logo

Paralegal Bachelor’s Degree

A paralegal bachelor’s degree offers students the chance to gain in-depth knowledge of the legal system and learn the skills necessary to work in a demanding and fast-paced field. Bachelor’s degrees in paralegal studies are usually offered in two formats: either as four-year programs requiring at least 120 credits or degree completion programs for individuals with prior education, experience, or training. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), over 75 public and private not-for-profit schools across the US offer bachelor’s programs in paralegal or legal studies.1

Table of Contents

Paralegal Bachelor’s Degree Learning Goals

A paralegal bachelor’s degree equips students with essential skills and knowledge for a successful career in the legal field. Here are the primary learning goals for paralegal students at the undergraduate level:

1. Develop in-depth knowledge of the legal system.

Undergraduate paralegal programs teach students about different areas of law and the legal system. Depending on their interests and career goals, students may specialize in particular areas of law. This foundational knowledge is critical for success in legal services roles.

2. Develop strong administrative skills.

Once paralegal students understand the legal system, they learn to create, organize, and analyze legal documents and conduct research necessary for various legal processes. Effective paralegals need refined administrative skills to ensure accuracy and efficiency in handling complex legal tasks.

3. Master communication and interpersonal skills.

Graduates with bachelor’s degrees in paralegal studies must communicate professionally and ethically within the legal field. Bachelor’s degree programs usually include specific coursework in legal ethics, professional communication, business writing, and teamwork, preparing students to work effectively within legal teams.


Search Paralegal Programs

Get information on Paralegal programs by entering your zip code and request enrollment information.

Sponsored Listings

Bachelor’s in Paralegal Program Options

While it is possible to work as a paralegal without a degree, according to O*NET OnLine, 37% of subject matter experts recommend that paralegals and legal assistants hold a bachelor’s degree.2 The American Bar Association (ABA) approves programs that meet its guidelines to help prospective students identify quality programs. Choosing an ABA-approved program can be advantageous for national certification and job opportunities. However, because ABA approval is optional, programs without it are not necessarily lower quality.

Online Degree Program Formats

Understanding the format options—on-campus, online, or hybrid—is important when choosing a paralegal program to ensure it aligns with the student’s needs and preferred learning style. Working students who need flexibility in a paralegal program may choose to look for an online or hybrid bachelor’s degree program. Students who prefer a more traditional classroom format may choose a classic on-campus paralegal bachelor’s degree program. Keep in mind that the ABA does not currently approve paralegal programs that are 100% online, though hybrid programs may be approved.

Admission Requirements

Admission requirements for a paralegal bachelor’s degree program vary depending on whether it is a traditional four-year or degree completion program. Most programs typically require a high school diploma or GED with a minimum GPA, SAT or ACT scores, a personal statement, and letters of recommendation. In addition, degree completion programs may post-secondary transcripts showing prior education in legal studies or a related field and a resume detailing experience in the legal field.

Core Concepts and Coursework

Course requirements for bachelor’s degrees in paralegal studies vary by program type. Four-year degree programs generally include foundational courses in legal systems and paralegal studies, while degree-completion programs may skip these basics. Most programs cover topics such as professional communication, legal ethics, legal systems, and investigations, with some offering specialization options in specific legal areas or procedures. Examples of courses in a four-year degree program include:

  • Advanced Issues in Constitutional Law
  • Advanced Topics in Legal Ethics
  • Business Writing
  • Conducting Legal Research
  • Contracts & Torts
  • Family Law
  • Foundations of Paralegalism
  • Interviewing and Presentation Skills
  • Practicum or Internship
  • Probate and Estate Planning

Select Paralegal Bachelor’s Degree Programs

Traditional Programs

Loyola University Chicago

At Loyola University Chicago, students can enroll in a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Paralegal Studies degree completion program through the Institute of Paralegal Studies. This program enables students who have already completed at least 15 credits in paralegal studies, such as through an associate’s degree program, to work towards a bachelor’s degree with concentrations in litigation practice, corporate practice, or both. Courses include Advanced Topics in American Law, Legal Research & Writing I and II, and Legal Ethics. Each student must complete at least 48 credits in total but the number of transfer credits will vary based on each student’s previous experience. Students can apply to five start dates throughout the year in August, October, January, March, and June. Courses are structured in eight-week blocks and offered online and on-campus during evenings and weekends. The program is designed for working professionals and can be taken on a full-time or part-time basis. Students also have the option to complete specialized certificates in Litigation Practice, Corporate Practice, Litigation and Corporate Practice, or a Customized Certificate by focusing their electives in the program.

University of New Haven

The University of New Haven offers an ABA-approved Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Legal Studies with a concentration in Paralegal Studies that can be completed full-time or part-time. The program boasts interdisciplinary and global perspectives on local and global legal issues with a required internship and an optional study abroad experience. At least 124 credits are necessary to graduate including the university’s liberal arts core and the legal studies major. The Paralegal Studies concentration includes courses such as Legal Research and Writing; Legal Ethics and Prof Responsibility; Administrative Law and Regulation; and Legal Investigation. Applicants can request to live in a designated Pre-Law community during the first year of the program if they would like to live with other students interested in various legal careers, including further legal study. Other concentrations available for the BS in Legal Studies are Public Affairs and Dispute Resolution. The university also offers a minor in Legal Studies, an Associate of Science (AS) in Legal Studies, a Paralegal Studies Certificate, and a BS with a double major in Criminal Justice and Legal Studies.

