Guide to an online associate degree in legal studies
Table of Contents
What is an online associate in legal studies | Degree overview | Licensure | Career paths | Salaries | Tips for success | Resources | Choosing the right program
Why we love online legal studies associate’s
An online associate degree in legal studies is a popular educational pathway for a wide range of law-related careers. Earning this degree can help you qualify for roles that include legal assistants, paralegals and judicial assistants. It can also serve as a steppingstone on your path to a bachelor’s degree and law school. This guide explains what you can expect from an online associates in legal studies and how this education can help you achieve your professional goals.
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What is an online associate degree in legal studies?
An online associate degree in legal studies includes a broad-based foundation in the knowledge of the law and related study areas. It also includes the practical and technical skills and competencies that professionals in the legal field need to succeed in the workplace and their pursuit of more advanced degrees, including law school.
“This degree is to prepare someone for an entry-level position. We focus on helping students develop strong competencies in various subject areas to get some good knowledge in areas that include criminal law, civil litigation, tort law and family law. We also focus on helping them develop strong research and writing skills because that’s important no matter what area of the law they are going to be focusing on in their employment,” says Professor Jeffrey Gulley, JD, full-time faculty in the Department of Legal Studies at Purdue Global.
Why is an online associate degree in legal studies important?
An online associate degree in legal studies can serve as an excellent introduction to legal education for anyone who wants to test the waters in this profession without making a commitment to a bachelor’s degree. This degree can help you qualify to work in a law firm or other legal role where you can explore the different opportunities and types of law that you may want to pursue in your career.
“We see students pursue both work and education with this degree. Some students want to start working right after graduation because they’re not exactly sure about their career direction. They may be thinking that this is what they want to do or maybe they’re making a career change. Some students may already be working in a law office. Perhaps they had a certificate and they want to take the next step and get an associate degree. Or, some students may want to move from this degree to a bachelor’s degree because they want to move on to law school,” says Gulley.
An online associate degree in legal studies may be a good option if you’re a career-changer seeking to transition into the legal field. This degree can also complement your existing experience if you want to expand your professional toolkit to pursue promotions or a different aspect of your current field. “You can use this degree to change gears and use your existing education and experience without making a dramatic career change,” says Gulley.
An online associate degree in legal studies can prepare legal assistants, paralegals and others in non-lawyer professional roles to perform the following responsibilities:
- Investigate and gather the facts and law of a case
- Find relevant primary and secondary legal sources to apply to specific fact scenarios
- Gather and arrange evidence and legal documents for attorney review and case preparation
- File pleadings with the court clerk
- Draft communications and legal documents such as briefs, pleadings, wills, appeals, contracts and real estate closing statements using practical concepts from specific areas of law
- Call upon witnesses to testify at a hearing
- Write or summarize reports to help lawyers prepare for trials
- Direct and coordinate law office activity, including delivery of subpoenas
- Arbitrate disputes between parties to resolve legal conflicts
- Keep and monitor legal volumes to ensure that a law library remains current
- Obtain affidavits and other formal statements that may be used as evidence in court
Degree overview
An online associate degree in legal studies provides a versatile, multi-disciplinary education that gives you an overview of legal principles and various types of law. “This degree prepares students to be part of a legal team,” says Gulley. “For those who are out there looking for what’s required in the industry, we see the associate degree as a starting point. We see firms will require a minimum of that.”
What to expect in your online associate degree program
An online associate degree in legal studies can vary by institution. Generally, this type of degree serves as an introduction to the American legal and court systems, along with education in the core math and English coursework you need to perform professional roles or prepare for higher levels of education in the profession.
“A lot of focus will be on civil litigation, family law, torts and legal ethics, which is very important in the legal profession for both paralegals and attorneys,” says Gulley.
Coursework
An online associate degree in legal studies typically involves a curriculum with the following types of courses:
- College Composition I and II
- Survey of Mathematics
- American Government
- Introduction to the Law and Legal Profession
- Introduction to American Jurisprudence
- Legal Research and Writing
- Civil Litigation
- Introduction to Torts
- Business Law
- Introduction to Legal Technology
- Family Law
- Ethics and the Law
- Criminal Law and Procedure
Programs vary in the number of elective credits you can take toward your degree. There is not much room for specialization at the associate degree level because of the general nature of the degree and the limited number of credits required.
