Are you hoping for a legal career but law school feels overwhelming? An online paralegal associate degree offers a fantastic alternative. These flexible programs provide a solid foundation in legal concepts from the comfort of your home. Plan your studies to fit into your busy schedule, whether you’re just starting out, seeking a career change, or re-entering the workforce. This guide explores the top 10 online paralegal associate degrees, helping you find the perfect program to launch your exciting journey in the legal field.
A detailed explanation of how the ranking was done can be found at the end of the list.
Reviewing the Top Associate’s Degree in Paralegal Studies Programs Available
#1 – Hinds Community College
Raymond, MS
Associate of Applied Science in Paralegal Technology Online
points: 9.5
Hinds Community College offers the top option for an online associate’s paralegal degree. This two-year program requires the completion of 60-62 credits. The program is designed to be completed entirely online. The required credits are completed in three distinct areas of study: career technical core, designated areas of concentration, and academic core. The paralegal program at Hinds Community College also offers a career certificate and technical certificate, requiring the completion of 30 and 45 credits, respectively.
After completing the program, graduates are eligible to take the certification examinations offered by national paralegal organizations. The program fully prepares its graduates to successfully enter the workforce upon graduation as a legal assistant or a paralegal. These entry level jobs will most likely be found in courts, corporations, firms, or government agencies.
Tuition: $3,644
#2 – Lansing Community College
Lansing, MI
Associate Degree in Legal Studies Online
points: 8.5
At Lansing Community College, students can earn an associate’s degree in paralegal technology. This degree requires the completion of 63 credits, and is offered fully online, as well as in-person or hybrid. This associate’s degree program combines in-depth legal specialty courses with general education courses. Full time students will typically complete this program in two years. Financial aid is available to students who have a highschool diploma or a GED. The school requires that 9 credits of legal studies specialty coursework be completed in a synchronous format. Students who wish to only study online can choose online classes for the synchronous portion of the curriculum.
Tuition: $3,031
#3 – Canada College
Redwood City, CA
Paralegal Associate in Science Degree Online
points: 8.5
Canada College offers an affordable associate’s degree in paralegal studies. This degree is included in their list of degree programs that can be completed fully online. The program was developed in cooperation with the San Mateo County Bar Association and the San Mateo County Legal Secretaries Association. The goal of the paralegal program at Canada College is to train personnel to assist attorneys in both civil and criminal matters. The legal portion of the curriculum consists of 18 core credits and a minimum of 9 specialty law credits. These 27 credits, along with general education courses, make up the required 60 credit minimum to graduate. There are a variety of exciting legal electives for students to choose from.
Tuition: $3,845
#4 – Blue Ridge Community and Technical College
Martinsburg, WV
Associate Degree in Paralegal Studies Online
points: 8.5
Students can earn an associate’s degree in paralegal studies from Blue Ridge Community and Technical College while studying entirely online. Students could also choose to study on-campus or in a hybrid format. This degree program provides a good balance of comprehensive theory and hands-on practice. This prepares students for success in the paralegal profession. The 60 credit curriculum places an emphasis on legal terminology, legal research, and writing and technology used in the legal field. The program is fully accredited, and students have the opportunity to choose electives based on their areas of interest. This online paralegal program typically takes two years to complete.
Tuition: $4,070
#5 – Central Georgia Technical College
Warner Robbins, GA
Associate of Applied Science in Paralegal Studies Online
points: 8.5
Central Georgia Technical College offers an online associate’s degree in paralegal studies. The program requires the completion of 69 credits – 18 general education credits and 51 occupational credits. Students are required to complete 4 of these 3-credit courses in a synchronous format. They can, however, choose to do this online.
