2023 Best Online Paralegal Certificates
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Expectations Cost Careers Worth It?
Prospective students often find paralegal programs at the community college level. Graduates can pursue entry-level positions or combine a certificate in paralegal studies with an associate degree or bachelor's program to seek advanced opportunities in the field. Alternatively, students may pursue an associate paralegal degree, which explores similar subject matters.
View our methodology for more details about our list or learn more about OnlineU.
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Online Paralegal Certificate Degrees You May Be Interested In
San Joaquin Delta College
- Annual Tuition: $9,072
- Locations: Stockton (CA) (and 1 other)
- Accreditation: WASC ACCJC
San Joaquin Delta College (SJDC) is a public university offering a Pre-Law Studies Certificate that requires 31 credit hours. Typically, students complete this online program within one year while studying full time. The acceptance rate at SJDC is 100%.
At SJDC, students use Canvas for their remote learning, which they can pursue with a flexible study schedule. This online program allows students to gain valuable legal knowledge along with practical skills in communication and writing. Students who already have an associate or bachelor's degree may be more interested in pursuing Paralegal/Legal Assistant Studies Certificate of Achievement.
Rio Salado College
- Annual Tuition: $7,854
- Locations: Tempe (AZ)
- Accreditation: HLC
Rio Salado College (RSC) is a public university offering a Certificate of Completion in Paralegal that requires a minimum of 36 credit hours. Full-time students can take up to 18 credits per semester, while part-time students generally complete less than 11 credits per semester. RSC accepts all of its applicants.
At RSC, students use the RioLearn learning management system (LMS) to access their courses, which are taught asynchronously and completely online. The curriculum for this online paralegal program focuses on two main areas of law — substantive and procedural — while also engaging students in research and writing skills. Required courses include Introduction to the Paralegal Profession; Paralegal Research, Analysis, and Writing; and Civil Litigation. Graduates often pursue career opportunities as paralegals and legal assistants.
American Public University System
- Annual Tuition: $7,360
- Locations: Charles Town (WV)
- Accreditation: HLC
American Public University System (APUS) is a private set of institutions offering an Undergraduate Certificate in Paralegal Studies. This online program requires 24 credit hours, which may take students around one year to complete while studying full time. APUS accepts 100% of its students.
MyClassroom is the LMS used by APUS students, where they can complete their certificate 100% online. The curriculum is designed to teach students the fundamentals of law — including related writing, research, and terminology. Students also explore legal theory as it relates to United States law. Among the required classes are Legal Research and Writing, Legal Ethics, and Real Estate Law. This certificate is meant for students interested in becoming paralegals.
Prince George's Community College
- Annual Tuition: $8,474
- Locations: Largo (MD)
- Accreditation: MSCHE
Prince George's Community College (PGCC) is a public institution with a Paralegal/Legal Assistant Certificate requiring 30 credits. Students studying full time are likely to complete the degree in around one year. PGCC accepts all of its applicants.
PGCC uses Canvas to deliver online coursework. This software allows students to finish their certificates completely online. Some courses may be completed asynchronously, while others may be taken on a set schedule. The core curriculum is designed to ensure students have all the qualifications to work in a professional law firm, including skills in research, interviewing, drafting motions, and pleadings. Required classes include Introduction to Information Technology, Tort Law, and Criminal Law. Many students go on to work as legal assistants.
Central Carolina Community College
- Annual Tuition: $8,698
- Locations: Sanford (NC)
- Accreditation: SACS COC
Central Carolina Community College (CCCC) is a public university with a Certificate in Paralegal Technology. This online certificate program requires 13 credit hours, which full-time students can complete in two semesters. All students are accepted into CCCC.
CCCC students use the popular LMS Blackboard, where they can complete courses online using both synchronous and asynchronous course delivery. The curriculum for this program prepares students for the basic legal functions of a law firm, with studies in legal research, civil litigation, and the ethics of law. Among the required classes are Family Law, Civil Injuries, and Intro to Paralegal Study. Career opportunities may be available as entry-level paralegals.
List Of Accredited Online Paralegal Schools
| School | Online Enrollment | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| San Joaquin Delta College | ||
| Rio Salado College | 2,951 | $7,854 |
| American Public University System | 1,724 | $7,360 |
| Central Texas College | 1,486 | $7,440 |
| Prince George's Community College | 1,058 | $8,474 |
| University of Cincinnati | 999 | $27,932 |
| Central Carolina Community College | 998 | $8,698 |
| Massachusetts Bay Community College | 596 | $10,320 |
| The University of Texas at San Antonio | 191 | $21,528 |
| Mohave Community College | 78 | $7,008 |
Overview of Online Paralegal Studies
Paralegal studies programs teach students the essential functions of a paralegal's role, which include taking notes, preparing case exhibits, interviewing witnesses, and summarizing reports. Professors also stress the profession's limits because paralegals must serve a support role and not offer legal advice.
Paralegal studies programs teach students the essential functions of a paralegal's role, which include taking notes, preparing case exhibits, interviewing witnesses, and summarizing reports.
