The 14 Best Online Associate in Paralegal Degrees

The field of paralegal studies is a fantastic fit for you if you enjoy solving riddles and have a talent for finding data. Although lawyers frequently take the spotlight away from paralegals, they do most of the legwork! According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment growth rate in this industry is faster than average.

The foundation of our judicial system is paralegals, who conduct research, write, and conduct investigations. You can get your online paralegal associate degree in as little as two years. Additionally, you can obtain a paralegal certificate and become a certified paralegal even faster if you already hold an associate degree.

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Quick Summarization:
Paralegals are essentially the legal assistants of lawyers and attorneys. Many states mandate that you earn a higher education degree in paralegal studies before becoming a paralegal. An online associate in the paralegal studies program will be your first step to entering the field.

You will learn about a range of legal-related topics in these programs while honing your paralegal skills. You’ll gain knowledge of the American legal system and several common law traditions.

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Methodology

The realm of legal practice is an interesting and challenging one. Get started with your career goal of becoming part of this field by obtaining an online Associate in Paralegal degree. To obtain the knowledge and competencies required in this field, choose only an excellent degree program from a reputable school!

The online Associate in Paralegal degrees on our list all share these features:

• Coursework is delivered either 100% online or in a blended format, which makes it ideal for professionals seeking to earn an associate degree in the Paralegal field,
• Rigorous coursework that features the foundational core courses in Paralegal Studies to prepare students for the bachelor’s level or work opportunities where they are qualified,
• Offer Transfer Pathways for students to allow for a seamless transition to the four-year bachelor’s degree level following graduation from the associate program,
• Offers financial aid to students requiring assistance with funding their associate degree,
• Paralegal experts as online teachers and academic staff, all of whom exhibit expertise in the field or hold terminal degrees,
• Accreditation is granted by the country’s leading academic organizations that have set the appropriate standards for delivering online academic programs and granting online degrees,
• Esteemed by the Paralegal community as evidenced by membership in relevant associations, and positive feedback and reviews from students

Read our Methodology for the full details of our ranking process.

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14 Best Online Associate in Paralegal Degrees

Rio Salado College

Rio Salado College offers a state-of-the-art online Associate of Applied Science in Paralegal Studies that prepares students for the field through extensive law courses and skills training. This online associate degree prepares paralegal students for future civil litigation in courtrooms. Courses include:

• Civil Procedures
• Legal Ethics
• Legal Writing
• Criminal Procedures
• Research Techniques
• Property Law

While graduates can work in paralegal jobs with this online paralegal associate degree, RSC still encourages its students to pursue a BA or BS in the same field. Earned credits from this paralegal studies program will allow you to seamlessly transfer to a bachelor’s program. This degree program also includes certification completion to help students become more competitive in the job market. 

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Nassau Community College

NCC’s online Associate of Applied Science in Paralegal Studies provides students with the foundation knowledge they need to become proficient in the paralegal profession. This online paralegal studies program will train students to conduct legal research, understand the law, improve paralegal skills, and provide hands-on training in a legal setting. Elective courses include:

• Tort Law
• Family Law
• Legal Writing and Analysis
• Elder Law
• Commercial Law

During the hands-on paralegal training, students will be supervised by an attorney to make sure that they’re correctly performing the tasks of a paralegal professional. Additionally, this online paralegal studies degree requires its students to complete the certification program NCC offers. 

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Anne Arundel Community College

Anne Arundel Community College offers a 31-credit extensive Associate of Applied Science in Paralegal Studies taught by legal professionals with years of field experience. This online associate degree in paralegal studies also provides an accelerated program for prospective students who will enroll full-time in the program. The courses in the program will test the student’s capabilities for a paralegal profession. Courses include:

• Law Office Practice & Tech
• Electronic Legal Research
• Law Office Management
• Criminal Law
• Civil Law
• Tort Law
• Corporate Law

Aside from its online courses, students can also participate in internships at law offices to broaden their knowledge and network. Online students are granted access to an on-site law library and the Maryland Electronic Filing Systems training to further enhance their skills in storing legal documents electronically.

