Paralegal Studies Degrees

Wondering what type of paralegal studies degree or program best suits your needs? Educating yourself on the various types of programs available and who they are best suited to is the most logical place to start.

The program you choose will depend on a number of factors, the most important of which are your goals. Many factors influence which direction you should take, including, how much education you currently have, how much work experience you have, what type of legal firm you’d like to work for, what specialty you’d like to focus on, and whether you’d like to work part or full time. Let’s take a look at the options you have when choosing what type of paralegal training to enroll in.

Paralegal Certificate Programs

Paralegal certificate programs are the most widely available and require the least amount of time to complete – anywhere from one semester to 2 years. They are available at most business, vocational, or community colleges and are ideal for those who already have an associates or bachelor’s degree. Many programs only require a high school diploma or previous legal experience, such as a legal secretary or clerk, to enroll without a college degree.

Paralegal certification programs normally cover specific coursework, such as legal research, legal fundamentals and other law related material, while longer programs also require general education and paralegal courses. It’s generally a good idea to interview employers at law firms in your area to determine if they accept certificate programs alone, unless you already have a college degree. Most employers simply want to know that you’ve demonstrated enough commitment to obtain an undergraduate degree of some sort, and have adequate legal education and/or experience. This can be fulfilled with an existing degree and a paralegal certificate, or a two or four year degree in paralegal studies. Of course, the more advanced your degree is, the heavier weighted your education will be, and the higher your paralegal salary will be.

Online paralegal programs are also available for those who don’t have time to attend physical classes due to other time commitments, family, or existing jobs, and as a result, need a more flexible paralegal education environment. Coursework is completed from home on the computer in a self paced manner.

Most of these programs are not as reputable as traditional paralegal education programs, but many are perfectly acceptable by employers. One reason for this is that many employers realize people have busy schedules and existing jobs or commitments. Taking classes on top of an existing job demonstrates drive and determination that is attractive to them. Online programs typically offer a certificate or diploma upon completion. Since online paralegal degrees are self paced, their duration can vary, but can generally be completed in the same time frame as traditional certificate programs.

TIP: Be sure to research online programs somewhat thoroughly, and make sure you can get help from instructors as needed. Make sure the curriculum is credible and resembles that of traditional programs.

Associates Degree in Paralegal Studies

Associates degrees in paralegal studies are completed within two years as a full time student, and are available and specialty business schools, vocational schools, community colleges, and even some 4-year colleges. Coursework covers general education, such as English, math and science, as well as, legal specific classes. They provide the student with a foundation in liberal arts and sciences, as well as paralegal training.

In a 2008 survey, the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) indicated that 36% of paralegals have an associates degree. Depending on your area, an associates degree may be all that is required to secure employment for recent high school grads, or those without an existing college education. One of the most attractive benefits of obtaining an associates degree in paralegal studies is that some credits are transferable toward a bachelor’s degree.

Bachelor’s Degree in Paralegal Studies

One step up from an associate’s degree in paralegal studies is a bachelor’s degree. These are not as widely available as associate’s degrees, however, if the 4-year college you attend doesn’t offer a major in paralegal studies, they may offer it as a minor, or it may be offered as a subset of a broader degree, such as criminal justice.

Although the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA) urges future paralegals to obtain bachelor’s degrees, many employers accept nothing more than associate’s degrees or certificate programs for entry level paralegal work, especially if the prospective employee has office experience, such as a paralegal internship or comparable legal work experience.

According to the NALA survey mentioned above, 42 percent of paralegals have obtained bachelor’s degrees, making it the most popular among all of these options.

Bachelor’s programs provide a solid education in business and liberal arts, and a well rounded education for students tha wish to pursue careers working for a law firm, or who want a pay raise. Paralegals with associates degrees can likely transfer some of their credits toward a Bachelor’s degree.

Advanced Paralegal Degrees

For those who wish to pursue paralegal advancement opportunities, obtaining a masters degree in paralegal studies may be something to consider. Graduate degrees allow individuals to set themselves apart from the competition in most parts of the country, and this is certainly accomplished in the paralegal field, where 80 percent have no more than a bachelor’s degree.

Master’s degrees usually take a minimum of 2 years to complete and are offered by 4-year colleges and graduate schools as master of arts, or science degrees in law, legal studies or legal administration. Masters programs provide extensive paralegal training, along with alternatives for those from other fields who wish to pursue a legal career. As with all paralegal education programs, it’s good idea to interview school faculty to make sure their program is ideal for your intended purpose or future career.

It is possible to obtain tuition reimbursement fees from some law firms who value higher education and wish to invest in their top notch employees. So asking prospective employers whether they offer this benefit during interviews would be a good idea.