Online Paralegal Certificate Program Guide
Online paralegal certificate programs help you develop the practical skills you need to pursue supporting careers in law. They most directly prepare you to become a paralegal, but you can also pursue legal assistantship, legal research, and contract administration roles.
You can earn a paralegal certificate as a standalone academic qualification or to complement an existing degree. Some people also pursue this credential while preparing for law school.
Explore paralegal career pathways, peruse study opportunities, and learn about important accreditation and program approval considerations below.
Career at a Glance: Paralegal
- According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), paralegals and legal assistants earn a median annual wage of $61,010, with the top 10% of earners making over $98,990 a year.
- Top-paying industries include government, finance and insurance, and legal services.
- Between 2024 and 2034, the BLS projects that paralegal and legal assistant jobs will experience very little growth.
- Despite stagnant growth projections, the BLS forecasts an average of 39,300 annual openings for this occupation group over the next decade.
What Is a Paralegal Certificate?
30-60 credits
Required Credits
10-18 months (full-time study)
Program Length
Schools offer online paralegal certificate programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Undergraduate programs are entry-level educational pathways for career-focused students, while graduate programs require a bachelor’s degree for admission. While legal knowledge is an asset, graduate certificate pathways often welcome learners from diverse academic backgrounds.
Coursework generally focuses on practical, career-focused fundamentals of legal practice. Curricula often cover topics like:
- Legal research and writing
- Legal procedures (civil and/or criminal)
- Contract law
- Investigation and interviewing techniques
Many programs also include survey-style introductions to legal systems and institutions.
Some programs offer concentration tracks, which allow you to specialize in a specific legal area. Common options include:
- Civil litigation
- Corporate law
- Criminal law
- Estate planning and probate law
You can also specialize in many industry-specific domains, such as employment, immigration, real estate, or tax law.
Paralegal certificate programs may culminate in a legal writing project or other major assignment. Online programs rarely involve internships, practicums, or other field placements; these are more commonly featured in face-to-face formats.
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Paralegal Certificate Online?
Average Cost of an Online Paralegal Certificate
$2,554
Undergraduate (legal and protective services)
$6,291
Graduate (all subjects)
Note: The above averages are based on 2019-2020 tuition and fees for online certificate programs.
As the data above indicates, online paralegal certificate programs are generally much less expensive than a degree. However, their costs vary and depend on factors like:
- Program length
- Specialization
- School type (community college, paralegal institute, four-year public or private university)
- School reputation
Despite the general financial accessibility of paralegal education options, you may need help meeting your program costs. Your school may offer in-house financial aid programs in the form of scholarships, grants, tuition deferrals, or payment plans. If your program meets Title IV standards, you may also qualify for federal financial aid.
How to Get Into an Online Paralegal Program
Undergraduate and graduate paralegal certificate programs have different admission requirements. When applying to undergraduate-level options, you may require no more than a high school diploma or the equivalent. However, some undergraduate programs prefer or require that applicants have an associate degree, or about 60 semester credits of college coursework.
For admission to a graduate-level paralegal certificate program, you will likely need:
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- A satisfactory academic record
- Letter(s) of recommendation and/or a statement of purpose
Schools may also ask you to include a resume or CV, especially if you apply at the graduate level.
How to Choose the Best Paralegal Program for You
1. Identify your goals.
Start by specifying your educational and professional development goals. To define your objectives, try answering these questions:
- Do you envision a long-term career as a paralegal, or do you consider the role a stepping stone to a more advanced law career?
- Would you prefer working in client-facing roles or behind the scenes?
- Are you particularly interested in a particular area of the law?
- How much time and money are you willing to invest in your program?
The insights you gain from this exercise can help you narrow down your many available options.
2. Check for accreditation and approval.
Before applying to any certificate program, you should confirm that the school holds institutional accreditation. Accreditation legitimizes your academic program and ensures access to federal financial aid.
As an additional quality check, the American Bar Association (ABA) approves paralegal and legal studies programs that meet field-specific standards. Some employers may prefer or even require ABA approval.
You can find campus-based and online certificate programs in the directory of ABA-approved paralegal programs.
3. Consider format and length.
Paralegal education translates well to asynchronous online formats, which use pre-recorded lectures to deliver coursework. Some online programs may also offer synchronous class meetings, which take place virtually at set times.
As an alternative to an online paralegal certificate program, you can also consider face-to-face formats. While these may be less flexible, they do offer in-person interactivity with peers and instructors. You may also have access to internships or practicums, which can help you make valuable professional connections.
Finally, compare part-time and full-time options. If you’ll be working while you study, you may find it easier to manage your schedule as a part-time student. Alternatively, full-time enrollment expedites graduation, allowing you to join the workforce more quickly.
4. Compare costs and financial aid.
Tuition costs are an important consideration for many students, but remember to account for any financial aid you may receive. Non-repayable forms of financial aid, such as scholarships and grants, directly reduce your out-of-pocket costs and can dramatically improve a program’s financial profile.
Also, look ahead to your paralegal career. Compare the salary you could earn as a paralegal against what you could make without the credential. This can give you insights into the long-term returns you may realize on your educational investment.
Beyond the Certificate
With a paralegal certificate, you can seek out employment opportunities, pursue a professional certification, or continue into other educational pathways. Some employers may accept an undergraduate or graduate paralegal certificate as your primary qualification, but industry-standard certifications can also strengthen your profile. Organizations that offer widely recognized certification programs include:
- National Association for Legal Support Professionals
- NALA – The Paralegal Association
- National Federation of Paralegal Associations
You can also proceed into undergraduate, graduate, or professional degree programs after earning a certificate. In addition to pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree in legal studies, you could go on to seek entry into juris doctor (JD) programs and study to become a lawyer.
