The Best Online Paralegal Programs
Updated March 28, 2024
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Although lawyers get much of the credit in the courtroom, paralegals are often behind much of the work that goes into building a solid legal case.
Paralegals provide essential services to law professionals, like conducting legal research, organizing information into detailed reports, and summarizing testimony. The nature of their work requires paralegals to have extensive knowledge of law and legal practices.
A quality education in paralegal studies can result in a certificate, associate degree, or bachelor's degree. Discover what the best online paralegal programs offer future paralegals and what to expect from these programs.
Popular Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
10 Best Online Paralegal Programs
We use trusted sources like
Peterson's Data and
the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
#1 The Best Online Paralegal Programs
National University
San Diego, CA - 4 years
- Online
ABA-Approved Program: Yes
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $370
Out-of-State | $370
Credits to Graduate: 180 quarter units
National University's BS in paralegal studies provides a fast-paced, comprehensive education in legal terminology, analysis, and research. Courses explore litigation, criminal law, and remedies and dispute resolution. Each course lasts four weeks, and enrollment remains open year-round.
First-year students should hold GPAs of 2.0 or higher for admission. However, National University considers candidates with lower GPAs. Applicants without math and English credits to transfer must take the ACCUPLACER exam.
#2 The Best Online Paralegal Programs
University of Massachusetts Global
Irvine, CA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
ABA-Approved Program: No
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $500
Out-of-State | $500
Credits to Graduate: 120
This private school, headquartered in Irvine, California, offers more than 65 online degrees and certificates. University of Massachusetts Global's BA in legal studies, paralegal profession equips students to sit for the Certified Paralegal Exam in California. Courses include victim advocacy, law practice management, and contemporary legal issues.
For applicants with 0-11 transferable credits, admission requires a high school diploma or GED certificate. Candidates with 12 or more transfer credits must possess GPAs of 2.0 or higher.
#3 The Best Online Paralegal Programs
Purdue University Global
West Lafayette, IN - 4 years
- Online + Campus
ABA-Approved Program: No
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $371
Out-of-State | $371
Credits to Graduate: 180 quarter credits
Purdue University Global's BS in legal support and services prepares graduates to sit for the Certified Paralegal Examination. Courses include criminal law, administrative law, civil litigation, and law office management. The university also offers an accelerated master's program in related areas such as legal studies and criminal justice.
Applicants may transfer up to 75% of the degree's requirements from prior learning experiences. A prospective student must possess a high school diploma, GED certificate, or the equivalent.
#4 The Best Online Paralegal Programs
Florida Gulf Coast University
Fort Myers, FL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
ABA-Approved Program: No
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $106
Out-of-State | $711
Credits to Graduate: 120
Florida Gulf Coast University's BS in legal studies can equip graduates with the communication and critical-thinking skills they need to succeed as paralegals or legal assistants. Courses include courtroom techniques, alternative dispute resolution, and globalization and the rule of law. The program concludes with a senior seminar.
First-year applicants must provide evidence of a high school diploma or GED certificate, along with an SAT score of 1070 or a minimum ACT score of 21.
#5 The Best Online Paralegal Programs
University of Providence
Great Falls, MT - 4 years
- Online + Campus
ABA-Approved Program: Yes
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $978
Out-of-State | $978
Credits to Graduate: 120
This Catholic university, located in Great Falls, Montana, serves 480 undergraduate students. University of Providence's BS in legal and paralegal studies can prepare graduates to pursue careers in law firms, state agencies, or local government.
Courses include commercial law, legal research and writing, and litigation and trial practice. Students also complete field experience and a capstone. University of Providence partners with the U.S. Army and the U.S. Air Force to train paralegal specialists in the military.
#6 The Best Online Paralegal Programs
Eastern Kentucky University
Richmond, KY - 4 years
- Online + Campus
ABA-Approved Program: Yes
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $434
Out-of-State | $434
Credits to Graduate: 120
Eastern Kentucky University's BA in paralegal science helps qualify students for paralegal jobs in banks, law offices, corporations, or government agencies. Courses include legal research and writing, family law practice, and real estate practice, along with an internship. Each course lasts eight weeks, and new courses begin six times per year.
Transfer applicants may count up to 90 credits from past education toward graduation requirements. First-year applicants need high school GPAs of 2.5 or higher for standard admission.
#7 The Best Online Paralegal Programs
Madonna University
Livonia, MI - 4 years
- Online + Campus
ABA-Approved Program: Yes
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $525
Out-of-State | $525
Credits to Graduate: 120
Located in Livonia, Michigan, Madonna University educates more than 2,400 students in 100-plus career-focused majors. Madonna University's BS in paralegal studies requires a minimum of 42 semester credits in the major. Courses include litigation, law office management, and will and trust drafting. Students must complete at least nine semester hours of legal specialty courses through synchronous online instruction.
First-year applicants need a high school diploma with a GPA of 2.8 or higher. Transfer applicants should hold a 2.0 or better.