Some programs require a capstone project. “All of our students complete a capstone, in which they focus on specific assignments. It’s very skills oriented. Everything is focused on the overall program outcomes, so it’s a review. As part of the capstone, we help them put together a portfolio of writing assignments because sometimes potential employers may ask for that. That is an important part of the degree and it’s taken in the student’s final term,” says Gulley.
Experiential learning opportunities
As a student in an online associate degree in legal studies, you may have the opportunity to participate in an internship. Some degrees may require it. Typically, your institution will work with you to help you locate an internship in your local area that meets your program qualifications.
Whether required or optional, an internship is an excellent opportunity to learn how to apply your academic knowledge in real-world situations. It is also a chance to explore different workplaces and begin making professional connections that may help you in your job search.
Popular programs for this degree
An online associate degree in legal studies may be called one of the following degree programs:
- Online associate degree in legal studies
- Online associate of applied science in legal support and services
- Online associate of paralegal studies
- Online associate degree in paralegal and legal studies
Program length
An online associate degree in legal studies usually requires 60 credits when an institution’s school calendar has two main semesters (fall and spring). Each semester’s typically runs 15 to 16 weeks.
Some institutions follow quarter terms so that the school year is divided into four terms: fall, winter, spring and summer. Each quarter term is about 10 weeks long. An online associate degree in legal studies requires 90 quarter credits at this type of institution.
Admission requirements
Admission requirements vary by institution and program. You can usually find these criteria on an institution’s website. The minimum requirement to enroll for an associate degree is typically a high school education or GED.
Many institutions are test-optional and do not require SAT or ACT scores. Admission requirements may vary depending on whether you are a first-time student or a student returning to school after starting a degree or other studies.
Many community colleges offer an online associate degree in legal studies. These institutions usually have open enrollment and may simply require placement tests in math and English to determine your competence in these subject areas.
Tuition and fees
The tuition and fees you pay for an online associate degree in legal studies vary based on many factors such as location and the type of institution you attend. The good news is that an online degree saves you money by avoiding the costs associated with commuting or living on campus.
According to the Digest of Education Statistics, a summary of statistical information compiled by the National Center for Educational Statistics (NCES), the average cost of tuition and all required fees for 2-year program in any field during the 2022-2023 academic year included the following average costs:
- Public institution: $3,598
- Private non-profit institution: $20,019
- Private for-profit Institution: $16,444
Student outcomes
An online associate degree in legal studies prepares you to work under the supervision of an attorney by building the hands-on skills you need to manage legal documents and support casework. Some programs include the option to earn a paralegal certificate. This degree may also be helpful in preparing to seek state-specific paralegal certification or certification from a professional organization.
Graduates of an associate degree in legal studies are prepared to:
- Perform legal research
- Apply ethical principles in a legal environment
- Process legal documents
- Write legal documents as needed
- Demonstrate professionalism as a member of a legal team
- Synthesize various sources into a supportive legal conclusion
Certificate vs. Certification
Certificate
A certificate is awarded by an educational institution and signifies that a student has satisfactorily completed a given curriculum. Certificate programs can help students prepare for certification exams.
Certification
Certification is generally awarded by a trade group after an individual has met certain professional requirements (e.g. earned a specific degree, worked professionally in a given field for a set amount of time, etc.) and passed a certification exam.
In short, a certificate is evidence that someone has completed an educational program, while a certification denotes that someone has met a certain set of professional criteria and/or passed an exam to prove their mastery of professional experience and skills.
Is licensure needed for legal assistant and paralegal careers?
An online associate degree in legal studies can be used to meet educational requirements for different careers. The titles of legal assistant and paralegal are often used interchangeably. However, these roles are typically separate positions with different duties and licensure requirements that vary by state.
Legal assistants typically do not have licensure requirements. While no state requires licensure as a prerequisite to working as a paralegal, some states have voluntary certification programs. California requires that people using the titles of “paralegal” and “legal assistant” meet certain educational, experience and continuing education requirements to use these titles.