The curriculum emphasizes knowledge and skills in areas such as ethical obligations, legal correspondence preparation, family law matters, criminal law and procedure, tort law, and civil litigation. The paralegal studies program at Central Georgia Tech is a member of the American Association for Paralegal Education. (AAfPC)
Tuition: $4,596
#6 – Copiah-Lincoln Community College
Wesson, MS
Associate Degree in Paralegal Studies Online
points: 8
At Copiah-Lincoln Community College, you can earn an associate’s degree in paralegal studies while completing the degree entirely online. The program consists of 63 credit hours and takes four semesters to complete. This associate’s degree program is a good option for pre-law majors, as well as for those who are looking to enter the field immediately as a paralegal.
After completing the paralegal online program, students will be prepared to aid attorneys in delivering legal services more efficiently.
Tuition: $5,098
#7 – Clovis Community College
Clovis, NM
Associate of Applied Science in Paralegal (Legal Assistant Studies) Online
points: 8
The paralegal associate’s degree at Clovis Community College can be completed entirely online. The 62-credit program offers training and instruction from a broad based perspective in many areas of law. There are many important legal topics covered in the curriculum for this online associate’s degree. These include:
- Legal writing, terminology and research
- Torts
- Litigation
- Criminal law
- Wills and estates
This exciting program usually takes four semesters to complete.
Tuition: $5,167
#8 – Pierpont Community and Technical College
Fairmont, WV
Associate of Applied Science in Paralegal Studies Online’
points: 8
Pierpont Community and Technical College offers an online associate’s degree in paralegal studies. Students can choose from one of two concentrations – paralegal students and paralegal studies: landwork. Each of these areas of concentration prepares students to possess a basic knowledge of substantive and procedural law. They will also learn to develop effective skills in interpersonal communication, organization, office management, interviewing and investigation, technology and legal research, analytics, and writing. The completion of 60 credits is required for each of the concentration areas in the paralegal online degree program.
Tuition: $5,777
#9 – Itawamba Community College
Fulton, MS
Associate of Applied Science in Paralegal Technology
points: 7.5
Itawamba College offers an associate’s degree in paralegal technology that can be completed 100% online. This 4 semester program takes two years to complete. 60-61 credits are required to graduate. The program provides an exciting curriculum with training in many areas, such as civil litigation, legal research and writing, family law, and wills. Students receive a career certificate after the successful completion of the first 30 credits of the paralegal degree program.
This program is a good option both for those who wish to transfer to a four-year bachelor’s degree program as well as those who wish to immediately enter the field.
Tuition: $5,644
#10 – Madisonville Community College
Madisonville, KY
Associate of Applied Science in Paralegal Technology
points: 7
At Madisonville Community College, students can earn an online associate’s degree in paralegal technology. The degree requires the completion of 64-67 credits. This includes 21 credits of general education courses, 37 credits from paralegal courses, and 6-9 credits of technical support courses. This curriculum is specifically designed to prepare a person for entry-level employment as a paralegal. One of the unique features of this program is that there are 3 certificates embedded into the degree. These are a civil litigation certificate, a paralegal technology certificate, and a family law certificate. The curriculum is based on standard developed from the National Association of Legal Assistant’s Description of Certified Paralegal (CP) Exam Sections.
Tuition: $7,348
Ranking Methodology:
To compile this ranking, our editors used data from College Navigator as well as from each program’s website. Note that in cases of a tie, the more affordable school was awarded the higher ranking.
Tuition Points:
• Under $12,000—1 point
• Under $10,000—2 points
• Under $8,000—3 points
• Under $6,000—4 points
• Under $4,000—5 points
These tuition points were then added together with point for quality of program. This metric is an average of scores based on two pieces of data available on College Navigator: Student Teacher Ration and Graduation rate.