#8 The Best Online Paralegal Programs
Davenport University
Grand Rapids, MI - 4 years
- Online + Campus
ABA-Approved Program: Yes
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $928
Out-of-State | $928
Credits to Graduate: 120
Davenport University's BS in legal studies can prepare graduates for careers in law firms or government agencies or to pursue a juris doctorate at a law school. This degree requires a mix of business and law courses, and students may pursue a specialty in general practice or litigation technology.
Law-related courses include negotiation and dispute resolution, technology in the law office, and advanced litigation, along with an internship. About 94% of Davenport graduates hold employment within six months of graduation. Out-of-state students qualify for a $301 per-credit discount.
#9 The Best Online Paralegal Programs
Roger Williams University
Bristol, RI - 4 years
- Online + Campus
ABA-Approved Program: Yes
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $433
Out-of-State | $433
Credits to Graduate: 121
Roger Williams University's BS in professional legal studies requires 41 courses, including legal ethics, law in contemporary society, and criminal law for the paralegal. While most classes are asynchronous, students must complete at least nine credits of legal studies in a synchronous format.
Graduates may pursue careers as pharmaceutical paralegals, hospital legal support workers, and insurance claims investigators. Applicants should submit high school and college transcripts, along with evidence of prior learning assessments for potential transfer credit.
#10 The Best Online Paralegal Programs
SUNY College of Technology at Canton
Canton, NY - 4 years
- Online + Campus
ABA-Approved Program: No
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $295
Out-of-State | $353
Credits to Graduate: 120
Students in SUNY College of Technology at Canton's BS in legal studies receive an interdisciplinary education with coursework in environmental law, immigration law and border control, and American Indian law and federal policy. The program also requires a semester-long internship and a senior project.
Graduates may pursue careers as freelance paralegals, legal assistants, claims investigators, and contract administrators. Applicants must have completed high school course prerequisites, but the university does not require SAT or ACT scores for admission. Transfer students must complete 30 or more credits through the university to graduate.
How We Chose These Schools
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Learn more about how our formula works on our ranking methodology page.
Types of Paralegal Programs
Certificate
- 6-12 months
- Credit or non-credit options
- Average annual cost of $2,540
- Requires high school diploma or GED certificate
- Post-baccalaureate program requires bachelor's degree
Associate Degree
- Two years
- 60 credits
- Average annual cost of $3,560
- Requires high school diploma or GED certificate
Bachelor's Degree
- Four years
- 120 credits
- Average annual cost of $16,010
- Requires high school diploma or GED certificate
- Degree completion program requires previous college credit
Students interested in online paralegal programs can earn a paralegal certificate, a paralegal associate degree, or a paralegal bachelor's degree.
A paralegal certificate provides the basic qualifications for paralegal positions. These programs, which can be undergraduate, post-baccalaureate, or graduate level, focus primarily on core concepts in the field.
While some programs confer a non-credit paralegal certificate, others award credit that learners can apply toward an associate, bachelor’s, or graduate degree. Depending on the program, students can earn a paralegal certificate in as few as six months.
Students earning an associate in paralegal studies online complete major courses and general education requirements. Students in these two-year programs gain more foundational knowledge than learners in paralegal certificate programs.
Associate coursework often covers topics including English, communications, math, and foreign languages. Online paralegal associate degrees may offer concentration options and often include an internship or practicum experience, which may be optional or mandatory.
A bachelor's in paralegal studies usually takes four years to finish 120 credits. Students complete some general education courses, like composition and communications, but most classes are major-specific, covering concepts like criminal procedures, estate planning, and civil litigation.
Some bachelor's programs require internships where students gain on-the-job skills and firsthand experience of a paralegal's daily responsibilities.
Courses in an Online Paralegal Certificate Program
- Essential Skills for Paralegals: This course introduces students to the legal field, including legal terminology. Learners study real legal cases and prepare to interview clients and identify different types of evidence. Students also learn how to use legal research tools and prepare summonses.
- The Legal Environment: Students learn basic skills for working in law firms, including how to track billable hours and maintain client files. The course also covers the ABA rules of ethics, to which all attorneys must adhere. Students learn how to access state and federal court files using Lexis and Westlaw.
- Civil Litigation: Students explore legal theory and practical legal skills. The class covers the entire legal process of a civil case, including the client interview and the post-judgement. Students learn how to preserve evidence, draft pleadings, draft interrogatories and requests, create digests, and draft motions.
Courses in an Online Paralegal Degree Program
- Legal Systems and Terminology: This introductory course helps students gain basic skills, such as summarizing and analyzing court cases and filing cases in the court system. The class covers legal terms that attorneys and paralegals use every day. Students also learn how to access resources in a law library.
- Legal Ethics: Students learn about the ethical rules that apply to legal professionals. Coursework covers rules of professional conduct, conflicts of interest, and how to protect confidentiality. Learners study the Washington Rules of Professional Conduct. They also learn how to appropriately use of electronic communications, including emails and social media.
