An online associate degree in paralegal studies may equip students with the skills needed to assist and maintain records for attorneys. In this two-year program, students may learn how to draft contracts and other legal documents, investigate the facts of a case, and prepare legal arguments. Program coursework may include some general education requirements alongside major-specific courses including civil litigation, legal ethics, and legal research.

Upon completion of the program, students may either seek entry-level employment or further their education by enrolling in a baccalaureate degree program. Associate-level graduates may gain employment in law offices, banks, government programs, state government, and corporate legal departments.

Program Overview

• Prerequisite: High School Diploma or GED
• Program Length: Two years to complete
• Post-Grad Options: Entry-Level Employment or Bachelor’s Program
• Projected Employment Growth: 18% (2010-2020)*

Program Coursework

Curriculum for associate-level paralegal studies degree programs may include a handful of general education courses alongside core coursework. These classes may teach students how to organize and present legal information, conduct legal research, and utilize legal technology to maintain transactions and legal data. Core online paralegal studies coursework may include the following:

• Introduction to Paralegal Studies
• Civil Litigation
• Introduction to Legal Research
• Legal Analysis and Writing
• Legal Ethics
• Introduction to Legal Technology
• Communications

Career Options

Graduates of associate-level paralegal programs may explore career opportunities in insurance companies, law offices, title agencies, government agencies, and corporate legal departments. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, paralegal legal assistant employment is projected to increase by 18% from 2010-2020.*

Possible careers include:

• Corporate Paralegal
• Litigation Paralegal
• Real Estate Paralegal
• Healthcare Paralegal
• Criminal Law Paralegal

Continuing Education

Those who successfully complete an associate degree program may have the opportunity to further their studies by enrolling in a baccalaureate degree program. A bachelor’s degree may provide students with enhanced communication, leadership, and project-management skills. Employers may require an associate degree at minimum to qualify for entry-level paralegal employment.

*U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook