Online Law and Criminal Justice Degrees in Paralegal & Legal Services |
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Looking for a career in the legal profession as a paralegal? Find online undergraduate degree programs in paralegal and legal studies, and online paralegal certificate programs offered by accredited universities and colleges.
Online Paralegal & Legal Services Degree Programs
As the cost of legal representation and advisement continues to increase, more law firms and other businesses are relying on paralegals and legal assistants to provide basic legal services to their clients. The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects employment opportunities for paralegals and legal assistants to grow due to the need for affordable legal services. Legal services professionals provide research and assist lawyers with preparing documents and cases. Social service agencies and legal clinics often employ paralegals and legal assistants to provide general low cost legal support for low income clients. Meeting with clients, taking notes, preparing documents, and providing basic legal advice are some of the duties you may perform as a paralegal or legal assistant. You can also screen and return phone calls and perform tasks to support attorneys. Completing interviews and assisting the public with legal inquiries and problems is a major part of your work in a social services agency or legal clinic. You need impeccable interpersonal skills, strong communication skills, and sufficient computer skills to document case files, keep records, and conduct legal research. Organizational skills and the ability to conduct accurate research are essential to working as a paralegal or legal assistant.
College Degrees Lead to Legal Professions
Although some employers may be willing to train paralegals and legal assistants without any formal degrees, these jobs typically require a minimum of an associate's degree. Those who hold a bachelor's degree can usually complete a paralegal certification program online or on campus at a community college. Some colleges offer bachelor's and graduate degrees in paralegal studies, Depending on your areas of interest, you can also take courses in real estate, criminal justice, and social services.
Legal Services Options Provide Variety of Jobs
If you're working in a law firm, you may spend a great deal of time conducting legal research and writing reports in an office or law library. If you work for a local social service agency or legal clinic, you can spend most of your time assisting clients. The Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that more businesses and corporations are employing or using the services of paralegals and legal assistants to minimize costs. It's important for legal services professionals to understand terminology and procedures and to fully grasp the ethical requirements of legal work.
If you're interested in the law and enjoy working with people, working as a legal services professional can be a rewarding career. As of 2007, legal assistants and paralegals earned a median salary of $47,600. Legal services professionals may also receive bonuses and tuition reimbursement from their employers. Paralegals and legal assistants working in law offices or corporate settings generally work usual business hours, but may be required to work longer hours when preparing cases. Legal services personnel who serve the public may need to work nights and weekends to facilitate client interviews and meetings.
Pursue your Paralegal & Legal Services degree today.
Virginia College
Earn your associate's, bachelor’s or master’s degree from Virginia College. Our extensive programs are offered 100% online, so you can launch the career of your choice from the comfort of your own home.
Learn more about programs at Virginia College
Looking for a paralegal studies program that fits into your busy schedule? In VC Online's associate degree program, you'll work with industry-experienced faculty--from the comfort of your own computer.
The online bachelor?s degree in paralegal studies prepares graduates for employment in attorney?s offices, courtrooms, corporations, insurance companies, governmental offices and banks. This paralegal degree online provides knowledge of legal office procedures, delivery of legal services, legal research and writing and paralegal training in professional skills, general education, and technical competencies.
With the online paralegal degree from Virginia College, you can enter a skilled and prestigious profession, and one in which job growth is expected. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics 2006-07 Occupational Outlook Handbook, paralegal employment is projected to grow much faster than average, as employers reduce costs by hiring paralegals to perform tasks formerly carried out by lawyers.
This online bachelor degree program in paralegal studies is designed for those who require a degree for entry into the workforce or for advancement in a current position. It is especially helpful for those who may have accumulated credits toward a paralegal degree or who may already hold an associate?s degree in paralegal studies.
Complete the info request form and find out more about Virginia College?s online paralegal degree. Virginia College is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools. Financial aid is available for those who qualify. Our faculty and staff are available to make sure you get the most from your online college experience at Virginia College.
Virginia College is a senior college accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools to award certificates, diplomas, associate's, bachelor's, and master's degrees. The Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools is listed as a nationally recognized accrediting agency by the United States Department of Education and is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.
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Strayer University
Get the right foundation for your future with a degree from Strayer University. Evening, weekend and online classes are all available to meet the needs of busy adults.
Learn more about programs at Strayer University.
The legal studies concentration offers a combination of business and legal coursework that can prepare you to function successfully at the intersection of these two major industries.
Strayer University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
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Grand Canyon University
Grand Canyon University is offering Bachelor and Master degrees through our College of Education, Ken Blanchard College of Business, College of Nursing, and College of Liberal Arts.
Learn more about programs at Grand Canyon University.
The Master of Science in Criminal Justice is designed for students seeking to expand their understanding of the law, social order, and justice. This program is particularly suited to law enforcement personnel who wish to advance in their field, as well as corrections, probation, and parole officers; law clerks; and other decision makers who address questions of public policy, social research, and administration of justice in the public sphere. This program also prepares students for work in legal foundations where in-depth issues are contended.
Grand Canyon University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association. This is a regional accrediting body as mentioned above. (30 N. LaSalle St. Suite 2400, Chicago, IL 60602-2504 tel. 800-621-7440; http://www.ncahigherlearningcommission.org/.)
Grand Canyon University, through its Ken Blanchard College of Business, is nationally accredited by the Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs to offer the following business degrees:
- The Bachelor of Science (BS) with majors in Accounting, Business Administration, and Marketing
- The Master of Business Administration (MBA).
Grand Canyon University is the only university in Arizona to hold this accreditation. (7007 College Boulevard, Suite 420, Overland Park, KS 66211, (913) 339-9336)
The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, One Dupont Circle NW, Suite 530, Washington DC 20036, (202) 887-6791 and the Arizona State Board of Nursing accredit the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program.
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