Paralegals offer support to lawyers, and an online paralegal degree directly prepares you for work in the field. Paralegals help organize files, conduct research, and write legal documents. They also gather information pertaining to legal cases, collect evidence about cases, obtain affidavits from key parties, take notes for lawyers during trials, file appeals, liaise with clients, and much more.Some graduates work as administrative assistants at policy and law organizations or in private companies. Their jobs differ slightly from what paralegals do, but they still get to work in a supportive role at a law firm or civic organization.The job market for paralegals is expected to remain strong in the coming years. Paralegals enjoy stimulating and rewarding work, and if you are interested in law and think you would work well in a law firm, a paralegal degree online can help you get started in the industry. Below, you'll find pertinent information about the educational and career options available if you are interested in pursuing a paralegal degree.
Online Paralegal Degree Overview
| Degree Level | Average Cost | Loan Default Rate | Time Commitment | Early Career Pay | Mid-Career Pay | Unemployment Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Associate | $15,693 | 17.08% | 2 years | $40,095 | $48,031 | Not reported |
| Bachelor's | $18,986 | 15.03% | 4 years | $37,250 | $49,000 | 7.6% |
| Master's | $18,652 | 11.5% | 2 years | Not reported | $71,648 | Not reported |
Many paralegal jobs require only an associate degree, and earning a paralegal degree online should effectively prepare you for a career in the field. Some lawyers may prefer to hire candidates with bachelor's degrees or master's degrees, particularly for positions that require specialized knowledge. Positions that do require a bachelor's or master's degree often pay somewhat higher starting salaries than positions only requiring an associate degree.
Online Paralegal Degrees
Online Paralegal Find Accredited Degrees
Online Paralegal Choose Your Career
| Career | Median Salary | Projected Growth | 2014 Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paralegals and Legal Assistants | $48,810 | 8% | 279500 |
| Secretaries and Administrative Assistants | $36,500 | 3% | 3976800 |
Online Paralegal Professional Requirements
Certified Paralegal/Advanced Certified Paralegal
NALA, the premier paralegal association in the United States, offers two different certifications for graduates from paralegal programs to prove the breadth of their knowledge to potential employer: the Certified Paralegal credential and the Advanced Certified Paralegal credential. Both of these credentials are earned by completing a series of coursework and exams through NALA.