Best Online Paralegal Bachelor’s Degree Programs
37% of paralegals reported a bachelor’s degree is required per a recent O*NET OnLine survey, and 48% of NALA paralegal survey respondents reported they had a bachelor’s degree.1,2 A growing number of schools offer paralegal studies programs or legal studies programs in online and hybrid formats. This guide is designed to help you research top-ranked, online paralegal programs.
- On-Campus vs Online Paralegal Programs
- Online Paralegal Program Accreditation
- Best Online Paralegal Programs
- Profiles of Top Online Paralegal Programs
- Frequently Asked Questions
On-Campus vs Online Paralegal Degrees
There are both pros and cons to pursuing your bachelor’s degree in paralegal studies online. Students taking courses online must possess the skills and aptitudes to hold themselves accountable for completing coursework on time. Paralegal programs offered online typically provide greater scheduling flexibility than on-campus programs.
Online legal studies degrees offer students a number of benefits. Pursuing a paralegal degree online allows students to attend an out-of-state school without relocating. As an added benefit, many online paralegal schools offer in-state or reduced tuition rates for out-of-state students. Many online paralegal degrees also welcome transfer students. If you previously earned an associate degree or some college credit from a regionally accredited school, online programs in legal studies will commonly accept the transfer of relevant earned credits. This can reduce the time and cost of earning your bachelor’s degree.
Accredited schools with online paralegal programs typically use the same curriculum and materials for online and on-campus courses, and in many cases, the same instructors and professors. Applicants to online paralegal programs should also consider the specialization or concentration options offered. Finally, not all paralegal programs are 100% online. The majority of programs, both on-campus and online, require students to complete at least one paralegal internship or field experience.
Online Paralegal Program Accreditation
When evaluating online paralegal schools, there are two important accreditations to keep in mind. The first is regional accreditation, which applies to the entire college or university. It is critical that the US Department of Education recognize the accrediting bodies. Schools accredited by a DOE-recognized entity must meet academic quality standards for both the courses and degrees offered. Such accreditation is also required for receiving federal financial aid and is frequently a prerequisite for schools to accept transfer credits from another college.
The other type of accreditation to consider is specific to the paralegal field, and that is from the American Bar Association (ABA). The ABA evaluates paralegal programs through academic and on-site reviews to ascertain the quality of a program and its success in preparing paralegals with the necessary career skills and knowledge. The ABA also accredits online paralegal programs, as long as the program requires at least nine credit hours of legal specialty courses to be completed through real-time instruction, whether online or face-to-face.
While attending an ABA-accredited program is not necessary to become a paralegal, it is widely thought to offer career benefits due to its rigorous standards and national recognition. You should consider the norms in your area by researching employers’ requirements.
Best Online Paralegal Programs
We have ranked the top accredited online paralegal programs in the US using our own unique ranking system. To be considered, programs must be not-for-profit and accredited by one of the US Department of Education-recognized accrediting agencies. Accreditation from the ABA can also be an indicator of program quality that students may wish to consider, and it is included in the table below for reference.
Our methodology for evaluating the best hybrid and online paralegal programs includes weighted factors such as the average tuition cost for online students, the percentage of the student body enrolled in online courses, and the school’s overall graduation rate. Some factors were given a heavier weight than others, such as the overall graduation rate, which is a good indicator of student success. We also used factors such as schools’ placements in the US News & World Report’s Regional, National, and Best Online programs rankings.
| School | P411 Rank | Average Online Tuition | ABA Accred.?3 | % Undergrads Studying Fully Online4 | Grad Rate 4 | % Tenured Faculty5 | US News Regional Rank6 | US News National Rank7 | US News Best Online BA/BS Rank8 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Central Florida | 1 | $105 | — | 78% | 74% | 47% | — | #148 | #14 |
| Regent University | 2 | $395 | — | 76% | 61% | 40% | — | #277 | #53 |
| Pennsylvania Western University | 3 | $325 | Yes | 19% | 53% | 52% | #114 | — | #42 |
| University of Memphis | 4 | $466 | — | 15% | 52% | 31% | — | #249 | #53 |
| Tulane University* | 5 | $1,686 | Yes | 7% | 86% | 29% | — | #42 | — |
| Dominican University | 6 | $1,277 | — | 16% | 63% | 25% | #10 | — | #144 |
| Eastern Kentucky University | 7 | $443 | Yes | 20% | 45% | 29% | #52 | — | #67 |
| Roger Williams University | 8 | $433 | Yes | 1% | 69% | 31% | #27 | — | — |
| SUNY Canton | 9 | $324 | — | 50% | 41% | 25% | #12 | — | #116 |
| Eastern Michigan University* | 10 | $788 | Yes | 65% | 47% | 61% | — | #299-391 | #256-337 |
| Hampton University | 11 | $300 | — | 7% | 57% | 21% | — | #202 | — |
| Widener University* | 12 | $1,898 | — | 69% | 65% | 23% | — | #213 | — |
| University of Pittsburgh | 13 | $1,263 | — | N.Av. | 84% | 29% | — | #59 | — |
