A degree in Paralegal Studies typically trains students for a career as a Paralegal or Legal Assistant. To become employed as a Paralegal, you must have academic training in the field of Law. The training and knowledge enable Paralegals to carry out the administrative work required by an attorney or a lawyer.
Best Paralegal Programs
Many well-reputed universities in the US offer several degree programs in this field. The following list of institutions might help you choose an online paralegal program. This list is based on Niche’s list of 2020 Best Colleges with Paralegal Degrees in America.
The University of Richmond
This university offers one of the best online master’s degrees in paralegal studies. The details of this degree are as follows.
Bachelor of Science in Professional Studies (BSPS) major in Paralegal Studies
The curriculum of this degree provides its students with the skills needed to carry out substantive legal work. Students develop the required verbal and written communication skills to perform well in this career. The core details of this degree are as follows:
| Course Delivery Format | Online |
| Credit Hours | 120 |
| Offered by | Richmond School of Professional & Continuing Studies |
Certificate in Applied Studies (CAS) in Paralegal Studies
The curriculum of this certificate is designed to help professionals who are changing careers to paralegal studies as well as those who are preparing to apply to law schools. The details of this certificate are as follows:
| Course Delivery Format | Online |
| Credit Hours | 18 |
| Offered by | Richmond School of Professional & Continuing Studies |
Tulane University
This university offers an undergraduate certificate and a bachelor’s degree in this field. Their BA degree and paralegal certificate program have been approved by the American Bar Association’s Standing Committee on Paralegals. The details of these programs are as follows:
Bachelor of Arts in General Legal Studies
This degree prepares its students to work in the legal industry as paralegals or pursue an advanced legal degree. The curriculum of this degree helps students develop skills such as legal research, writing, analysis, law office technology, and other real-world aspects of this career. The salient features of this degree are as follows:
| Course Delivery Format | Mixed: Online & On-campus |
| Duration | 120 |
| Offered by | Tulane School of Professional Advancement |
Paralegal Studies Post-Baccalaureate Certificate
The curriculum of this certificate exclusively focuses on building legal skills by offering courses on substantive areas of the law. This certificate combines courses with a 100-hour internship in a law office to provide hands-on experience. The salient features of this certificate are as follows:
| Course Delivery Format | Online |
| Credit Hours | 27 |
| Offered by | Tulane School of Professional Advancement |
The University of Cincinnati
This institution offers an undergraduate certificate and an Associate of Applied Business in Paralegal Studies degree.
Associate of Applied Business in Paralegal Studies
This degree provides its students with the skillset and knowledge they need to demonstrate workplace readiness skills. This degree provides them with basic skills in legal research and writing and several important areas of the law. Students of this degree are prepared for employment in an entry-level paralegal position or other related fields. The salient features of this degree are as follows:
| Course Delivery Format | Online |
| Credit Hours | 63 |
| Offered by | UC Clermont College |
Undergraduate Certificate in Paralegal Studies
The curriculum of this certificate is tailored with a challenging course of study that prepares students for a range of paralegal careers. The salient features of this certificate are as follows:
| Course Delivery Format | Online |
| Duration | 1 year |
| Credit Hours | 30 |
| Offered by | UC Clermont College |
The University of Central Florida
This university offers a BA/BS degree in Legal Studies. It is a degree that provides its students with a deeper understanding of areas like the legal system, legal research, legal writing, and professionalism within the field.
BA/BS in Legal Studies
The curriculum of this degree includes courses on advocacy, international law, family matters, the intersection of law, business, and technology, etc. The salient features of this degree are as follows:
| Course Delivery Format | Online |
| Credit Hours | 120 |
| Offered by | School of Community Innovation and Education |
The University of Mississippi
This university offers a bachelor’s degree in this field with the following particulars.
P.S. in Paralegal Studies
The paralegal studies program is specifically designed to cater to individuals who are interested in pursuing a career as a paralegal or legal assistant. The salient features of this degree are as follows:
| Course Delivery Format | Online |
| Credits | 120 |
| Offered by | School of Applied Sciences |