Best Online Paralegal Degrees In 2025
An online paralegal degree offers flexibility for legal professionals, enabling them to balance study with work commitments without compromising quality.
The article highlights the best online paralegal degrees in 2025, offering essential details like pricing, prerequisites, and focus areas for informed decision-making.
Whether enhancing legal skills or seeking organizational advancement, these programs are designed to fit various career goals, aiding in professional growth.
For legal professionals seeking to expand their expertise, an online paralegal degree is a practical tool for career growth and development. These degrees offer flexibility and convenience, allowing you to balance work and study without sacrificing quality.
In this article, you'll find the best online paralegal degrees available in 2025. We'll cover essential details like pricing, prerequisites, and focus areas so you can make an informed decision.
Whether you aim to enhance your legal skills or advance within your organization, understanding these programs will help you choose the right fit for your career goals.
Best Online Paralegal Degrees Shortlist
Here's a shortlist of the best online paralegal degrees I think are worth looking into:
- Paralegal Online Program - Best for comprehensive legal foundations
- Associate of Applied Business in Law & Paralegal Studies - Best for business law integration
- Paralegal Online Program - Best for flexible learning options
- Associate of Paralegal Studies - Best for interactive online learning
- Paralegal Studies Program - Best for career-focused training
- Bachelor of Science in Law & Paralegal Studies - Best for in-depth legal studies
- Associate of Arts (AA) in Paralegal Studies - Best for foundational legal education
- Paralegal Studies Associate Degree - Best for affordable tuition
- Associate Degree in Paralegal Studies - Best for accelerated completion
- B.S. in Paralegal Studies - Best for leadership and management skills
- Paralegal Associate’s Degree - Best for practical legal experience
- Associate of Science in Paralegal Studies - Best for science-law integration
Overviews Of The Best Online Paralegal Degrees
Below are my detailed summaries of the best online paralegal degrees that made it onto my shortlist.
1. Paralegal Online Program - Best for comprehensive legal foundations
The Duke University Paralegal Online Certificate is a 300‑hour, self-paced coursework completed under the guidance of a licensed attorney. It equips you with essential legal skills, including hands-on experience with tools like Lexis Advance and Westlaw.
Issued by: Duke University Continuing Studies
Focus:
- Essential paralegal skills
- Legal ethics and technology
- Research and drafting
- Substantive law subjects
Prerequisites:
- Education: At least an associate's or bachelor's degree credited educational institution
- Work Experience: Not required
- Exam: Required
- Other Certifications: None
Renewability: No, it does not require renewal.
Price: $6,995
Who It’s For: This program is ideal if you're looking to enter or advance in the paralegal field, showcasing your commitment to gaining comprehensive legal knowledge.
2. Associate of Applied Business in Law & Paralegal Studies - Best for business law integration
The Associate of Applied Business in Law & Paralegal Studies prepares you for entry-level paralegal roles across private law firms, government, and non-profit sectors. The curriculum is a blend of foundational legal theory and hands-on skills, including courtroom procedures, substantive law, and office technology.
Issued by: University of Cincinnati
Focus:
- Legal foundations & core paralegal skills
- Civil litigation sequence
- Substantive legal areas
- Technology in law
Prerequisites:
- Education: Currently a high school senior or have a high school diploma, GED, or home-school equivalent
- Work Experience: Not required
- Other Certifications: None
Renewability: No, it does not require renewal.
Price:
- Resident of the State of Ohio: $3,632 per semester
- Non-resident of the State of Ohio: $3,812 per semester
Who It’s For: This program is ideal if you're looking to combine legal expertise with business acumen, enhancing your capability to navigate legal processes in a business setting.
3. Paralegal Online Program - Best for flexible learning options
The Paralegal Online Program offers a comprehensive, fully online Paralegal Certificate program that combines legal theory with practical skills using simulations and real-world assignments. The program has a flexible format and rigorous instruction to prepare you for entry-level paralegal positions and the eligibility to take nationally recognized professional certification exams.
Issued by: Florida International University
Focus:
- Introduction to paralegal studies
- Legal research & writing
- Civil litigation & court procedures
- Professional technology & tools
Prerequisites:
- Education: At least a high school diploma or GED
- Work Experience: Not required
- Exam: Required
- Other Certifications: None
Renewability: No, it does not require renewal.
Price: $7,120 (for Semesters I-III)
Who It’s For: This program is perfect if you're looking to gain essential paralegal skills with the flexibility of online learning, preparing you for various roles in legal environments.