An online associate degree in legal studies can also prepare you for work in specialty non-lawyer roles offered in a few states. For example, California’s legal document assistant (LDA) is an experienced and registered professional who is authorized to prepare legal documents for a client but only under the client’s direction. An LDA can assist people in filling out paperwork when they have decided on a course of action or need help in finishing and filing legal paperwork in simple matters such as an uncontested divorce.
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Career pathways
Common job titles
Some common job titles for a graduate of an online associate degree in legal studies include:
- Legal assistant
- Compliance officer
- Corporate law assistant
- Law associate
- Legal analyst
- Legal administrative specialist
- Legal researcher or law clerk
- Contract administrator
- Litigation support professional
- Judicial assistant to a judge
Depending on your background and interests, having an online associate degree in legal studies can allow you to pursue areas of specialization in the workplace. “Some students are more interested in the business aspect of law, so maybe their path is regulatory compliance within a business or the healthcare sector as well. Or, we have students who might want to be a legal nurse consultant, which could be someone who has a nursing degree coupled with at least an associate or bachelor’s degree in legal studies. There are definitely professionals who are needed both in working with attorneys but also internally in other settings like businesses and hospitals to help deal with litigation,” says Gulley.
Other students may want to pursue a role as a court reporter or stenographer. While these positions require other training, the associate degree may help them achieve their goals. “It doesn’t hurt to have a degree in addition to the skillset when you’re trying to get a position like that in state courts, but especially if you want a position in the federal courts, which are more competitive,” says Gulley.
Salary and job outlook
Factors such as location, demand and experience can influence the salary you earn with an online associate degree in legal studies. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for paralegals and legal assistants is $60,970 with the top 10% of earners making up to $98,830 and those in the lower 10% of earners making about $39,710.
According to the BLS, the outlook for legal assistants and paralegals is consistent with the job growth predicted for all U.S. occupations at 4.2% through 2032.
How to succeed in a program for this degree
An online associate degree in legal studies can make learning convenient and accessible if you can’t commit to attending a brick-and-mortar school. It allows you to pursue an education while working or managing family responsibilities or both.
“Learning online is such a wonderful alternative for someone who can’t go to a brick-and-mortar campus and go to a classroom. For someone who may be coming back to finish a degree that they had to put on hold, that’s wonderful. But, right now, maybe you’re working full-time, you have three kids, and you’re managing a household, so your work life and family life have to fit in in some way with your school life,” says Gulley.
Study tips
Online learning is a very different modality than face-to-face. Having a designated study area where you can focus without distractions can be helpful in setting boundaries and switching gears when you need to get work done. Consider strategies like using headphones to shut out nearby noise if maintaining focus during your study time is a challenge.
Take advantage of opportunities to engage with professors and other students when possible. Many programs offer ways to interact in both synchronous and asynchronous platforms to promote involvement. Synchronous learning is scheduled, real-time interaction. Asynchronous learning occurs on your own time when convenient.
“We engage in a synchronous learning environment with our seminars every week, then we interact asynchronously on the discussion board that starts on the first day of the unit [on Wednesday] and ends the following Tuesday,” says Gulley. “In the legal world, no matter where you work, you’re going to be part of a team, so we promote interaction as well. In our learning modalities and even on the discussion boards, you’re interacting and collaborating.”
Most online learning programs give you the flexibility to participate in both types of learning. “Sometimes, we have some students who attend the seminars every single week because it’s a really good time we have to interact. We’re all together as a class and it’s a great way to learn,” says Gulley. “If students can’t attend a seminar, our seminars are recorded. Everything including the PowerPoint, my audio and video, and the chat is there. So, the students can review that, prepare a summary assignment and submit it to earn the full points for that seminar in the event they can’t make it.”
Time management tips
While there are many benefits to learning from the convenience of your home, it can be a challenge to prioritize your learning around an already busy personal and/or professional schedule. If possible, establish scheduled times to attend live learning opportunities and complete assignments. Engage the support of your significant other, family members and employer during these times.
When necessary, budget and plan for the completion of certain materials or the preparation of exams. Make the most of your study time by handling problems like technical and laptop issues before you begin to work so you can focus on the job of studying when it’s time to do so.
Test-taking tips
The prospect of taking tests can be daunting for all students but it can be especially challenging if you’ve been away from the classroom for a while. The best strategy is to prepare and avoid last-minute cramming for the test.
