female paralegal standing in office

Paralegal Programs

Online Paralegal Certificate and Online Paralegal Associate's Degree

Earn your online Paralegal degree or Certificate and become an integral part of the legal system. In our online paralegal programs, you’ll learn about the legal system and the importance of legal ethics from skilled instructors who are practicing judges, attorneys and paralegals—all to get exposure in different types of law and legal issues, including family law, criminal law and civil litigation.

Our online paralegal programs help you on your way to becoming a paralegal by offering you the career-relevant skills you need to provide services in all areas of the legal system, including courts, law firms and government agencies, while under the supervision of an attorney. Each program also features a Paralegal Capstone that prepares you for meaningful law office experience in a simulated, online environment.

Graduate with a Paralegal Associate’s degree online in as few as 18 months or, if you already have an Associate's or Bachelor's degree, you can graduate with an online Paralegal Certificate online in as few 8 months. 1

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  • Curriculum in Key Paralegal Skill Areas and Exam Prep

    Paralegal courses cover relevant competencies and technologies you’ll need to know in your paralegal career, such as blockchain technology and cryptocurrency, with credit by assessments for information covering criminal and civil cases. From a virtual legal office experience in the Capstone course to legal software and databases (Lexis Advance®, Fastcase and Clio), you’ll become prepared for the real world through classes designed to give you more control and balance over your schedule.

    Our advanced accredited online Paralegal degree program curriculum provides the foundation for you to study and sit for the National Certified Legal Assistant/Paralegal (CLA/CP) Examination.2

  • Transferable Skills

    Along with paralegal program-specific skills, students in all online paralegal programs and at all credential levels learn six employer-valued transferable skills, or soft skills: critical thinking, digital fluency, information literacy, communication, diversity and teamwork, and ethics and professional responsibility.

    All six skills are strategically embedded into your online paralegal program, further preparing you for your career. Paralegal students in both credentials develop information literacy by drafting legal documents, managing case files, synthesizing data, properly citing legal authorities and identifying relevant information sources for legal problems. Develop strong diversity and teamwork skills through reflecting on the diversity of clients in regard to religion, ideology, sex, gender, race, socioeconomic status, and political viewpoints.Learn more about transferable skills.

  • Self-Directed Assessments

    Save time and money on your Associate's degree with self-directed assessments. These $149 online, interactive assessments allow you to show that you already achieved the skills and knowledge for a particular course and don't need to take it. We'll provide prep materials and you can work with a peer tutor to prepare at no additional cost. Learn more about self-directed assessments and other Knowledge Creditâ„¢ options.

  • Institutional Accreditation

    Rasmussen University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Online Paralegal Program Credentials Offered

Paralegal

Certificate

Finish in as few as

8 months1

Learning includes

  • Online
  • Campus Support and Resources
  • Field Experience

Intended for

Our online paralegal programs are perfect for students who already have an Associate's degree or Bachelor's degree and are interested in advancing their education conveniently online to become a paralegal. Students who are interested in all phases of the legal system and are looking for a stable career assisting attorneys. Students who have a passion to help and serve their community.

Prepares you for

Paralegal, legal secretary, legal assistant, court administrative assistant, court clerk, file clerk, compliance specialist, contract specialist

Paralegal

Associate's Degree

Finish in as few as

18 months1

Learning includes

  • Online
  • Campus Support and Resources
  • Field Experience

Intended for

Students without a degree and are interested in conveniently advancing their education in paralegal studies online. Students who are interested in all phases of the legal system and are looking for a stable career assisting attorneys. Students who have a passion to help and serve their community.

Prepares you for

Paralegal, legal secretary, legal assistant, court administrative assistant, court clerk, file clerk, compliance specialist, contract specialist

Not Sure If Our Online Paralegal Program Is Right for You?

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Request More Information About Our Accredited Paralegal Degree Online

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  • Program Details and Applying for Classes
  • Financial Aid and FAFSA (for those who qualify)
  • Customized Support Services
  • Detailed Program Plans

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School of Justice Studies Blog

What I Wish I Knew BEFORE Becoming a Paralegal

Choosing your profession can feel like one of the most crucial decision you will make. Take a moment to learn some of the gritty details of working as a paralegal—from the mouths of paralegals and the lawyers who hire them.

Read more
Photo of female paralegal standing confidently with arms crossed.

Turn Your Online Paralegal Education into a Career

We’ve made advancing your paralegal education easier by offering classes and credentials that fit into a busy working schedule. As you look at accredited online schools for paralegal studies, keep in mind that all of our programs are taught online through career-focused curriculum and experienced faculty to prepare you for a life after graduation. Through the capstone course, students have the opportunity to integrate learning, skills and theoretical knowledge from the Paralegal program in the form of real-world paralegal activities simulated in the online environment. If you have already earned an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree, our online Paralegal Certificate curriculum is designed to give you the core legal knowledge and skills you need to start your paralegal career in as few as eight months.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), earning a degree, regardless of the field of study, can improve income potential.3 Here is just one example of where an accredited, online Paralegal degree program can take you.

Paralegals and Legal Assistants

  • BLS Earnings Data: 4

    • $36,410 10th Percentile
    • $45,390 25th Percentile
    • $56,230 50th Percentile
  • BLS Projected Growth 2020–2030: 4

    12%

  • BLS Typical Entry-Level Education:

    • Associate's Degree
Andrew Wipper paralegal alumni

"The curriculum at Rasmussen goes beyond just theory. To be a good paralegal, you really need to be a jack of all trades."

Andrew
Paralegal Graduate

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