Paralegal Studies Degree Online

What is Paralegal Studies?

Students in a Paralegal Studies major learn how to do support work for lawyers, such as research, record-keeping, and drafting of legal documents. Paralegal students learn lots of law, but this is not a major for students who want to go on to law school. Paralegal Studies can be a 2-year or a 4-year degree.

Is Paralegal Studies a Good Major / Degree for Me?

Are you super-organized? Are you a strong communicator? Are you interested in government? Do you enjoy doing research? Do you work well as part of a team? Would you enjoy working with lawyers? Are you comfortable working with computers (sometimes for long hours)? Can you picture yourself being in charge of lots of important paperwork and computer files? If you’ve answered yes to these questions, then a degree in Paralegal Studies might be for you!

High School Classes Needed for a Paralegal Studies Degree in College:

• 4 English Credits
• 3 Math Credits
• 3 Science Credits
• 3 Social Studies Credits
• 2 Foreign Language Credits
• If your high school offers the following courses, take advantage!
  • AP U.S. History
  • AP U.S. Government and Politics
  • AP U.S. English Language
  • Computer Classes

Common Paralegal Studies Courses in College:

• Business Law
• Criminal Law
• Environmental Law
• Ethics
• Family Law
• Law Office Management
• Legal Research
• Legal Writing
• Litigation
• Personal Injury Law
• Probate Law
• Real Estate Law

Similar Degree Programs You Might Want to Explore:

• Criminal Justice: the study of society and criminal behavior
• Human Resources: the study of topics related to employment
• Legal Studies: a liberal arts major that studies humanities and the law
• Peace Studies: the study of war, conflict, peace, and nonviolent conflict resolution
• Political Science: the study of government and politics
• Prelaw: a course of study that prepares students to apply to law school (graduate school)
• Psychology: the study of the human mind and of human behavior

Paralegal Studies Careers:

Most people who earn Paralegal Studies degrees go on to careers as paralegals! There are lots of job opportunities in this field. Some paralegals are freelancers and some are employed in law offices. But graduates from these programs also have other options and can go on to many different jobs.