An online master’s degree in paralegal studies may provide students with the skills and training needed to apply laws and legal doctrines. Students enrolled in these upper-level programs may learn how to identify and analyze legal issues, reflect on ethical and moral implications of the law, and apply principles of leadership to change aspects of the legal system. Coursework within these programs may include legal-based electives and major-specific courses, such as jurisprudence and legal history, corporate law, and litigation.

Upon graduation, students may seek employment or pursue additional education and enroll in a doctoral-level program in paralegal studies. Master’s-level graduates may find employment opportunities working in legal departments, law libraries, and the government.

Program Overview

• Prerequisite: Bachelor’s Degree
• Program Length: One to two years to complete
• Post-Grad Options: Employment or Doctoral Program
• Projected Employment Growth: 18% (2010-2020)*

Program Coursework

The curriculum within an online master’s-level program in paralegal studies may combine legal-based electives pertaining to their area of concentration and major-specific courses. In these upper-level programs, students may study legal terminology, legal reasoning and analysis, ethical decision-making, and dispute resolution. Core paralegal studies courses may include the following:

• Corporate Law
• Litigation
• Legal Research and Writing
• American Jurisprudence
• Legal Methods and Process
• Jurisprudence and Legal History

Career Options

Graduates of online master’s in paralegal studies may find jobs working in government, law firms, legal departments, and law libraries. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment opportunities for those pursuing careers as paralegals or legal secretaries are expected to increase by 18% from 2010-2020.*

Possible careers include:

• Paralegal
• Legal Assistant
• Appraiser
• Lawyer
• Claims Adjuster

Continuing Education

Upon graduation, students may opt to further their education and enroll in a doctoral-level program in paralegal studies. In these research-heavy PhD programs, students may gain additional training and skills understanding legal rules and doctrines as well as complete courses geared toward a specific area of concentration.

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