Paralegals assist attorneys with a variety of tasks, including interviewing clients and researching cases.
If you are interested in the legal field but don’t want to spend the next decade getting a law degree, you should consider becoming a paralegal.
An online associate’s degree in paralegal studies can allow you to begin your new career in only two years.
1 National University
About School
National University is a nonprofit college that was founded by a veteran.
The school is adult-focused, making it a perfect choice for those who want to go back to school later in life.
The school has more than 220,000 alumni from around the world and is a yellow-ribbon college.
They offer scholarships, including the Opportunity Scholarship, to help disadvantaged students pay for college.
The school has a unique format.
Instead of taking several classes at once, you’ll typically take one class per month.
This allows you to focus on the class, and still enjoy your everyday life.
Courses Offered/Program Name
National University offers an Associate of Science Paralegal degree.
Students can choose to go on to get their BS in Paralegal studies, or a BA in Prelaw, to enter the workforce.
You can expect to spend two years to earn your degree, but the schedule is flexible, allowing you to take one or more classes each month.
Contact Information
- Address: 9388 Lightwave Ave, San Diego, CA 92123
- Phone: 855-355-6288
- Website: Visit School Website
2 American Natural University
About School
American Natural University focuses on providing an education that can prepare you for your career.
They offer affordable tuition and accelerated programs, so you can begin your new career quickly.
Courses Offered/Program Name
American National University was one of the first colleges to offer an online paralegal program that is approved by the American Bar Association (ABA) and DEAC accredited.
The program requires 92 credits.
However, each class is 4 credits.
The program costs $27,968. Once you’ve completed the program, you’ll have a strong understanding of how to complete the duties of a paralegal.
As part of the program, you’ll take the Lexis+® Certification Program.
You can also choose to do an internship to gain real-world experience.
Courses you’ll take include Criminal Law and Procedure, Family Law, and Legal Research and Writing. You’ll also take 28 hours of general education courses, including English and math courses.
Contact Information
- Address: 1813 East Main Street, Salem, VA 24153
- Phone: 833-388-1100
- Website: Visit School Website
3 Keiser
About School
Keiser is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Instead of taking several classes at once, you’ll take one class every 4 weeks.
This one-class-at-a-time approach allows you to focus on your course while maintaining other responsibilities, including a job and family obligations.
The school is a yellow ribbon participant, and military friendly.
After graduation, the student support services will help you find a job.
Courses Offered/Program Name
Keiser University offers an Associate of Arts Paralegal degree.
They offer the paralegal program online, and in person at campuses around Florida.
Courses include legal research, drafting, case management, and evidence gathering.
Once you graduate, you’ll be prepared to begin a career as a paralegal.
This degree can also be the first step toward a law degree for aspiring attorneys.
Contact Information
- Address: 16120 US Hwy 19 North, Clearwater, FL US 33764
- Phone: 1-866-288-1781
- Website: Visit School Website
4 Ashworth College
About School
Ashworth focuses on offering online education.
Their programs range from certificate to bachelor’s degree programs.
96% of students achieve their goals after graduating, and 95% would recommend Ashworth to a friend.
Courses Offered/Program Name
Ashworth offers an Associate degree in Paralegal Studies.
The program takes 2 years, or four semesters, to complete.
You’ll take a variety of general education courses, including Composition.
General education electives include Science, Humanities, and Social Sciences.
Major courses include Legal Research and Writing, Law Office Management, and Criminal Law and Procedures.
Contact Information
- Address: 5051 Peachtree Corners Circle, Suite 200, Norcross, Georgia 30092
- Phone: 1-800-957-5412
- Website: Visit School Website
5 Rasmussen
About School
Rasmussen offers online degree programs.
Instead of a typical class load, many courses use an empowered learning model.
This means you’ll work at your own pace.
This is similar to a workplace where you complete projects, rather than a traditional class schedule.
The first Rasmussen campus was opened more than 100 years ago, in the year 1900.
Since then, they’ve developed a reputation for being an innovative school with great results.
Courses Offered/Program Name
Rasmussen offers a Paralegal Associates degree.
It can be completed in as few as 18 months, depending on your class load.
You can also take assessments to prove your knowledge of a particular course.
This allows you to get credit for the course, without needing to complete it.
You’ll just pay $149 for each assessment you take.
Previous classes or certifications you’ve taken may also count towards your degree.
After you’ve graduated from the program, you can sit for the National Certified Legal Assistant/Paralegal (CLA/CP) Examination, which allows you to be certified as a paralegal.
Contact Information
- Address: 11600 College Boulevard Suite 100 Overland Park, KS 66210
- Phone: 913-491-7870
- Website: Visit School Website
6 Hodges University
About School
Hodges University offers a variety of degree and non-degree programs on campus and online.
Their courses are flexible, and taught by instructors with real-world experience.
Their principles include excellence in their programs, effectiveness, engagement in their community, growth, and meeting institutional objectives.
Courses Offered/Program Name
Hodges University offers an Associate of Science Paralegal degree.
Upon graduation, you are prepared to take the Paralegal Advanced Competency Exam or the Certified Legal Assistant/Certified Paralegal Exam.