Applicants can find a range of online programs at all degree levels, including full-time, part-time, fully online, and a hybrid of online and in-person delivery. A certificate in paralegal studies is an educational option that offers a specialized one-year credential in the field. The next level is a two-year associate degree, which provides the most common educational pathway to becoming a paralegal. Bachelor's programs last four years and contain more advanced courses. Finally, master's degrees offer experienced paralegals an additional credential to potentially improve their marketability.
What to Expect From an Online Paralegal Certificate Program
Paralegal certificates are designed to provide an intensive education in this discipline. They usually require 24-30 credit hours to complete and last 9-12 months for full-time students. Because online paralegal studies certificates are so concentrated, most have a similar curriculum. Classwork typically begins with an introductory course on law and related terminology, followed by classes on civil and criminal litigation, legal research and writing, and ethics. Although paralegal degree programs often include an internship, this practice is uncommon in certificate programs.
Many students entering a certificate program already hold a degree in another major and want to pivot careers. Although some participants only hold a high school diploma or GED, it's difficult to work as a paralegal with only a certificate and no other higher education. Instead, employers typically hire paralegals with one of the qualifications below:
- An associate or bachelor's degree in paralegal studies
- An associate or bachelor's degree in any major plus a certificate in paralegal studies
Are you unsure about pursuing a paralegal certificate? Explore our list of accredited online certificate programs to learn more about options in other fields.
Certification Requirements for Paralegals
Graduates of a paralegal certificate program are considered "certificated," a unique term that means the individual is qualified to work as a paralegal. But they can also choose to pursue a certification in order to add an extra credential to their resume. Certification isn't necessary, but it may make a candidate more appealing to some employers.
Graduates of a paralegal certificate program are considered "certificated," a unique term that means the individual is qualified to work as a paralegal.
At least three organizations grant professional certifications to paralegals who pass an exam after completing their paralegal education. Graduates of certificate programs are eligible for any of the following certifications:
- The National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) offers the Certified Paralegal credential.
- The National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA) grants the CORE Registered Paralegal certification.
- The National Association for Legal Support Professionals (NALSP) provides the Professional Paralegal certification.
Accredited Paralegal Programs
Schools can earn either national or regional accreditation by passing an independent review of their curricula, faculty, and services. Both types of accreditation allow students to receive federal financial aid and indicate that a college provides high-quality education. However, regional accreditation helps a student transfer their credits to another college with the same type of accreditation.
Paralegal studies certificates can also earn recognition from two specialized organizations: the American Bar Association (ABA) and the American Association for Paralegal Education (AAfPE). The ABA has a long history certifying the quality of law degrees and lawyers and creating guidelines for paralegal education programs. The AAfPE has also outlined specific eligibility criteria for paralegal programs. The ABA refers to program recognition as approval, and the AAfPE calls qualified programs members of its group. Some employers prefer to hire graduates from schools recognized by one of these agencies, so choosing an unrecognized program may impact your future employment opportunities.
How Much Does a Paralegal Certificate Program Cost?
The price of a certificate program varies by school. The median annual tuition rate is $6,995 among our list of the most affordable online paralegal certificates. These rates were calculated using out-of-state tuition rates unless in-state tuition is offered to all online students. To understand the total cost of a certificate program, It's important to research each program's costs — including books and supplies — and apply to all available financial aid.
Paralegal Careers
An online paralegal certificate qualifies alumni for just one job. But there's potential for variety within the paralegal field, and graduates of the same program can choose divergent career paths. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), paralegals earn a median annual salary of $52,920 and can expect a 12% increase between 2020 and 2030.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), paralegals earn a median annual salary of $52,920 and can expect a 12% increase between 2020 and 2030.
Nearly three-quarters of paralegals work for private law firms and 12% work for government agencies. Within these work environments, they cover the entire range of legal issues. Paralegals require exacting attention to detail, clear writing skills, and empathy because they're often dealing with emotionally vulnerable clients. We've listed the top five legal practice areas for paralegals below, providing data on these specialty areas from NALA's 2020 workforce survey.
Is a Paralegal Certificate Worth It?
Higher education can be costly in terms of money and time. Even a year-long certificate program comes with trade-offs that differ for every individual. However, many graduates of paralegal programs have secured rewarding careers, so it's worth weighing the pros and cons with personal circumstances in mind.
Potential Benefits
Paralegals make higher-than-median wages and enjoy faster-than-average job growth. The BLS attributes the field's expansion to the public's appetite for cheaper legal services, which has led to lawyers hiring more paralegals and allowing them more responsibilities.
A paralegal's knowledge and skills are transferable to new positions across employers and types of law. Because they share common tasks, no matter their specialty area, professionals often have a wealth of relevant experiences to share with potential employers in other domains.
Studying online can offer a wider choice of programs and more flexibility to balance responsibilities than enrolling in a campus-based program. This may appeal to certificate students who already work full-time.
Potential Drawbacks
CareerExplorer's research reveals a very low level of job satisfaction among paralegals. In fact, they rate themselves in the bottom 11% of all U.S. jobs in terms of career happiness.
Although a program often takes only a year to complete, paralegals may need a degree in addition to a certificate in order to land a job. This can mean additional time and expense added to their college costs.
It may be difficult to network during an intensive online paralegal program because students may never meet their classmates or professors in person. Paralegal students can volunteer for a legal aid organization to partially offset this, but only if there's one in their area.
FAQs About Paralegal Programs
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