BASICS OF ONLINE PARALEGAL DEGREES
Paralegals primarily serve in a support role to lawyers. However, their help is often critical to a successful outcome in a case. While much of their work consists of organizing files and conducting legal research, a great portion is also spent doing the exact things lawyers do every day. They look for the facts of certain cases, while studying relevant laws and regulations. They write reports for review and prep for lawyers trials, and they draft legal documents – such as contracts – among other things.
Here are some things to consider when you choose an online paralegal program:
- Professional paralegals do not require any specific certification for hire. However, a certain level of education is often demanded by employers, according to the U.S. BLS.
- There are often three routes to becoming a paralegal. Some pursue paralegal studies, receiving an associate’s, bachelor’s or even master’s degree before seeking employment. But, others pursue a bachelor’s degree in an unrelated field and may pursue a cert in paralegal studies. Finally, some go for a job with no experience, choosing to receive on the job training instead.
- There are some local and national organizations that offer paralegal certifications for individuals that pass an exam or meet certain educational or experiential criteria.
- Before you sign up for online courses, make sure the work you do preps you for certain exams and consider reaching out to possible future employers to inquire about the value of an online degree in regards to the professionals they hire.
IS AN ONLINE PARALEGAL DEGREE PROGRAM FOR YOU?
With online paralegal schooling, you may learn what it takes to pursue a career prepping lawyers for trial, conducting legal research and constructing legal documents. Moreover, online programs often allow students to learn at their own pace and on their own time. This ensures that the subject matter can be analyzed thoroughly and that your schedule can be matched to suit your needs.
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Southern New Hampshire University
- Take advantage of some of the nation’s most affordable tuition rates, while earning a degree from a private, nonprofit, NEASC accredited university
- Qualified students with 2.5 GPA and up may receive up to $20K in grants & scholarships
- Multiple term start dates throughout the year. 24/7 online classroom access.
Popular Programs
Business Administration, Psychology, Information Technology, Human Services…
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University of Arizona Global Campus
- 99% of University of Arizona Global Campus students study online
- University of Arizona Global Campus offers affordable tuition, so college is accessible to many students.
- he University of Arizona Global Campus (formerly Ashford University) is accredited by WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
Available Programs
Accounting and Finance, Information Technology, Political Science…
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Western Governors University
- Award-winning programs created to help you succeed.
- A quality education doesn’t have to be expensive. Earn an accredited degree for less.
- Programs start monthly – Apply free this week!
Sponsored Schools
WHAT DO ONLINE PARALEGAL DEGREE PROGRAM COURSES LOOK LIKE?
Whether you are looking for an entry level job or to advance your career, a paralegal degree will give you the tools you need to increase your experience as well as your potential to earn more. This degree can help get you ready for many different careers in the field, such as a legal or admin assistant. And, because there are a wide range of roles and careers in this field, you can find a job that is a good fit for your interests, skills and income goals.
Some common courses include:
Intro to Paralegal Studies: This intro course may cover the basics of the paralegal role. You could study things from common tasks to ethical duties.
Business Law: Learn the basics of the laws that govern business. You could study contracts, liability, and a lot more.
Paralegal Real Estate Law: Paralegals often have to do special tasks when real estate is bought and sold. This course could cover the laws and methods you need to know!
Criminal Law: Paralegals may need to know local, state and federal laws that deal with crime. This course could delve into these laws, how to apply them, and how they’re enforced.
Employment Law: This course may be all about the relationship between workers and the companies that hire them. You could learn both the key laws in this field and the paralegal’s role.
Juvenile Justice: Learn how young offenders are handled in the justice system. This course may explore police courts, probation, and how to prevent youth crime.
PARALEGAL CAREER PATHS AND POTENTIAL SALARIES
While you may assume the natural path for a paralegal is a future in law school and to become a lawyer – and while this may not be far from the truth – there are other career paths that may be open after taking online courses to pursue a career as a paralegal. Consider these options with stats compiled by the BLS.