Paralegal Bachelor Degree Online Programs

Earning a paralegal bachelor degree online is a relatively fast, inexpensive way to pursue a career in law without undertaking advanced legal degrees.

A good paralegal is at the heart of every law firm, dealing with legal paperwork and often day-to-day office management. Paralegals help prepare a case for trial, gather paperwork and client records, schedule depositions and appointments, and manages day-to-day life for the lawyer and the law firm.

Online Paralegal Schools and Programs

A paralegal bachelor degree online is a viable alternative to a traditional paralegal program. Distance education programs provides options for learners or working professionals who are unable to attend a conventional classroom by offering a flexible learning schedule for those who wish to earn online paralegal degrees. A paralegal bachelor degree online program also provide in-depth paralegal training for those who want to pursue a masters degree in law, legal studies or legal administration.

Accredited Colleges offering Bachelor's Online Paralegal Degrees

Virginia College

Paralega Bachelor Degree Online Program

BS in Paralegal Studies

Kaplan University

Legal and Paralegal Bachelor Degree Online Programs

Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies
Bachelor of Science in Paralegal Studies
Bachelor of Science in Political Science
Bachelor of Science in Public Administration and Policy
Bachelor of Science in Environmental Policy and Management

Western International University

Online Paralegal Studies Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's)

Bachelor's in Legal Studies
Bachelor's in Business with a Legal Studies Minor

Keiser University eCampus Online

Undergraduate Paralegal Studies Degree Online

Bachelor of Arts in Legal Studies

Post University

Legal Studies Online Undergraduate Degree

B.S. in Legal Studies

Strayer University

Bachelor in Legal Studies Degree Online Program

Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Legal Studies

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Who Should Earn a Paralegal Bachelor's Degree?

A paralegal bachelor degree online is a great choice for students who already have some legal experience, or students who want to enter the legal field but don't want to earn a full law degree. Paralegals do much of the work of a lawyer without the barriers of entry, such as pursuing extensive education for a legal degree, or passing the Bar exam. Students who don't have the time, finances or inclination to earn a full legal degree can still pursue a career in law with a paralegal degree.

Paralegals are a step above legal assistants; typically with a higher pay rate and more substantial legal-related responsibilities than a legal assistant. Current legal assistants who want to qualify for career advancement or take on more responsibility may benefit from earning a bachelor in paralegal studies.

Paralegal Program Education & Curriculum

Paralegals do much of the behind-the-scenes work in law firms, so paralegals must be familiar with many of the same subjects, topics and concepts as lawyers. Paralegals learn state and federal laws, discovery requirements, how to draft legal documents and file them in court, and how to compile client files. Many paralegals also function as office managers in small firms or when working for solo practitioners, so a paralegal bachelor degree includes studies in economics, business, English and other office-management-related classes. For legal courses, learners may study classes in tort law, criminal law, real property, legal research and writing, civil litigation, employment law, environment law, immigration law, and many other legal studies.

Career Options for Paralegal Degree Graduates

Students who earn a paralegal degree have a limited array of career options. 72 percent of all paralegals are employed by law firms of varying sizes, and responsibilities are similar from firm to firm. In these firms, paralegals are expected to prepare legal documentation, communicate with clients, manage schedules, maintain client files and deal with many of the administrative details in the office.

Some paralegals may work for insurance companies as claims adjustors, claims researchers or as assistants to the lawyers in the legal departments of these insurance companies. A small percentage of paralegals are employed in the Federal Executive Branch, assisting judges and managing legal affairs within the executive branch. The remaining paralegals who don't work for law firms may work in legal departments within a company or organization.

Career Outlook and Salary with a Degree in Paralegal

Nearny forty two percent of paralegals have a bachelor degree in paralegal studies, making it the most common degree among paralegals. Earning a paralegal bachelor degree provides paralegals with a competitive edge over associate degree holders, certificate holders and potential paralegals with no formal education.

The median income for paralegals in small firms is around $40,000. Paralegals who work for insurance carriers have a projected median income of $52,000, while paralegals who work for the Federal Executive Branch have a median income of $59,000. The top 10 percent of paralegals make more than $73,000 annually. Paralegals who work in internal legal departments for companies or organizations earn a varying income, based on the size and compensation policies of the company; generally ranging from $40,000 to $55,000.