Your Guide to Online Paralegal Programs: Certificate, Associate Degrees, and Career Paths

A paralegal certificate program is a brief course (typically less than one year) that provides the basics of paralegal training. A certificate program is offered by a college or university, such as the one offered at Liberty University. These programs give you a quick introduction to the legal field without the time commitment and cost of a full degree.

Some advanced paralegal certificate programs, such as the 300-hour program offered by Duke University, require a two-year degree. This certificate gives students almost the equivalent of a four-year degree, although the certificate is not labeled as a bachelor’s degree.

An associate degree in paralegal studies is a two-year degree — often provided at community colleges and some universities. With more time to work on the degree, students get an in-depth look at both paralegal duties and legal practice areas. Students learn legal writing skills such as drafting memos and legal briefs, legal ethics, and legal practice areas like torts and contract law. Bachelor’s degrees may also be available at these schools.

Graduate certificate programs let those who have degrees or existing certificates focus on their skills. Paralegal I and paralegal II certificates are offered in some schools. Specializations and certificates in family law, business law, and criminal justice are options in some locations.

You’ll need to understand Westlaw or Lexis, the proper use of legal citations, and how to look up cases in the court docket.

Courses may cover memos, briefs, and demand letters, as well as legal terminology, transcription, and discovery.

Legal documents must be written in a particular style — depending on court rules — and filed with the court in a specific way. Document prep classes teach you the basics of this essential skill.

These courses explain the differences between the two types of law and how cases are handled for each one.

his is one of the broadest practice areas with numerous subspecialties. A family law overview explains some of the many specializations open to you.

As another expansive practice area, you’ll learn about contracts, torts, business management, and real estate.

Once you have an advanced paralegal certificate or degree, you become more valuable to your company and more attractive to other employers. In your current job, you may find that your options expand as your knowledge base has increased. If you look for other employment, your alternatives on the job market will have increased dramatically. 

Once you have your certificate or degree, certification through NALA or theNational Association for Legal Support Professionals (NALS) is available. These organizations have advanced certification in specialized fields like regulatory compliance, intellectual property, and criminal justice.

According to Indeed, credentialed paralegals and legal professionals command higher salaries than those without.

Some colleges may have flexible payment plans or per-credit plans for lower-income students. You may need to meet a minimum income level.

You’ll need to apply early and may be competing with others besides paralegal students; on the plus side, non-profit schools have a wide selection of scholarships and benefactors.

The interest rates are higher with private loans, but banks won’t give you any more money than they want you to pay back. If you’re young or have bad credit, you may need a co-signer.

If you’re considering a degree, ask about work-study programs. These allow you to work part-time and apply your wages to your college fees.

• Application fee

• High school diploma or GED

• Homeschooled students may need to provide proof of courses or a portfolio

• Transfer students may need to provide official transcripts

• Application fee

• High school diploma or GED

• Portfolio/proof of courses for homeschooled students

• Official transcripts for transfer students

• Official transcripts showing education in a desired area of study