Certificate in Paralegal Studies
0
Credit Hours
Degree SACSCOC
SACSCOC
Class Type
100% online, 8-week courses
Transfer Credits
Transfer in up to 75% of the certificate total
Next Start Date
May 13, 2024
Accreditation
Liberty University is accredited by SACSCOC

Learn Marketable Legal Support Skills in Liberty’s Online Undergraduate Certificate in Paralegal Studies

Our online paralegal certificate program is an excellent option for students seeking fast-track training in legal support and paralegal studies. As a vital part of the American legal process, paralegals are responsible for a significant amount of preparatory work for the courtroom and other legal proceedings.

Whether you are seeking to grow in your current role or want to explore other areas within the legal field, this online undergraduate paralegal studies certificate program is designed to help equip you with the knowledge and training in legal studies you need. If you want to further your education with a full bachelor’s degree upon completion of our associate degree in paralegal studies, consider our Bachelor of Science in Paralegal Studies online degree program.

*Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, at Paralegals and Legal Assistants (viewed online June 28, 2022). Cited projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.


Why Choose Liberty’s Undergraduate Paralegal Studies Certificate Online Program?

Throughout this online paralegal program, you will be taught by professionals with real-world experience in professional and legal settings. Through 6 online paralegal studies courses, you can become prepared to perform in the legal support field with confidence and a thorough understanding of essential legal principles.

The paralegal certificate’s 100% online format allows you to remain active in your job, with your family, and in your community without the worry of having to take courses on campus. The flexibility, affordability, and practicality of Liberty’s online certificate in paralegal studies can help you shine in your current legal support role or explore new opportunities in the field.

Potential Career Options for Graduates of Our Certificate in Paralegal Studies

Our paralegal courses online can help you prepare for several career paths. Depending on your current knowledge, education level, and experience, there are a number of positions that could benefit from our Certificate in Paralegal Studies:

  • Executive assistant
  • Legal assistant
  • Legislative assistant
  • Paralegal

The analytical skills that you gain from our certificate in paralegal studies can be an asset in several career fields. If you’re interested in earning an undergraduate degree someday, this certificate’s courses can seamlessly transfer into our Associate of Arts in Paralegal Studies or our Bachelor of Science in Paralegal Studies degree. Take the next step towards your personal and professional goals with a Paralegal Studies Certificate from Liberty University.

Additional education or training may be required for some jobs or occupations. Conferral of a certificate does not guarantee job placement.


What Will You Learn in the Paralegal Certificate Online?

As you pursue your Undergraduate Certificate in Paralegal Studies, you will examine the paralegal profession and legal systems through training in law, contemporary worldviews, legal research, and legal writing. Because paralegals must be prepared to handle a variety of legal matters, it is crucial to be trained in several areas of law. This paralegal training online offers you the flexibility to choose a specific paralegal studies course that best fits your career goals. Each online paralegal course is taught from a biblical perspective to enhance your learning experience as you eye job positions.

You can learn a variety of useful skills in our paralegal studies certificate online – including how to write and prepare legal documents, conduct legal research, and interpret various laws. By utilizing the knowledge of our expert professors, building community through our online discussion boards, and using our world-class research resources, you can emerge from our certificate program ready to pursue paralegal roles with confidence. 

Can a paralegal become a lawyer?

Paralegals and lawyers are not the same, but a paralegal can absolutely become a lawyer if he or she attends law school. In fact, if you’re interested in becoming a lawyer someday, earning our online certificate in paralegal studies is an excellent way to dip your toe in the legal field and find out if working in law is right for you. If you’re sure you’d like to become a lawyer and you’re looking for a respected pre-law program that can help prepare you for law school, check out our online bachelor’s degree in law and policy – pre-law!

Can I be a paralegal without a law degree?

Yes! The majority of paralegals do not have law degrees, and they are not licensed to practice law. If you’re interested in becoming a paralegal, our certificate in paralegal studies online is a great place to start!

The courses from this online paralegal studies certificate can transfer directly into our Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Paralegal Studies – which means you’ll already have a head start on your degree if you’re interested in continuing your education beyond the certificate level!

Required Courses

Highlights
Certificate Information
Military Benefits
Admission Requirements

Online Paralegal Certificate Program Information

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Military Benefits

Liberty University is dedicated to providing world-class educational experiences to military students across the globe. Whether you are a current service member, discharged or retired from service, or the spouse of a service member or veteran, we are here to support you every step of the journey.

As a thank-you for your dedication and service to our country, Liberty is honored to serve and support you in your pursuit of online education by offering the following benefits: 

  • Tuition discounts – $250 per credit hour for undergraduate courses
  • 8-week courses, 8 different start dates each year, and no set login times (may exclude certain courses such as practicums, internships, or field experiences)

Admission Requirements for the Paralegal Studies Certificate Online

Applicants must have a 1.5 or above cumulative GPA for all accredited colleges previously attended and complete the High School Self-Certification form. Please visit our admission requirements page for more detailed admissions-related information.

All Applicants Must Submit the Following:

  • Admission application
  • Application fee*
  • Official college transcripts**
  • Official high school transcripts or official GED test scores are required for an official admissions decision
    • Students may be allowed to enroll in up to 12 credit hours with Liberty with the submission of an unofficial high school transcript and our High School Self-Certification form
  • Proof of English proficiency (for applicants whose native language is other than English)

*There is no upfront application fee; however, a deferred $50 application fee will be assessed during Financial Check-In. This fee is waived for qualifying service members, veterans, and military spouses – documentation verifying military status is required.

**Please note: You cannot be accepted into this program until Liberty has your official transcripts.

Online Paralegal Studies Certificate Program Highlights

  • We are recognized by multiple institutions for our academic quality, affordability, and accessibility. Our commitment to excellence also helped us rank in the top 10% of Niche.com’s best online schools in America. Earning your online certificate from a nonprofit university with this kind of recognition can help set you apart from others in your field.

  • Your success is our success, which is why we’re committed to providing quality academics at an affordable tuition rate. While other colleges are increasing their tuition, we’ve frozen tuition rates for our undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs for the past 9 years – and counting. 

  • To continue our mission of providing affordable education, electronic textbooks are provided for all undergraduate courses at no cost to you. As a full-time student, this could save you an estimated $800-2,000 per year on textbooks!

  • You can complete our online Undergraduate Certificate in Paralegal Studies in as little as 2 semesters.
  • You may apply credits earned in the online Undergraduate Certificate in Paralegal Studies toward an associate or bachelor’s degree.