| Student Teacher Ratio Points: – 30:1 and over – 1 point – 25:1 and over – 2 points – 20:1 and over – 3 points – 15:1 and over – 4 points – 10:1 and over – 5 points | Graduation Rate Points: – 19% and under – 1 point – 29% an under – 2 points – 39% and under – 3 points – 49% and under – 4 points – 50% and over – 5 points |
Education Requirements for Legal Assistants and Paralegals
If you’re reading this article, then you’re at least considering paralegal training in an online associate’s paralegal degree program. But you may also be wondering if you really need an associate’s degree to get a job as a paralegal. The short answer is—it helps, a lot! While there may be a slim chance that you could get hired on your charisma and go-getter attitude alone, it may not be advisable to bank on this idea, especially if the job field in your local geographic area is particularly competitive. Most law agencies these days are going to be looking for the most qualified applicants to add to their team, so keep this in mind. An associate’s degree in paralegal studies could set you apart from those with no training as well as those who have completed a certificate program in paralegal studies.
Types of Online Paralegal Associate Degree Programs
As you can see from the ranking above, not all online paralegal associate degree programs are the same. In addition to comparing these programs by cost and curriculum, you’ll want to look at the format of the particular program as well as any special features it offers prior to making your decision. For instance, while some of the online associate’s paralegal degree offerings in this ranking are offered entirely online, others are delivered via a hybrid or blended format. These particular programs combine traditional, on-campus classes with online components. While this feature adds a degree of interactivity to the program, it also requires a commute and a significant time commitment, so it may not be the right fit for those students drawn to distance education for the convenience and flexibility most of these programs offer.
Prerequisites for an Online Associates Degree in Paralegal Studies
Applying to an online associate’s paralegal studies degree program is often the first step for those interested in a career as a paralegal or legal assistant. Although this is an entry-level degree, there are still some prerequisites one must meet prior to being accepted into an accredited program. For example, most programs require that applicants hold a high school diploma, though some will also accept a GED as the equivalent. Some schools may have additional criteria applicants must meet, so be sure to check with your school of choice before beginning the application process.
In addition to program prerequisites, there are certain skills and traits that are desirable in would-be paralegals and assistants. Though most of these attributes can be developed with time, it’s good to have at least some of the following characteristics in order to establish the proper foundation for study in this field:
- Technology Proficiency
- Written/Verbal Communication Skills
- Teamwork/Interpersonal Skills
- Organizational/Administrative Skills
- Basic Research Skills
- Detail-Oriented
- Analytical
- Interest in Law and the Justice System
Curriculum for Online Associates Degree in Paralegal Studies
The curriculum for online associate’s in paralegal studies programs is typically prescribed. This means that students must follow a relatively strict sequence of courses, and they don’t have much freedom to choose which courses to take. Even so, most programs allow students to choose a certain number of elective courses. These courses can be selected from a pool of approved electives related to the paralegal curriculum. Some of the core courses students can expect to take when enrolled in an online associate’s degree paralegal studies can be found below:
- Foundations of Law
- Real Estate Transactions & Property
- Legal Terminology
- Legal Research & Writing
- Criminal Law for the Paralegal
- Law Office Management
- Office Technology for the Paralegal
- Paralegal Business Law
- Introduction to Torts
Some of the elective courses that online associate’s degree in paralegal studies students can choose from include:
- Administrative Agency Practice
- Dispute Resolution
- American Government
- Medical Paralegal Law
- U.S. Constitution
- Fundamentals of Cyber Security
- Estate Planning and Procedure
In addition to core and elective paralegal studies courses, students can also expect to take some general education classes. These courses give students a basic foundation of knowledge to draw from as they continue their coursework in paralegal studies. Some sample general education courses one may encounter in an online associate’s in paralegal studies degree program are listed below.