- Legal Research and Writing: This course teaches students how to research statutes and analyze court decisions. Students learn how to use case digests to find state and federal cases. They also examine the proper format and language for legal documents. Students learn to write citations in accordance with the Washington Style Sheet and Uniform System of Citations.
ABA Approval of Online Paralegal Programs
Though paralegals cannot receive certification from the American Bar Association (ABA), they can earn their education from ABA-approved paralegal programs. Because the ABA requires programs to meet a difficult set of criteria, ABA approval demonstrates high quality.
Based on input from legal professionals, corporations, government agencies, and local bar associations, ABA-approved programs feature curricula designed to prepare paralegals for the workforce. A degree from an ABA-approved program is an attractive credential for job-seekers. Only about 25% of the country's paralegal associate and bachelor's programs hold ABA approval.
Choosing the Best Online Paralegal Program for You
Educational outcomes and learning experience vary by program, so students pursuing an online paralegal degree or certificate should research their options before selecting a school. Because earning a college degree or certificate requires significant financial and time commitments, students should choose an accredited online paralegal program that helps them achieve their career goals.
The list below includes crucial factors to consider when evaluating prospective schools.
Additionally, students with previous academic or professional experience should look for schools with generous transfer policies or options to receive credit for work experience.
Private schools typically offer smaller class sizes than public schools. However, private colleges tend to list higher tuition rates than public institutions.
What Do Paralegals Do?
Paralegals help lawyers prepare solid cases. They gather information, conduct research on relevant laws and legal precedents, write reports, organize documents, and contact clients for interviews.
While they assist lawyers, paralegals cannot perform acts that require a legal license, including offering legal advice and setting legal fees.
Generalist paralegals often work in small law firms. They must know about a variety of legal areas and prove adept at performing many tasks. Aspiring paralegals can also specialize in a certain area or pursue certification in a niche. Common specialization areas for paralegals include:
- Corporate
- Criminal Defense
- Environmental Law
- Estate Planning and Probate
- Family Law
- Immigration
- Intellectual Property
- Litigation
- Real Estate
Paralegal vs. Legal Assistant
Law offices and professional organizations often use the terms "paralegal" and "legal assistant" interchangeably. Firms may use the term legal assistant to describe the nature of a paralegal's job, which includes assisting legal professionals with cases.
Legal secretaries, on the other hand, have fewer responsibilities and more limitations than paralegals. Legal secretaries Typically, answer phone calls, manage front desks at law offices, and forward memos.
Salary Information for Paralegals
Paralegals and Legal Assistants
Median Salary (May 2022)
$59,200
Employment Growth (2022-32)
4%
| Industry | Median Salary (May 2022) |
|---|---|
| Finance and insurance | $73,050 |
| Federal government | $72,320 |
| Local government | $58,000 |
| Legal services | $57,250 |
| State government | $50,310 |
| Job Title | Average Salary (February 2024) |
|---|---|
| Intellectual Property Paralegal | $75,681 |
| Corporate Paralegal | $71,104 |
| Litigation Paralegal | $61,445 |
| Real Estate Paralegal | $58,340 |
| Immigration Paralegal | $55,514 |
Becoming a Certified Paralegal
While the profession does not require certification, certification typically leads to more career opportunities for paralegals. Many employers require or prefer paralegals with professional certification.
To become a certified paralegal, candidates must meet the educational requirements of the certifying organization and must pass one or more certification exams. Some associate programs feature curricula designed to meet certification standards.
Paralegal Certification Exams
Candidates for paralegal certifications must typically pass an exam, such as:
- The Paralegal Core Competencies Exam
- The Certified Paralegal/Certified Legal Assistant Exam
- The Professional Paralegal Exam
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Paralegal Programs
How long does it take to complete a paralegal program online?
A paralegal program can take anywhere from six months to four years to finish, depending on whether you pursue a certificate or degree. While you can complete a paralegal certificate in as little as six months, bachelor's degrees in paralegal studies usually take four years.
What is the best degree for a paralegal?
Most paralegal positions require an associate degree in paralegal studies, making it a popular choice for prospective paralegals. However, government agencies and large law offices may require a bachelor's degree.
What type of paralegal is most in demand?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the highest demand for paralegals occurs in the legal services industry -- making finance, family law, estate planning, and other service-focused paralegals among the most sought-after. Some of the highest-employing industries for paralegals also include local, state, and federal government agencies, highlighting the demand for government paralegals.
What is the hardest part of being a paralegal?
Paralegals are challenged daily with meeting strict deadlines, paying close attention to details, and multitasking, which can lead to stressful work environments, especially in large corporations or law offices. Paralegals working in smaller settings who complete many of the same daily tasks may sometimes find their jobs monotonous.
What kind of paralegals make the most money?
BLS data from May 2022 shows that paralegals in the scientific research industry earn an average annual wage of $108,350, making them the top paralegal earners. Other high-paying industries for paralegals include petroleum and coal manufacturing, library and information services, and computer manufacturing, all of which pay an average of more than $102,000 a year.
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