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Eastern Kentucky University

The Associate of Applied Science in Paralegal Studies at Eastern Kentucky University is a 100% online program that gives paralegal students a chance to complete all coursework in an accelerated 8-week term. This online paralegal studies associate is a member of the American Association for Paralegal Education (AAFPE). Courses include:

• Legal Research And Writing
• Litigation
• Legal Administration
• Computer Applications
• Family Law
• Criminal Law
• Probate Practice
• Contract Law

EKU is one of the best schools for active military students to complete online degree programs. EKU gives a generously reduced tuition rate deduction for all its active military students. Almost half of the total tuition costs will be reduced. 

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University Of Alaska Fairbanks

The University of Alaska Fairbanks offers an online Associate in Paralegal, best for students who want to pursue careers in law enforcement and criminal justice. This online paralegal degree provides students a hands-on training and legal setting experience as part of the 60-credit hours curriculum. Courses include:

• Family Law
• Criminal Law for Paralegals
• Probate Law
• Legal Research and Writing for Paralegals
• Civil Law
• Introduction to American Government and Politics

In addition to paralegal studies courses, students will have to participate in internships with 150 hours of on-the-job training in law firms. This coursework will enhance your ability to perform in legal settings and improve your skills. You can also pursue certification to compete more in the job market or use the credits for an advanced law degree.

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Clayton State University

Clayton State University’s online Associate of Science in Paralegal Studies is a hybrid associate degree that requires its online students to take at least seven classes on campus and fulfill residency requirements. Four of the seven degrees must be the paralegal studies associate’s core classes. Online courses include:

• Law & Ethics 
• Civil Litigation
• Legal Research & Writing

CSU offers affordable tuition rates, financial aid opportunities, and personalized attention for its students. The school provides internship programs for its students.

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Drury University

The Associate of Science in Paralegal Studies at DU equips students with skills and an understanding of the American judicial system’s rules. For its value, quality, and convenience, the Paralegal Studies program is among the best online programs in the nation. The curriculum includes classes in:

• Civil Litigation
• Tort Law
• Family Law
• Legal Research and Writing
• Introduction to Law and Legal Reasoning

DU’s online paralegal studies associate degree also provides a mandatory Professional Practicum. However, the practicum is not accessible until the student completes at least 45 credits of the entire associate program curriculum. The practicum experience typically takes place in a legal firm. 

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Liberty University

The Associate of Arts in Paralegal Studies degree at Liberty University is a 60-credit program that students can complete online. While students can transfer up to 45 credits into the online program, the school requires students to complete at least 15 credits at Liberty’s School of Law for graduation compliance. Students learn about the profession through courses such as:

• Legal Research
• Legal Writing
• Foundations of Law
• Civil Practice

Liberty University provides free e-textbooks to online students to help them reduce the cost of education. Additionally, students can complete their paralegal studies online in an 8-week format. 

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Kirkwood Community College

Kirkwood Community College offers two associates in paralegal studies online: Associate of Applied Science and Associate of Arts in Paralegal Studies. The AAS degree is best for students who want to enter the job market immediately upon graduation. On the other hand, the AA degree is best for those who plan to pursue an advanced law degree. 

While the two paralegal studies have different concentrations, they share the same goal. These online paralegal degrees equip students with the skills and knowledge they need to become successful paralegal professionals in the future. Coursework for both associate degrees includes:

• Introduction to Law
• Civil Litigation 
• Contract Law
• Torts Law
• Administrative Law

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Lake Superior College

Lake Superior College’s online Associate of Science in Paralegal Studies is an affordable online paralegal degree with numerous financial aid opportunities. This online paralegal studies degree can be completed in as little as two years. Coursework includes:

• Civil Litigation
• Law Office Applications
• Legal Transcription
• Word Processing Applications

Additionally, students learn about legal terminology, the American legal system, and procedural law. The Lake Superior Paralegal Studies Certificate program should be considered by those who want to enter the legal profession immediately. Individuals who earn an AS degree are well-positioned to further specialize in their understanding of the legal system and proceed to higher paralegal programs.

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SUNY Herkimer College

The Associate in Applied Science – Legal Studies offered by the State University of New York’s Herkimer College prepares students to take on various positions in law offices, banks, brokerage houses, or local government agencies that require paralegal skills. The program can be completed in person or entirely online through the SUNY Herkimer Internet Academy.