- General Psychology
- Introduction to Communication
- Public Speaking
- Business Mathematics
- Cultural Anthropology
- Introduction to Global Studies
- Race and Ethnic Relations
- Interpersonal Communication
- Sociology of the Family
Career Possibilities for Graduates of Online Paralegal Associate Degree Programs
Job prospects for graduates of online paralegal associate degree programs are good. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, opportunities for paralegals and legal assistants are expected to grow by 15% between the years 2016 and 2026. That’s twice as fast as average for all occupations. This expected growth can be attributed to the increasing need for law offices to become more efficient while reducing costs. One way in which legal firms are reducing costs is by assigning tasks to paralegals that were once given to beginning lawyers, who would charge much more for these services. Most graduates of online associate’s paralegal degree programs do go on to work as paralegals, but some may take on other roles as well. These positions may include law clerk, law analyst, court clerk, and legal investigator, for instance.
Salary Information for Online Associate’s Degree Paralegal Studies Graduates
The field of legal services is one of the most lucrative fields of employment one can enter with an associate’s degree. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that as of May 2016, the median annual wage for paralegals and legal assistants was $49,500. This is equivalent to almost $24 per hour for a full-time employee. Of course, there’s even more earning potential for those with advanced degrees and/or extensive work experience as well as those who work in certain sectors of the field. For example, the top 10% of earners in the field of legal services earned over $80,000 in 2016, and the biggest earners worked for the federal government and for finance and insurance companies.
Job Duties for Online Associates Degree in Paralegal Studies Graduates
As is the case for any field of employment, job duties for paralegals and legal assistants will vary depending on a number of factors, including the sector or industry and the specific employer, for instance. Graduates of online paralegal associate degree programs should expect to perform some of the following general duties, however:
- collecting information and verifying facts and details for a legal case
- conducting legal research to locate laws and case histories relevant to the case at hand
- drafting, summarizing, and/or reviewing legal reports
- assisting lawyers in basic trial preparation
- making phone calls to clients, opposing counsel, and witnesses to schedule interviews and meetings
- assisting lawyers during the actual trial (e.g., handling exhibits, pointing out evidence, reviewing transcripts, etc.)
Education Opportunities After Graduation from Online Paralegal Associate’s Degree Programs
Many graduates of online associate’s degree paralegal studies programs enter the workplace as a paralegal or legal assistant immediately following graduation. For others, though, an associate’s degree is but a stepping stone to more advanced study in the field of law. You’ll need to consider whether study in a bachelor’s degree program or even graduate school is in your future prior to selecting an online associate’s paralegal degree program. Why? Because some of these programs are vocational in nature, meaning they focus on preparing you for a job as a paralegal right away. Others, however, have the long-game in mind, prepping you for study in a bachelor’s level program by giving you a strong liberal arts background.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Paralegal Associate Degree Programs
Q: Can I complete my entire online associate’s degree paralegal studies program online?
A: Maybe. While it is possible to find an online associate’s paralegal degree program that is offered entirely online, some programs require residencies and/or campus visits.
Q: How long does it take to complete an online paralegal associate degree program?
A: Two years of full-time study. Like traditional associate’s in paralegal studies programs, online programs often take two years to complete. There are exceptions, though. Some online programs have accelerated formats that will allow you to finish your paralegal studies in less time. Part-time students will take longer to fulfill the requirements for an online associate’s paralegal studies.
Q: What are the prerequisites for an online associate’s in paralegal studies?
A: Typically, prospective students must hold a high school diploma or GED in order to be accepted into a paralegal studies program at the associate’s level.
Q: Do I need an associate’s degree in paralegal studies to get a job as a paralegal?
A: Not necessarily, but such a degree is likely to help. Some law firms may hire individuals interested in law and train them on the job, but others prefer a minimum of an associate’s-level education in paralegal studies.
Q: Can I transfer to a bachelor’s degree program in paralegal studies after graduation?
A: Maybe. It depends on the program. In most cases, you’ll have the opportunity to either enter the work force or pursue advanced study in the field after graduation from an online associate’s degree paralegal studies program. Still, many such programs are either vocation-centered or designed for students who eventually plan to continue their studies in a bachelor’s-level program in paralegal studies, so check with your chosen school prior to applying, and make sure the curriculum is a good match for your future plans.
OAD Staff, Updated August 2024
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