Rasmussen University’s online Paralegal Associate’s degree sets you apart from the competition with career-focused curriculum and practical, hands-on opportunities—including a virtual capstone course—preparing you for a stable, successful paralegal career. In as few as 18 months, you can complete your online Paralegal Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree and prepare to become a certified paralegal.1
Paralegal courses cover modern legal issues such as intellectual property, as well as emerging technologies such as blockchain and cryptocurrency. You’ll develop the strong writing and critical-thinking skills necessary to excel in our online Paralegal program and in your career after you’ve earned your degree. From conducting research and preparing legal documents for hearings, trials or corporate meetings to being involved in courts, law firms and government agencies, you will become part of an important, fast-paced team within the legal system.
You can earn your Paralegal Associate's degree online with $149 self-directed assessments, which allow you to prove that you already have the knowledge for a particular course and don't need to take it.
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What Will This Paralegal Associate's Degree Teach Me?
Strive for Industry Certification
Our advanced online Paralegal Associate's degree curriculum is designed to academically prepare you to sit for the National Certified Legal Assistant/Paralegal (CLA/CP) Examination.2
Launch Your Paralegal Career
Upon graduation and passing of your CLA/CP Examination, you can start showcasing your knowledge and transferable skills to employers and begin a stable career in today’s fast-paced legal environment.
Pursue Potential Job Growth
A Paralegal degree from Rasmussen University can help set you up for success in this growing field.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the projected job growth potential between 2020 and 2030 for Paralegals and Legal Assistants is 12%.3
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What Paralegal Skills Will I Gain?
Legal Analysis and Insight
In this online Paralegal Associate's degree program, develop your ability to draft legal documents, manage case files, synthesize data, properly cite legal authorities and identify relevant information sources for legal problems.
Navigate Legal Research Tools
Utilize and navigate extensive legal research tools such as Clio, Lexis Advance® and Fastcase and how such databases are used in the legal research process.4
Advanced Writing Skills
Understand and apply the principles of legal research and writing. Develop strong writing, information and financial literacy, problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.
Managing Legal Relationships
Value the ability to effectively communicate in a variety of situations. Utilize practical approach to the law of contracts and effectively work with contracts, breach of contracts and the remedies provided for a breach of contract.
Transferable Skills
You’ll also develop the soft skills you will transfer into your role. Core courses develop your skills in critical thinking, communication, digital fluency, information literacy, diversity, equity and inclusion, and ethics and professional responsibility. Learn more about transferable skills.
What Types of Paralegal Classes Will I Take?
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Introduction to Law and the Legal System
- PLA 1013
- Online
- 4 Credits
Examines the American legal system from a variety of perspectives. Surveys topics including essential history, the working structure of government, issues of court procedure and specific legal concepts. Investigates the role of the paralegal in the legal system and the impact of legal ethics on the paralegal.
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Paralegal Associate Capstone
- PLA 2820
- Online
- 4 Credits
Prepares students for entry into the legal community through a simulated and meaningful law office experience in an online environment. Students learn through advanced analysis, research and writing projects, then demonstrate their mastery of the content of their core curriculum and apply specialized theory, skills and concepts. Students will engage in practical work experience in the day-to-day operations of a law office work environment and will handle simulated client cases.
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Intro to Legal Research
- PLA 1108
- Online
- 3 Credits
Introduces the legal research process for paralegals. Students will develop information literacy skills specific to the paralegal field by working with primary sources, like state and federal enacted law and secondary sources. Students will learn the meaning of, and practice, shepardizing.
24 Courses to Complete
90 Credit Hours
Estimate Your Tuition
Rasmussen University is committed to making education more affordable for all students. Our tuition estimating tool can help you visualize the cost of your degree and see what savings opportunities are available to help you achieve it.
What Should I Know Before I Enroll?
Entrance Requirements
Entrance requirements vary by program. We do not require enrolling students to submit standardized test scores. No background check is required for this program, but pre-employment screenings, like background checks, may be required for future job opportunities.5
Transfer Student
We believe in giving credit where it’s due. You can get an estimate of your transfer credits without an official transcript in one business day (on average). Talk to an admissions advisor today, or explore our Transfer Policy page for our seamless credit policies designed to maximize credits, potentially save money and expedite graduation.
Help Paying for College
Higher education should be a manageable investment. Talk to an admissions advisor and learn how these programs can make it more affordable with self-directed assessments, credit for prior learning, loans and grants, scholarship opportunities, corporate grants and military discounts for those who qualify.
Where Can I Find an Online Paralegal Associate's Degree Near Me?
At Rasmussen University, we want our courses to be available on your schedule, not the other way around. Select programs are available for enrollment through a specific campus and nationally online, but students complete the courses online and are able to utilize online and on-campus support and resources. See below to find out where you can find an online Paralegal program near you.