| Northwestern State University of Louisiana | 14 | $441 | — | 46% | 47% | 27% | #84 | — | #256-337 |
| Grand View University | 15 | $495 | — | 4% | 56% | 19% | #35 | — | — |
| University of Massachusetts Global | 16 | $500 | — | 100% | 49% | N.Av. | — | — | #31 |
| Clayton State University* | 17 | $411 | Yes | 49% | 31% | 34% | #104-137 | — | — |
| Texas A&M University-Commerce | 18 | $555 | Yes | 38% | 43% | N.Av. | — | #299-391 | #42 |
| Stevenson University | 19 | $475 | Yes | 9% | 62% | N.Av. | #82 | — | #256-337 |
| William Woods University | 20 | $340 | — | 27% | 52% | 5% | — | #299-391 | — |
| National University | 21 | $425 | Yes | 16% | 47% | N.Av. | #94-122 | — | #164 |
| Western Kentucky University* | 22 | $805 | Yes | 18% | 52% | 37% | — | #299-391 | — |
| Florida Gulf Coast University | 23 | $521 | — | 29% | 53% | 0% | #56 | — | — |
| Humphreys University* | 24 | $375 | — | 100% | 57% | N.Av. | #29 | — | — |
| University of Alaska Anchorage* | 25 | $517 | Yes | 75% | 30% | 26% | #71 | — | — |
| University of Providence | 26 | $978 | Yes | 49% | 38% | 19% | #23 | — | — |
| University of Houston-Clear Lake* | 27 | $588 | — | 53% | 52% | N.Av. | — | — | — |
| Pierce College | 28 | $600 | Yes | 100% | 16% | N.Av. | — | — | #152 |
| University of Maryland Global Campus | 29 | $412 | — | 82% | 18% | N.Av. | #131-171 | — | — |
| Bellevue University | 30 | $449 | — | 93% | 23% | N.Av. | #119-157 | — | — |
Profiles of Top Online Paralegal Programs
University of Central Florida (#1)
The University of Central Florida (UCF) offers an online Legal Studies major that can be completed as a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or a Bachelor of Science (BS). Students pursuing the BA typically take additional foreign language courses, while students pursuing the BS typically take more math and science courses. In addition to core general education and legal courses, students will complete 33 credit hours of legal electives across the areas of Law and Policy; Advocacy; Law and Business; Law and Technology; Family Matters; and International Law. All students must also complete either a capstone or an internship course. All of the UCF online paralegal program faculty are graduates of ABA-accredited law schools.
Regent University (#2)
The 100% online Bachelor of Science (BS) in Paralegal Studies at Regent University is specifically designed for adult learners (24 years of age or above) and provides flexible scheduling options. The curriculum focuses on legal research, theory, communication, and clerical and management skills, providing students with strong foundations for advancement in their legal careers. Students also learn the fundamentals of professional and persuasive writing in a legal context. 42 credit hours are devoted to Paralegal Studies major courses. Students also complete 32 credit hours of electives, which may include additional paralegal courses for specialization. The curriculum plan also includes four semesters of foreign language study. Students who complete the BS in Paralegal Studies may also be interested in Regent University’s on-campus Master of Arts (MA) in Law, Master of Laws (LLM) in American Legal Studies, or Juris Doctor (JD).
University of Memphis (#4)
The University of Memphis (U of M) offers a four-year Bachelor of Professional Studies (BPS) with a concentration in Legal Studies. The curriculum includes 35 to 41 hours of general education and 54 hours of coordinated study. The coordinated study courses include 30 hours of professional paralegal core courses such as Contracts, Commercial Law, and Bankruptcy Practices, and law-related electives like Real Estate Practices and Healthcare Liability U of M’s BPS program emphasizes the study of four paralegal disciplines: theory, legal research, technology, and communication. The school also offers a Legal Studies 3+3 Accelerated Bachelor of Arts/Juris Doctor (BA/JD) program for students who want to earn a bachelor’s degree and a law degree in just six years.
Tulane University (#5)
The hybrid Bachelor of Arts (BA) in General Legal Studies at Tulane University is accredited by the ABA. All courses within the legal studies program are taught by practicing attorneys and paralegals with in-depth experience in the legal profession. Courses are available on campus during days and evenings as well as online. The 120-credit program includes 36 credit hours within the major. Students must complete at least four of the Legal Studies major courses on campus. A culminating practicum provides students with internship-based learning focusing on career skills and networking. The practicum also includes a classroom component wherein students develop professionalism and job search skills. Transfer credits from other accredited institutions are evaluated on a case-by-case basis; at least half of the credits applied toward the degree must be completed at Tulane.
Eastern Kentucky University (#7)
Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) awards an ABA-accredited Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Paralegal Science. Courses are offered in eight-week terms, allowing students to focus on fewer courses at a time. The 40 core credit hours in Paralegal Science include courses such as Legal Research and Writing; Special Topics in the Law; Litigation: Complaint to Discovery; and Paralegal Internship and Seminar. All online paralegal bachelor’s program instructors hold a JD or PhD. Transfer students are welcome to apply; up to 90 credit hours in transfer credits can be accepted from other accredited institutions. Graduates receive proactive job placement assistance that eases the transition into the workforce.