Online and Hybrid Programs

Hampton University

Hampton University offers a four-year Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Paralegal Studies fully online through the Hampton U Online portal. This university is designated by the US Department of Education as a Historically-Black College or University (HBCU). The program requires the completion of 120 credit hours including the liberal arts core, paralegal requirements, and electives. Paralegal courses include Legal Research, Introduction to Administrative Law, and Litigations and Trial Practice, which are offered online via the Blackboard platform. Students also complete an internship. Hampton University offers extensive support for individuals serving in the military who wish to complete their degrees online, including experiential and work experience credit, flexible course schedules, and tuition assistance programs.

Tulane University

Tulane University’s School of Professional Advancement (SoPA) offers a General Legal Studies Program (GLSP), an ABA-approved online Post-Baccalaureate Certificate (PBC) in Paralegal Studies for students looking to advance in their careers or change careers. The program is comprised of nine courses (three credits each), which take most students one year to complete. Coursework emphasizes eight core skills including legal research, writing, ethics, analysis, and law office technology. Students who are not already employed at a law office end the program with a 100-hour practicum in a legal services office. Classes are offered in either synchronous remote format or fully online. Courses include Legal Research, Litigation, Legal Technology, and Legal Ethics.

University of Cincinnati

The University of Cincinnati’s (UC) College of Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services has an online Bachelor of Science (BS) in Law and Paralegal Studies program that takes four years of full-time study to complete or longer via part-time study. The program includes both paralegal and criminal justice content with required courses such as Legal Research and Writing I and II; Investigative Techniques and Evidence; and Criminal Procedure. An internship is also required in the senior year. New students are admitted for the fall, spring, and summer terms. Paralegal students can benefit from the many on-campus and online special topics seminars held by the School of Criminal Justice throughout the year to earn extra credit and interact with students from other related programs. A minor in Law and Paralegal Studies is also offered in conjunction with other major programs as well as an online Paralegal Certificate program.

William Woods University

For students with no prior paralegal training, William Woods University offers the chance to enter directly into a four-year degree program and complete a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Legal Studies entirely online. The curriculum includes 42 paralegalism credits organized in a set sequence as part of the university’s 122-credit degree requirements. The program aims to help students build a foundation in legal studies before progressing to more advanced coursework. Courses include Law and Paralegalism; Civil Practice; Constitutional Issues; and Tort Law. Students must also complete a practicum and capstone project towards the end of the program. Courses are offered in eight-week blocks, allowing new students to enter the program at various points throughout the year. Applicants must submit an online application with high school transcripts and ACT or SAT scores for consideration. The university may accept credit for previous experience, including military service, related workplace training, or volunteer training.

Jobs With a Bachelor’s Degree in Paralegal Studies

Paralegals typically work for private legal firms under the supervision of lawyers. Job titles common for paralegal bachelor’s degree graduates include:

  • Compliance Officer
  • Court Clerk
  • Executive Assistant
  • Generalist Paralegal
  • Law Clerk
  • Legal Administrator
  • Legal Advocate
  • Legal Assistant
  • Legal Researcher
  • Legal Secretary
  • Risk Management Advisor
  • Specialist Paralegal

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do most paralegals find employment?

The overwhelming majority of paralegal graduates find employment in the legal services field. According to the BLS, 273,590 paralegals were employed in the legal services field compared to 43,400 paralegals employed in local, federal, and state government combined.3

How much do paralegals make?

The BLS recently reported that paralegals and legal assistants employed in the legal services field earned an average salary of $66,460, with those employed in the federal, state, and local government (excluding state and local government schools and hospitals and the US Postal Service) earning the highest average salary of $78,130.3 Those paralegals employed in legal services, who make up the majority, earned an average of $64,270 per year.3

What is the difference between a Bachelor of Arts in Paralegal Studies and a Bachelor of Science in Paralegal Studies?

Each university determines its program titles and requirements, so prospective applicants should review curriculum details before applying. For example, a Bachelor of Science degree may include more foundational coursework in math, statistics, and science compared to a Bachelor of Arts degree. However, both degrees will include paralegal courses, and most employers view them equally favorably.

Can I get my paralegal bachelor’s degree online?

Many online paralegal bachelor’s degree programs are available for students who may work full time or have other obligations that prohibit them from attending school on a full-time basis. On this page, we have profiled several programs open to students interested in building a career in this field that can be completed fully online. You can also read more about online paralegal degrees through our guide to top-ranked online paralegal programs.

Where is the best place to find a paralegal job?

Most recently, the states with the highest concentration of paralegal jobs were Washington DC, Florida, and Delaware; however, the highest number of jobs overall were in California, Florida, and New York.3 At the metropolitan level, the highest concentrations of paralegal jobs were found in Parkersburg-Vienna, WV, Pensacoloa-Ferry Pass-Brent, FL, and Missoula, MT, while the highest number of paralegal jobs overall were in the metro areas of New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago.3

How does the job outlook for paralegals and legal assistants compare to other types of jobs?

According to the BLS, the outlook for paralegal and legal assistant jobs is projected to grow by 1% through 2033, which is slower than the outlook for all jobs (4%) during the same time period.4 Still, an average of 37,300 job openings for paralegals and legal assistants are projected each year.4

How can I get certified with a paralegal bachelor’s degree?

While state certification is typically voluntary through state bar associations, there are several optional certifications and professional exams for individuals who would like to further highlight their knowledge to potential employers, such as those offered through NALA (formerly the National Association of Legal Assistants) and the National Federation of Paralegal Assistants (NFPA). These national paralegal certifications may lead to increased job prospects. A bachelor’s degree in paralegal studies will typically qualify paralegals for these certifications.

References:
1. National Center for Education Statistics, College Navigator: https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/
2. O*NET OnLine https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/23-2011.00
3. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2023 Occupational Employment Statistics, Paralegals and Legal Assistants: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes232011.htm
4. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Paralegals and Legal Assistants: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/legal/paralegals-and-legal-assistants.htm