Courses in the program include:

• Legal Research and Writing
• Civil Litigation and Procedure
• Torts and Personal Injury
• Real Estate Law
• Family Law
• Administration of Estates

SUNY Herkimer also offers a related Paralegal Studies Certificate program that focuses on several core legal content areas that, include torts, property/real estate law, legal research and writing, criminal law, family law, and legal ethics.

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University of Cincinnati

The University of Cincinnati’s Associate of Applied Business in Law & Paralegal Studies (AAB) program. The fully online 60-credit hour degree program is approved by the American Bar Association (ABA). It covers extensively the US legal system and equips students with the competency to begin their careers in the legal sector. Courses include:

• Law Office Technology
• Corporate Law & Business Organizations
• Bankruptcy Law
• Employment Law
• Administrative Litigation
• Civil Litigation

All classes in this online associate program are taught by licensed attorneys. The online setup also offers flexible scheduling options, and the program has six start dates throughout the year. The program can also be completed either full-time or part-time.

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University of Arkansas Grantham

The Associate of Arts in Paralegal Studies program offered by the University of Arkansas Grantham is designed to build a solid knowledge foundation in legal support that students can apply to a variety of settings, be they in a small law practice, as part of a large firm, or corporate and government legal teams. The fully online program contains 60 credit hours and takes an average of 24 months to complete. Courses include:

• Legal Ethics
• Civil Litigation
• Legal Research and Writing
• Law Office Management and Technology
• Torts
• Contract Law

Upon graduation, students are expected to contribute crucial support roles to legal teams, which include legal research, conducting analysis, legal document preparation, and limited interview and investigative duties. UA Grantham is Distance Education Accrediting Commission-accredited.

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Midlands Technical College

Midlands Technical College hosts an Associate Degree in Paralegal Studies degree program that can be completed in a blended format, wherein students attend online classes and meet in-person requirements. The ABA-approved program has a total of 61 credit hours and can be completed either as a full-time or part-time student. Courses in the program include the following:

• Business Law
• Torts
• Family Law
• Civil Litigation
• Law Office Management
• Wills, Trusts, and Probate

Midlands Technical College reviews students’ transfer credits upon application. Under certain terms, the college may accept a maximum of two-thirds of the Legal specialty credit requirements from regionally accredited, ABA-approved schools. This transferability component of the program is based on course content, hours of instruction, and grades earned by the student.

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Best Online Associates in Law Enforcement Degrees

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What Do Associate in Paralegal Programs Consist of?

Legal Research

All legal and paralegal education will include a course in legal research. In contrast to others, this research course emphasizes acquiring data from a legal perspective. Students learn how to recognize reliable sources and reference them when conducting research.

Overview of the American Legal System

Paralegal students will study the overview of the American Legal System during their first year, including court processes. Students will also discuss the with their instructors about significant legal decisions. 

Ethics in the Paralegal Profession

Students are made aware of potential ethical concerns with this ethics course. Students gain knowledge of ethical dilemmas and the best procedures for safeguarding crucial case information. 

Contract Law

The basics of contracts are covered in this course, including contract writing and interpretation. Students are trained to spot typical contract red flags and weaknesses. They also study defenses and violations. Frequently, students have sample contracts to display in their portfolios when they finish the course.

Special Topics

Special topics include laws, such as the difference between wills and trusts, employment, and family law. This paralegal course will help students gain an extensive understanding of their concentration.

Associate in Paralegal Studies Common Career Paths

Paralegals or Legal Assistants

The most common employment choice is a paralegal or legal assistant with an associate’s degree. A paralegal drafts documents, gathers and organizes case exhibits and testimony, verifies the authenticity of legal documents, conducts research for the attorneys, and frequently represents the attorney in court.

Average Annual Salary: $59,200

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Legislative Assistant

A professional who works as a legislative aide is a lawmaker. They aid in keeping an eye on possible legislation, formulate suggestions, provide guidance and advice, develop legislation, and carry out research. Legislative assistants provide legislators with legal counsel on the legislation’s merits and inform them of how the proposed legislation will affect their constituency.