4. Associate of Paralegal Studies - Best for interactive online learning
The Associate of Paralegal Studies is a 60-credit curriculum that combines legal education, business studies, and general education. It is delivered through live online lectures and equips you with skills on writing, legal research using LexisNexis, and supports personal career advancement.
Issued by: National Paralegal College
Focus:
- Core paralegal courses
- Legal research and ethics
- Civil litigation
- Different areas of law
- Principles of finance and micro- & macro-economics.
Prerequisites:
- Other Certifications: None
Renewability: No, it does not require renewal.
Who It’s For: This program is ideal if you want to gain practical legal skills and knowledge through an engaging online platform, equipping you for various roles in the legal field.
5. Paralegal Studies Program - Best for career-focused training
The Associate of Arts in Paralegal Studies provides a workforce-aligned curriculum that builds strong legal research, writing, case management, and evidence-gathering skills. It emphasizes practical training that equips you with substantive legal expertise.
Issued by: Keiser University
Focus:
- Legal research & writing
- Civil litigation
- Micro- & macro-economics
- Technology in law
- Communication and social sciences
Prerequisites:
- Education: At least a high school diploma or equivalent
- Other Certifications: None
Renewability: No, it does not require renewal.
Who It’s For: This program is perfect if you're looking to gain practical legal skills and a career-focused education, helping you excel in various legal support roles.
6. Bachelor of Science in Law & Paralegal Studies - Best for in-depth legal studies
The Bachelor of Science in Law & Paralegal Studies’ curriculum combines foundational legal theory with advanced applied skills. You have the flexibility to complete courses asynchronously while receiving one-on-one academic advising, networking opportunities, and a strong career placement track.
Issued by: University of Cincinnati
Focus:
- Legal foundation & ethics
- Legal research & writing
- Civil & criminal litigation
- Legal technology & practice management
Prerequisites:
- Education: At least nine semester credits or the equivalent of legal specialty courses through synchronous instruction
- Exam: Required
- Other Certifications: None
- Others: A cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher (from all prior institutions combined) will be considered for acceptance
Renewability: No, it does require renewal.
Price:
- Resident of the State of Ohio: $6,988 per semester
- Non-resident of the State of Ohio: $7,168 per semester
Who It’s For: This program is ideal if you're seeking a comprehensive legal education that equips you with both foundational knowledge and practical skills, enhancing your career prospects in the legal field.
7. Associate of Arts (AA) in Paralegal Studies - Best for foundational legal education
The Associate of Arts (AA) in Paralegal Studies is grounded in a Biblical worldview, delivering foundational legal education. The program approaches the legal field with ethical integrity and civic responsibility. It also offers hands-on skills and professionalism essential to support attorneys in law firms, agencies, or legal departments.
Issued by: Liberty University
Focus:
- Fundamentals of paralegal skills
- Legal research & writing
- Criminal practice & procedures
- Biblical & ethical foundations
Prerequisites:
- Education: At least a high school diploma or GED
- Exam: Required
- Other Certifications: None
- Others: Submission of official scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or an approved alternative assessment (for applicants whose native language is not English)
Renewability: No, it does not require renewal.
Who It’s For: This program is ideal if you're beginning your legal education and want a strong foundation in paralegal studies, preparing you for entry-level positions or further studies.
8. Paralegal Studies Associate Degree - Best for affordable tuition
The Associate of Paralegal Studies equips aspiring paralegals with foundational legal knowledge and practical skills, featuring courses on legal ethics, investigations, and land technology tools like Microsoft Office. Most course materials include interactive projects, exams, and simulations, making it ideal for learners seeking flexible, career-focused training for entry-level legal support roles.
Issued by: Penn Foster College
Focus:
- Introduction to paralegal studies & information literacy
- Legal investigation & ethics
- Civil & criminal litigation
- Legal research & writing
- Law office technology
Prerequisites:
- Education: At least a high school diploma or equivalent
- Exam: Required
- Other Certifications: None
Renewability: No, it does not require renewal.
Price: $7,000
Who It’s For: This program is perfect if you're looking for a cost-effective way to gain foundational legal skills, enabling you to start or advance your career in the legal industry.
9. Associate Degree in Paralegal Studies - Best for accelerated completion
The Associate Degree in Paralegal Studies offers substantive law and hands-on skill development. It includes interactive simulations, capstone projects, and practical labs that mirror actual paralegal responsibilities. Additionally, it is structured to allow for quicker completion, helping you enter the workforce sooner.
