The most common paralegal degree, a certificate program, offers training in the basics of the paralegal career. Some programs require an associate's or bachelor's degree to enter, but many are open to those with high school diplomas. Programs range in length from three to 24 months, and can be found at a variety of institutions, including business schools, universities and community colleges around the country.
If you already work full-time or have a family to raise, it can be difficult to find the time to undertake a paralegal certificate program. Many online institutions have arisen to address this need. These programs will require a significant amount of self-directed work, supplemented by virtual classrooms and communication with professors. These programs will usually award students with a diploma or certificate at the end of the course.
An associate's degree, which takes two years of full-time study, is another option for students studying for paralegal diplomas. Like certificate programs, these studies can be found at business schools, community colleges and some four-year institutions. The coursework will vary, but often provides legal and general education courses. According to the National Association of Legal Assistants, more than one-third of paralegals had an associate's degree in 2008.
Less common than the other paralegal degrees, there are several bachelor's degree programs in paralegal studies. Even if you cannot find one in your area, you can also consider a related field, like criminal justice or pre-law. Bachelor's degrees will provide students with a grounding in business and other subjects, while preparing them for a more specified practice of law later on. If you choose to begin your studies with an associate's degree in paralegal studies, you may be able to transfer the credits toward a bachelor's degree afterward, depending on your programs.