In addition to standard courses like Criminal Law, Family Law, and Legal Ethics, you’ll learn about eDiscovery and eLitigation, which helps prepare you for employment after graduation.
You can complete the program, which requires 60 credit hours in two years or less.
Contact Information
- Address: 4501 Colonial Blvd Fort Myers, Florida 33966
- Phone: 1-239-938-7700
- Website: Visit School Website
7 Georgia Military College
About School
Georgia Military College was founded in 1879.
The college provides strong values and ethics, along with a comprehensive education.
Their mission is to instill Duty, Honor, and Love of Country in each student they serve.
Students can then go on to make a difference in the world after graduation.
Courses Offered/Program Name
Georgia Military College offers an Associate’s Degree in Paralegal Studies.
The program can be completed in two years and typically costs $13,230 – $14,406.
Students will take courses based on critical thinking, communication, research, organizational and management skills, and computer skills.
You’ll learn how to understand and prepare legal documents, explain the philosophies of jurisprudence, and create a research plan based on the available facts.
The program focuses on both legal theory and practical legal skills, so you’ll be prepared to enter the workforce after graduating.
If you want to continue your studies, the credits you earn can also be applied toward a bachelor’s degree in Prelaw.
You can take the program on campus, online, or in a hybrid format that provides remote courses and in-person courses.
Contact Information
- Address: PO BOX 100, 201 East Greene Street, Milledgeville, GA 31061
- Phone: 866-226-9515
- Website: Visit School Website
8 University of Cincinnati Online
About School
The University of Cincinnati has stood the test of time, offering higher education to students in Ohio for more than 200 years.
Today, their online programs allow you to learn from anywhere.
The flexible schedule lets you learn at your own pace and timeframe.
Courses Offered/Program Name
The University of Cincinnati Online offers a Paralegal Studies Associate of Science Degree.
The program is completely online and can be completed at your own pace.
The program is ABA-approved.
Some courses are synchronous, which means that you’ll attend class virtually at the scheduled time.
All courses are taught by licensed attorneys and practitioners.
Contact Information
- Address: 2600 Clifton Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45221
- Phone: (833) 556-7900
- Website: Visit School Website
9 Liberty University
About School
Liberty University is rated one of the top 3 online colleges in the United States, according to Niche.
Liberty University’s online programs are designed to be flexible, so you can complete them on your schedule.
It’s a Christian College, founded in 1971 by Rev. Falwell.
Today, Liberty has 15 campuses, and an extensive online catalog.
In fact, you can choose from 700 programs, 600 of which are available around the world online.
The college values hard work, courage, and integrity, which they consider core concepts of their faith.
They focus on training champions for Christ, who can go on to improve the world.
Courses Offered/Program Name
Liberty University offers an Associate of Arts in Paralegal Studies.
The program typically takes 2 years and requires 60 credit hours.
Liberty University aims to train students to be successful professionally, personally, and spiritually.
Classes are 8 weeks long.
You can choose to take a few classes, or you can take just one class at a time.
Once you’ve completed your associate degree, you can continue your education to get a bachelor’s degree or begin your career.
Contact Information
- Address: 1971 University Blvd, Lynchburg, VA 24515
- Phone: (800) 424-9595
- Website: Visit School Website
10 Post Univerity
About School
Post University focuses on personalized education.
You can choose your own specialization and concentration.
You can also obtain micro-credentials as you complete the program.
Post offers interactive courses, so you can develop relationships with your professors and other students.
Post also offers comprehensive student support, which includes tutoring, counseling, and career services.
You’ll also have access to academic advising and the writing center.
Courses Offered/Program Name
The Associate of Science in Legal Studies is a great way to begin a career as a paralegal.
You’ll learn about the relationship between the legal system and business, government, and society.
The program requires 60 credit hours and usually takes 2 years to complete.
You’ll learn to communicate as a paralegal through your speech and writing.
You will also learn about the technology used in legal services, and how to utilize it.
You will also learn how to perform the duties of a paralegal under the supervision of a lawyer.
Contact Information
- Address: 800 Country Club Road, Waterbury, CT 06723
- Phone: 800-660-6615
- Website: Visit School Website
Schools Summary Table
| Rank | School | |
|---|---|---|
|
#1 | National University |
|
#2 | American Natural University |
|
#3 | Keiser |
|
#4 | Ashworth College |
|
#5 | Rasmussen |
|
#6 | Hodges University |
|
#7 | Georgia Military College |
|
#8 | University of Cincinnati Online |
|
#9 | Liberty University |
|
#10 | Post Univerity |
Thank you for compiling this list of the best online associates in paralegal programs. As someone considering a career in this field, having options that are both reputable and accessible is invaluable.
I appreciate the detailed insights in this post. it’s helpful for those of us looking to pursue a paralegal career while having the flexibility of online education.
As someone considering a career change, this list is incredibly helpful. It’s great to see the options laid out clearly.
I’m currently enrolled in one of these programs and I couldn’t be happier with the quality of education and support I’m receiving.
Paralegal studies have always intrigued me, and now with these online options, it feels more accessible than ever.
I appreciate the emphasis on accreditation in these recommendations. It’s crucial for ensuring a solid foundation in legal studies.