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

Online paralegal programs offer a flexible and accessible path to entering or advancing in the legal profession, with options spanning certificate programs to a full paralegal degree.

Paralegal programs range from certificate courses offered by community colleges and online sources like BarBri to two- and four-year degrees available from universities and law schools like Liberty University. Through these programs, paralegals who already have work experience can get advanced certifications and continuing legal education (CLE) credits.

Whether you’re just starting out or want to continue your career in the paralegal field, there are programs that can assist you in your goal. Online, hybrid, and in-person classes are available and can be located with a quick search on Google or through the American Bar Association’s resource directory.

What is an Online Paralegal Program?

An online paralegal studies program provides students with the essential skills needed to assist lawyers and work in various legal settings, from law firms to corporations. These programs let students earn certificates and degrees at their own pace while continuing to work their regular jobs.

Online programs cover key areas of the paralegal profession, including legal writing and research, types of legal documentation, and the different legal practice areas. Students also learn the basics of litigation, discovery, and trial preparation. Many schools include an internship with a law firm or court as part of the program.

Advanced certificates allow students to specialize in specific practice areas, such as family law, criminal law, and intellectual property.

Types of Online Paralegal Programs

There are several types of paralegal programs, certificates, and certifications. Before enrolling, you should take time to understand what you’re applying for, and what your field and state require for paralegals.

A certification is an acknowledgment from a professional organization, such as the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA). These organizations have separate requirements and tests. You may need a certificate or degree to belong to one and obtain a certification.

• Paralegal Certificate Program:

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.

• Associate 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:

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.

Popular Courses in an Online Paralegal Program

All paralegal programs teach similar courses. You will learn the basics of legal writing, document preparation, and an overview of common practice areas. The difference between certificates and degree programs is the amount of time you’ll spend going over each item. You may spend more time in a certificate program working on practical skills, and less on book knowledge.

Common Course Overview

Some of the most common courses you’ll encounter during a paralegal program include:

• Legal Research:

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

• Legal Writing:

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

• Document Preparation:

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.

• Civil Procedure and Criminal Justice:

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

• Family Law:

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

• Business Law:

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

Benefits of Earning an Online Paralegal Certificate or Degree

Some of the many benefits of a paralegal certificate or degree include:

• Greater Career Flexibility:

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 the National Association for Legal Support Professionals (NALS) is available. These organizations have advanced certification in specialized fields like regulatory compliance, intellectual property, and criminal justice.

• Higher Salaries:

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

Accreditation and Choosing the Right Online Program

ABA accreditation means that a law school or paralegal program meets the program requirements of the American Bar Association (ABA). ABA-accredited schools must meet specific curriculum, instruction, and admissions requirements, as well as other ABA standards.

For paralegals, going to an ABA-accredited school means you’re taking courses similar to (or even identical to) the courses taught in law school. Many online paralegal programs, such as Duke University’s paralegal program, are affiliated with the in-person college.

Accredited programs like Liberty University’s bachelor’s program also prepare you to continue your graduate career if you want. Liberty’s bachelor’s program can segue into an LLM (Master of Laws degree) or even transition to law school.

It isn’t necessary to attend an ABA-accredited paralegal school, but the extra boost you’ll get from such an accreditation is good for your education, and your resume.

Financial Aid and Program Costs

A paralegal certificate is not as expensive as law school. The 18-credit certificate course from Liberty University costs $390 per credit, or $7,020 to complete a full-time certificate. This compares favorably to the cost of law school in 2024 — $151,000 for three years, not including living expenses.

Note that it may be wise to think strategically before getting a federal student loan. The interest rates and repayment plans for federal loans may not be worth it for a one- or two-year loan. Non-profit universities like Liberty University have more reasonable options for low-income students:

• School Payment Programs:

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

• Scholarships:

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.

• Private Loans:

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.

• Work-study Programs:

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.

Career Opportunities After Completing an Online Paralegal Program

After all your classwork, what can you do with your paralegal certificate or degree? The degree or certificate opens many branches in your paralegal career path.

Once you have a certificate or degree, you qualify for membership in professional organizations like NALA, NALS, and the Paralegal section of the American Bar Association. The professional organizations have their own membership requirements and certifications which allow you to call yourself a “ certified paralegal.” Having this on your resume is highly desirable by some employers.

According to the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, paralegals with an associate’s degree or better command a median salary well above the national average. Although job growth has slowed, ancillary legal jobs in compliance, insurance, and claims adjusting have similar skill sets.

How to Apply to an Online Paralegal Program

The admission requirements for a paralegal program depend on your state, the program, and the nature of the program itself. Hybrid programs may require you to live or at least be able to travel to the college location. Also, a call to the college or school is a good idea: Some schools may not have updated their websites or may have outdated information.

• Certificate Program Requirements:

  • 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

• Associate’s/Bachelor’s Degree Requirements:

  • Application fee

  • High school diploma or GED

  • Portfolio/proof of courses for homeschooled students

  • Official transcripts for transfer students

• Advanced certificate admissions:

  • Official transcripts showing education in a desired area of study

Some schools may want advanced payment (such as Duke University) and others may want proof of CLE credits. You should call or contact the college or paralegal program to be sure you have the most current information about their requirements.

FAQs About Online Paralegal Programs

These are some of the most commonly asked questions about online paralegal programs:

How long does it take to complete an online paralegal program?

It depends on the program and whether you take it full-time, part-time, or at your own pace. Liberty University’s undergraduate certificate program is an eight-week, 18-credit course that should take no more than the two allotted months to complete. Duke University’s 300-unit course can be completed within one year. However, an associate’s degree cannot be completed in less than two years, even if you attend full-time.

Can I earn a paralegal certificate entirely online?

Absolutely. Some courses mentioned here are only offered online. Hybrid and in-person courses are the exception, not the norm.

What are the job prospects for paralegals?

According to the most recent report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the outlook for paralegals has declined, due in part to the rise of AI-enhanced document technology. With that in mind, the best thing paralegals can do is obtain the education and knowledge necessary to compete in a high-tech marketplace and position themselves to be essential in the AI office.

What is the difference between a paralegal certificate and an associate degree in paralegal studies?

A paralegal certificate is given after a brief course in paralegal studies — usually less than one year. An associate degree is a two-year program and includes general education courses.

Conclusion

Whether you are looking to start your paralegal career or already have a career and want to expand your knowledge to make a direction change, online paralegal programs are there to help you do so. A certificate or degree can be obtained while you work and earn a living.

The colleges, universities, and organizations referenced here are just the tip of the legal iceberg available to students who want to enter the legal profession. Take some time to research what you’re looking for and what’s available, and reach out to the institutions for more information today.

Sources:

1. National Association for Legal Support Professionals

2. American Association for Paralegal Education

3. American Alliance of Paralegals

4. National Association of Legal Assistants

5. https://www.legalstudies.com/syllabus/paralegal-certificate-course-online/

6. https://www.liberty.edu/online/law/bachelors/paralegal-studies/

7. https://www.americanbar.org/groups/paralegals/paralegal-resource-directory/

8. https://learnmore.duke.edu/certificates/paralegal_online

9. https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/why-become-a-paralegal

10. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/

11. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/legal/paralegals-and-legal-assistants.htm#tab-8