Average Annual Salary: $55,705

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Law Enforcement Officer

Associates in paralegal graduates frequently choose to become law enforcement officers. Jobs are often available at all levels, from the neighborhood police agency to state and federal organizations. A large portion of what was learned in the paralegal studies degree is necessary for law enforcement professionals to understand the law and legal principles thoroughly.

Law enforcement officers patrol, investigate crimes, make arrests, and compile reports detailing crimes and criminals.

Average Annual Salary: $48,067

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Compliance Officer

Compliance officers are responsible for keeping an eye on a firm’s rules and laws and ensuring that the organization follows all applicable policies, laws, and contract requirements. These professionals keep an eye on the business and its workers, assist in creating policies, instruct staff members, and give management guidance on compliance requirements and their significance.

Average Annual Salary: $76,006

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Essential Paralegal Skills

Critical Thinking

Critical thinking would come first and foremost. You’ll be provided with arbitrary fact patterns for a specific client’s case, and you’ll need to use those to find relevant, essential primary sources that will support your legal contention. Without critical thinking, you cannot accomplish anything. To win your case, you must analyze the circumstances and identify the relevant legal principles.

Communication

Good communication skills are necessary for all legal practices. This skill will be crucial when interviewing a new client, creating petitions, speaking with witnesses, discussing significant issues with the supervising attorney, and the sort.

Paralegals are an established attorney’s right-hand man when it comes to providing legal support services. They must serve as a crucial conduit between clients, experts, and opposing counsel during the litigation process.

A paralegal practitioner might benefit from effective communication skills to maximize productivity. Even though writing, listening, and speaking are all part of communication, writing abilities that are clear and convincing are the most crucial. This ability is crucial when drafting pleadings, motions, briefs, and legal memoranda.

Effective Research

Another crucial skill that a paralegal needs to have is research skills. In the current environment, legal research databases have surpassed traditional legal research techniques in popularity.

Strong investigative abilities are crucial in criminal, civil, and medical matters where you must find evidence, witnesses, and medical records, among others.

Computer Proficiency

Technology has permeated every industry, including the paralegal one. Technology’s introduction to this industry has aided in the growth of new specialties like e-discovery and litigation assistance. A paralegal with advanced technological skills will undoubtedly stand out from the crowd.

Organizational Skills

Paralegals generally help attorneys and are tasked with maintaining records for many cases. The paralegals are required to manage a tremendous volume of paperwork and data. Paralegal professionals must be able to evaluate, classify, alter, and organize all of the legal data.

Maintaining all the pertinent information about the court proceedings and ensuring that the legal procedures are handled correctly would benefit from good organizational abilities.

Time Management and Multitasking

Paralegals typically work on several cases at once; therefore, time management and multitasking are skills they must master. They must be able to manage various situations involving various clients and ensure that all the procedures are adhered to.

A paralegal may need to simultaneously interview a client, draft a petition, and answer a petition. A paralegal professional must be completely aware of this.

Team Player

The legal industry values collaboration highly. You will need to work with various people, including clients, the senior attorney, other paralegals, and the opposing counsel.

Attention to Detail

Verifying briefs and memos, exhibit management, document review, keeping track of court dates, double-checking budgets, filing responses while keeping deadlines in mind, and other processes all call for meticulous attention to detail. A paralegal expert must therefore be knowledgeable in this area.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Key Points to Ponder

1. An associate degree in paralegal studies prepares you for entry-level positions in the legal profession, working under the supervision of a lawyer or an attorney. While some colleges offer entirely online associate degree programs, others only provide blended or hybrid options.
2. Additionally, schools could include internships to give students hands-on training. Paralegal studies associate degree programs typically take two years to complete.
3. A paralegal’s responsibility is to support a lawyer or attorney. A paralegal is thus a crucial component of a law firm and other legal or governmental settings.
4. From preserving and organizing files to drafting and writing legal papers, a paralegal can handle various jobs in the legal industry. In addition to going to court to support an attorney, paralegals also conduct legal research and investigations for legal cases.

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• Best Online Associate in Paralegal Degrees