An online bachelor’s degree in paralegal studies program may provide students with the training and skills needed to support lawyers, including maintain and organize files, conduct legal research, and draft documents. Students enrolled in these four-year programs may study the legal system, partake in analytical research, and utilize law office management. Coursework within these programs may include general education requirements alongside electives and major-specific courses, such as legal research, civil litigation, and tort law.

Graduates may either seek entry-level employment or pursue additional education and enroll in a graduate-level program in paralegal studies. Baccalaureate degree graduates may find employment opportunities in law offices, courtrooms, banks, and governmental agencies.

Program Overview

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

Program Coursework

The curriculum within an online baccalaureate-level program in paralegal studies may combine several general education requirements along with major-specific courses and electives. In these four-year programs, students may study law while honing their skills on legal drafting, writing, researching, and interviewing. Core online paralegal studies courses may include the following:

• Civil Litigation
• Legal Ethics
• Legal Research
• Tort Law
• Legal Writing
• Contract and Sales Law
• Law Office Management

Career Options

Graduates of online bachelor’s degree programs in paralegal studies may find jobs at law firms, governmental agencies, courtrooms, insurance companies, banks, and legal departments. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment opportunities for those pursuing careers as paralegals and legal assistants are expected to increase by 18% from 2010-2020.*

Possible careers include:

• Paralegal
• Legal Assistant
• Title Examiner
• Law Clerk
• Claims Adjuster

Continuing Education

Graduates of online bachelor’s-level programs in paralegal studies may continue their education and enroll in a master’s-level program in paralegal studies. These upper-level programs may provide students additional training on legal specialties, such as intellectual property law, international law, governmental law, and healthcare compliance. Employers may seek to hire individuals who have at least an associate degree or certificate in paralegal studies.

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