Online Master’s Degree in Paralegal Studies

Top online masters degree programs in paralegal studies prepare students for positions in prestigious law firms, courts and government. A quality online master’s degree program in paralegal studies can lead to promotions and greater opportunity in legal fields. The flexibility and convenience of the online format provides students with advanced legal studies right at home. Candidates in an online masters degree program are able to study and attend classes without worrying about work or family schedules.

Online Master’s Degrees in Paralegal Studies Requirements

Paralegals are the backbone for legal communities. They are responsible for legal research and preparing legal documents. Students who wish to enter an accredited online paralegal studies master’s degree program must be attentive to detail, organized, and able to work under pressure. Candidates need to be proficient in writing and analyzing, and accurate in interpreting and relaying information.

Paralegal masters degree online programs are often pursued by individuals who are already in the legal field. Some bachelor’s degrees that would transfer into an accredited online master’s degree program include:

• Bachelor of Science in Paralegal Studies
• Bachelor of Science in Pre-law
• Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice

Individuals who pursue an online masters degree program in paralegal studies often seek advancement in the legal field. They can become senior paralegals, paralegal assistants to judges, and corporate law paralegals. However, this degree does not qualify an individual to sit the bar exam to become an attorney.

Online Paralegal Studies Master’s Degree Education

Good online master’s degree programs in paralegal studies require about 36 credit hours, and typically take between 2 to 3 years to complete. The types of paralegal studies degrees offered by the best paralegal studies master’s programs online include:

• Master of Professional Studies in Paralegal Studies
• Master of Science Legal Studies

Information on Paralegal Studies Courses

An accredited online masters degree in paralegal studies emphasizes advanced legal research techniques, rules of procedure, legal writing, and litigation. Some courses in a good online master’s degree in paralegal studies could include the following:

• American Jurisprudence
  Students study the court systems, sources of law, rules of procedure and evidence. Ethics and professionalism in the legal field is also discussed.
• Legal Research and Writing
  This course provides students with advanced skills in legal research in online and text formats, and reviews legal citation and writing of legal documents.
• Litigation
  Candidates in this course are presented with an overview of civil litigation, including procedure, rules, technology, ethics, and professionalism.
• Corporations and Contracts Law
  Corporate law practice is studied in detail as students explore corporate law practice, corporate entities, SEC rules, and the Uniform Commercial Code. Students also learn about creating contracts and business ethic processes.
• Administrative Law
  This course provides an overview on the structure, scope, and regulatory procedures of federal, state, and local administrative agencies.

Specializations and Concentrations

Because paralegal studies is a broad field, in order to become an expert in a specific niche, some online master’s paralegal studies students will pursue specialties or concentrations in areas including:

• Corporate Law
• Civil Law
• Legal Research and Writing

Careers in Paralegal Studies

The best online masters programs in paralegal studies qualify students to seek employment or advancement in the following areas:

• Senior Paralegal
  Senior paralegals supervise other paralegals, legal assistants, and legal secretaries. They coordinate and monitor work flow for all team members and conduct research and prepare legal documents. Senior paralegals consult with attorneys and ensure that deadlines are met. Senior paralegals make an average yearly salary between $41,271 – $56,296. Growth is projected to be high at 22% by the year 2014.
• Paralegal Specialists
  Paralegal specialists analyze legislative developments, court decisions and opinions, and act as consultants to attorneys on legal briefs. Paralegal specialists often specialize in one area of law and act as analytical point for research and court renderings and make an average yearly salary of around $46,000, and can look at a projected 22% growth through the year 2014.
• Patents Paralegal
  Patent paralegals coordinate international filings and have an understanding of foreign laws and other foreign entities. Patent paralegals can make an annual salary between $50,00 – $65,000, with a high job growth of 22% through the year 2014.
• Legal Assistants
  Legal assistants assist attorneys in research of legal decisions, and investigate facts as well as prepare legal documents. These assistants conduct legal research and aid in writing up legal documents and make an average annual salary of around $43,040, with a projected growth of about 24%.
• Legal Secretary
  Legal secretaries maintain office function in a legal office and are responsible for making appointments and filing documents. Legal secretaries can make an average annual salary of around $38,190, and can expect a 22% increase in job growth.

An accredited online master’s degree program in paralegal studies prepares individuals who are already in a legal field for advancement in their career. It does not allow an individual to sit for a bar exam, but can prepare an individual to enter into a prestigious law school. The legal field is a growing field, and paralegals who graduate from the best online masters degree programs can expect to be in demand.