Roger Williams University (#8)
The accredited online paralegal program at Roger Williams University (RWU) is accredited by the ABA and leads to the award of the Bachelor of Science (BS) in Paralegal Studies. The curriculum is practice-oriented, emphasizing the skills and knowledge needed to use legal databases and computers in a professional environment. A focus on alternative dispute resolution is also found across the curriculum. Courses in the paralegal studies major are designed to teach students the fundamentals of substantive and procedural law, develop legal writing skills, and hone legal research skills. Professional skills, ethics, and behavior are also heavily emphasized, preparing students for work immediately after graduation. In addition to a semester-long internship during the senior year, the online paralegal degree includes a justice studies capstone that integrates research, writing, and critical thought skills. The RWU School of Law also offers an on-campus Juris Doctor (JD) and Master of Studies in Law (MSL).
SUNY Canton (#9)
SUNY Canton is home to a fully online Bachelor of Science (BS) in Legal Studies. Courses are led by the same experienced faculty who teach on campus. The interdisciplinary curriculum encourages students to take courses in accounting, business, and criminal justice to support the online Legal Studies major. Students also take in-depth courses in legal research, legal writing, and foundational legal principles before moving into upper-level courses in specialized areas of law. Legal electives include Negligence and Intentional Torts; Real Property; Environmental Law; and American Indian Law and Federal Policy. The curriculum emphasizes the United States Constitution and its applications to US law, rights, and restrictions.
Widener University (#12)
The Delaware Law School at Widener University (WU) offers an ABA-accredited online Bachelor of Science (BS) in Legal Studies. Across the 120-credit hour curriculum, students complete 63 credit hours of general education and electives, 39 credit hours of required legal courses, and 18 credit hours of legal electives. Students can use their electives to earn a specialization certificate in Criminal Law, Corporate Law, Litigation, Health Law, or Estate Administration Law. WU Online also offers a 60-credit hour associate degree in Legal Studies and a 24-credit Paralegal Certificate. The Paralegal Certificate can be completed in one academic year or as an intensive 14-week summer program.
Northwestern State University of Louisiana (#14)
The fully online Bachelor of Science (BS) in Criminal Justice: Prelaw and Paralegal Studies at Northwestern State University of Louisiana (NSULA) provides students with an intensive 21-credit hour education in pre-law within the criminal justice major. The criminal justice major includes cross-disciplinary psychology, sociology, and political science studies. This range of courses provides students with a broad background in the justice system and solid preparation for seeking employment post-graduation. In addition to paralegal courses, students can expect to take criminal justice-focused courses such as Police Process; Adjudication Process; Criminal Investigation; and Criminal Evidence and Procedure. Transfer students are welcome to apply. Students with a bachelor’s degree may be interested in NSULA’s Pre-law and Paralegal Certificate of Completion, a 24-credit hour professional program.
William Woods University (#20)
William Woods University is home to a fully online Bachelor of Science (BS) in Paralegal Studies that provides students with academic and hands-on learning in preparation for a variety of careers, including documentation specialist, paralegal, court clerk, legal administrator, and investigator. Students accepted to the program will learn the fundamentals of the legal system, including substantive and procedural law, legal research and writing, legal computer skills, and interviewing and investigation through 42 credit hours of major courses. The virtual learning environment for the online paralegal degree encourages peer discussion and collaboration while providing opportunities to interact with instructors. A virtual law office practicum is a virtual internship, paired with a capstone research and writing assignment. Online courses are offered in a flexible eight-week format to help students complete their degree plans while working and meeting other commitments. Graduates will be prepared to work effectively in law offices and other legal environments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are online paralegal programs legitimate?
Online paralegal programs from schools with US Department of Education-recognized accreditation are just as legitimate as on-campus brick-and-mortar paralegal programs. Accredited schools that offer distance paralegal programs typically model the online program after their on-campus offerings, and the degree you receive will not indicate that you were an online student. One of the most important things to remember about online programs is that regional accreditation is key! You might also wish to research accreditation from the ABA, which is discussed in more detail above.
Do you need a bachelor’s to become a paralegal?
According to O*NET OnLine, 20% of paralegals recommend that those new to the field hold an associate degree compared to 37% recommending a bachelor’s degree.1
References:
*Schools denoted by an asterisk (*) offer hybrid-online programs that require one or more campus-based courses.
1. O*NET OnLine, Paralegals and Legal Assistants: https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/23-2011.00
2. NALA, 2022 Compensation Utilization Survey: https://nala.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/2022-NALA-Compensation-Utilization-Survey-Summary.pdf
3. American Bar Association: https://www.americanbar.org/groups/paralegals/paralegal-resource-directory/
4. National Center for Education Statistics College Navigator: https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/
5. College Factual: https://www.collegefactual.com/colleges/
6. US News National University Rankings: https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/rankings/national-universities
7. US News Regional University Rankings: https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/rankings/regional-universities
8. US News Best Online Bachelor’s Programs: https://www.usnews.com/education/online-education/bachelors/rankings