary of $54,200.

Paralegals and legal assistants working in the nation's capital earn the highest salary of $83,330, followed by professionals in California ($66,250), Washington ($63,050), Colorado ($62,950), and New York ($62,530).

Paralegals can boost their career and salary prospects by pursuing postgraduate certification. For example, practitioners with the certified paralegal credential earn an $4,880 more per year than their non-certified colleagues.

Courses in Paralegal Degree And Certificate Programs

Onsite and online paralegal degree and certificate schools offer classes that align with their educational goals for students. A typical curriculum covers topics such as legal terminology, civil litigation, and law practice management. Most paralegals develop strong research skills, especially those who work for law firms and the court system. Because of this, most paralegal programs familiarize enrollees with the latest computer-assisted research tools and techniques.

See below for some common courses in on-campus and online paralegal degree and certificate schools.

• Criminal Law and Procedure

  Students examine a variety of topics related to criminal procedures, including the pretrial process, interrogation, sentencing, and the appeal process. This course also introduces enrollees to the different elements of crime and varying aspects of criminal defenses.

• Legal Research and Writing

  This course familiarizes enrollees with primary and secondary sources, a variety of computer-assisted research tools, legal analysis, and interviewing techniques. Learners complete different types of legal writing assignments, including regular client correspondence and legal memos. They also receive training in using law libraries and other resources.

• Torts and Civil Litigation

  Enrollees explore the different aspects of tort law, including personal and product liability, defamation, and intentional torts. This course also covers the civil litigation process. Students become familiar with jury selection, the regulations relevant to civil procedures, handling of evidence, and pre-trial work requirements.

Certifications and Licensure for Paralegal Degree And Certificate Students

States do not require licensure for paralegals. However, several professional organizations offer nationally recognized paralegal certifications. A certification from a reputable organization presents the holder as a trained and skilled practitioner.

Scholarships for Paralegal Degree And Certificate Students

Aspiring paralegals can apply for scholarships to help fund their education. Professional organizations, state and federal agencies, law firms, and private nonprofit groups with ties to the legal arena offer scholarships. See below for three opportunities open to paralegal students.

Online Paralegal Degree and Certificate Programs