Issued by: Bryan University
Focus:
- Introduction to paralegal sciences
- Civil procedure
- Legal technology foundations
- Legal research & writing
- Different law areas
Prerequisites:
- Other Certifications: None
Renewability: No, it does not require renewal.
Who It’s For: This program is ideal if you're looking to quickly gain the skills needed for a paralegal career, allowing you to advance in the legal field efficiently.
10. B.S. in Paralegal Studies - Best for leadership and management skills
The Bachelor of Science in Paralegal Studies is rooted in a Christian framework. It is developed with real-world legal experiences and integrates substantive law study with practical applications, such as document drafting, client interviewing, courtroom procedure, and legal investigations.
Issued by: Regent University
Focus:
- Foundations of paralegal studies
- Legal research & writing
- Civil litigation
- Criminal law & procedure
- Investigation in litigation
Prerequisites:
- Other Certifications: None
Renewability: No, it does not require renewal.
Who It’s For: This program is perfect if you're aiming to enhance your legal expertise while developing leadership skills, enabling you to take on more advanced roles within the legal industry.
11. Paralegal Associate’s Degree - Best for practical legal experience
The Associate of Applied Science in Paralegal Studies combines legal theory, ethics, and substantive coursework with hands-on training through simulations, virtual capstones, and legal technology instruction. The curriculum prepares students for the NALA Certified Paralegal exam.
Issued by: Rasmussen University
Focus:
- Legal foundations & ethics
- Legal research & writing
- Civil litigation
- Criminal law & procedure
- Law office management
Prerequisites:
- Education: Not required
- Work Experience: Not required
- Other Certifications: None
Renewability: No, it does not require renewal.
Who It’s For: This program is perfect if you're seeking a blend of theory and practice, equipping you with the skills needed for immediate employment in legal settings.
12. Associate of Science in Paralegal Studies - Best for science-law integration
The Associate of Science in Paralegal Studies is an ABA-informed curriculum that equips you with essential legal knowledge, ethical grounding, and practical paralegal skills. You gain hands-on experience in law office operations and navigating court procedure.
Issued by: South University
Focus:
- Law & ethics
- Legal research & writing
- Torts & remedies
- Civil litigation
- Legal office technology
Prerequisites:
- Education: At least a high school diploma with a minimum CGPA of 1.5 on a 4.0 scale or GED with passing scores in each section
- Exam: Required
- Other Certifications: None
Renewability: No, it does not require renewal.
Who It’s For: This program is ideal if you're interested in integrating scientific knowledge with legal expertise, preparing you for diverse roles in legal and scientific settings.
What You Will Learn from an Online Paralegal Degree
Here are a few learning outcomes you can expect from online paralegal degrees.
- Understand the structure and function of the legal system in the U.S.
- Learn how to draft and analyze legal documents, including pleadings and case summaries
- Master legal writing techniques for litigation and transactional practice
- Develop skills in legal analysis to support attorneys and legal assistants
- Explore areas of law such as family law, real estate, and intellectual property
- Gain familiarity with ABA-approved practices and the role of the American Bar Association
- Discover various career paths available through paralegal studies certificate programs
- Learn how to succeed in online format and manage part-time or full-time schedules
- Understand enrollment steps, including application fee requirements and start dates
- Access continuing education resources and information sessions to support your learning
- Build knowledge that aligns with industry data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
- Receive guidance on how to request info, stay motivated, and ensure student success
- Get a foundation for pursuing law school or other legal education in the future
- Learn how healthcare and other industries intersect with paralegal responsibilities
FAQs About Online Paralegal Degrees
Here are some questions people also ask me about online paralegal degrees.
What are the benefits of earning an online paralegal degree?
Earning an online paralegal degree offers flexibility and convenience, allowing you to balance work and study. You can learn at your own pace and access coursework from anywhere. Online programs often provide various resources, such as virtual libraries and forums, to enhance your learning experience.
How do I choose the right online paralegal degree program?
Consider your career goals and what each program offers. Look for accreditation, curriculum focus, and faculty expertise. Check if the program includes practical experience opportunities like internships or projects. Compare tuition costs and financial aid options.
Will an online paralegal degree help advance my career?
Yes, an online paralegal degree can enhance your qualifications and open new career opportunities. It shows your commitment to professional development and can make you a more competitive candidate for paralegal roles. It may also prepare you for further legal studies if desired.
Other Useful Resources
Here are a few other useful resources to check out:
- Must-read paralegal newsletters
- Paralegal conferences to attend this 2025
- The best software for paralegals
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