Check the course syllabus at the beginning of the semester so you know when exams are scheduled. Carve out time around those dates to prepare and account for the inevitable personal or professional crises that might interfere with your schedule.
Take advantage of review materials, study groups and other type of support that can help make studying more efficient and effective. Consult with your professor to clarify challenging concepts to ensure you’re familiar with the content being tested.
Tips for experiential learning opportunities
An internship experience can be a valuable opportunity to learn about the real-world environment of a law office or other workplace. It can also help you explore different specialty areas to determine potential ways to use your degree.
Take advantage of the chance to get input and advice from people working in the types of jobs you desire. Find out what prospective employers are looking for and work to achieve those skills and knowledge. Take advantage of the opportunity to make professional connections who may be able to help you with mentoring or providing a reference for a future job search.
Resources for students pursuing this degree
Becoming involved with a professional organization can provide valuable resources that are applicable at every stage of your career. They typically provide members-only opportunities for networking, continuing education and mentoring. They may also provide other resources like publications and social media sites to help you remain current on industry topics.
- American Alliance of Paralegals, Inc. (AAPI): The AAPI promotes and improves the profession of paralegals advances the educational and literary standard of the profession, and fosters, encourages and disseminates information concerning the profession. AAPI members are paralegals who have met educational and experience criteria.
- National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA): NALA’s mission is to equip paralegals for the challenges of the future through certification, professional development and advocacy. NALA also provides continuing education and networking opportunities. Students are eligible to join.
- National Association for Legal Support Professionals (NALS): NALS connects legal support professionals in state or local chapters to facilitate networking, education and social events near you. All members are connected to the larger NALS organization. Students are eligible to join.
Scholarships and grants
To qualify for financial aid and income-based scholarships, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Schools and financial institutions use this standard form to determine your eligibility for financial assistance and student loans. Other potential sources of financial aid include school or program awards, scholarships and military service credits. You can apply federal financial aid to an online degree if you attend an accredited school.
Check whether your school has scholarships for nontraditional learners. Local, state and national legal organizations may sponsor scholarships. You may also qualify for awards from private organizations whose scholarships may be based on criteria like your geographic location or ethnicity.
Other helpful resources
Take advantage of any resources your institution and program have to offer to make the most of your educational experience. This may include student clubs, study groups and academic counseling. Keep in contact with your institution’s advisors and career counselors to ensure that the classes you’re taking align with your academic and professional goals.
“There is a lot of convenience that that we offer in the online world. We have our platform set up to focus on supporting our students in various ways, so it’s not just what the professors do in the classroom. We’re there with our students all the time but we have a lot of parts of our support team to help as well,” says Gulley.
Choosing the right program
Deciding to pursue an online associate degree in legal studies can involve a significant commitment of time and money. Taking the time to consider your options can help you get the best results from your efforts. Look for details that set programs apart, such as the level of interaction with professors.
“If this is what you want to pursue, you’ve got options, but you have to do your homework,” says Gulley. “Dig in and find out what it’s all about. What kind of opportunities for learning are available? Is it strictly that you’re on your own? Some programs may offer courses in which you see a professor, but everything is prerecorded.”
Align with your career goals
Before you begin comparing degree programs, ensure that an online associate degree in legal studies is the right educational pathway for your goals. Establish short-term and long-term goals and determine where this degree fits in with your plan.
Generally, this degree should provide a foundation of general legal principles that will prepare you for a wide range of opportunities. “Students should look at the overall content. What kind of coursework will there be? It needs to be broad-based. Will there be an adequate focus on the development of research and writing skills? Who are the faculty? You want to make sure that the university has both full and part-time faculty. Also, is there a focus on hiring faculty that have experience and a law degree?” says Gulley.
Evaluate reputation
Talk to professionals in the field to find out whether they are aware of the online associate degree in legal studies program that you are considering. Ask to speak to a recent graduate from your program so you can learn about their experience in finding a job with the degree you’re considering.
Research the institution’s reputation online by searching for reviews, rankings, complaints or lawsuits. You can also check an institution’s accreditation history, legal status and financial stability with tools like the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, the Better Business Bureau or the Federal Trade Commission.
Cost-effective decision making
Don’t be caught off-guard with unexpected costs for your education. As you compare online associate degree in legal studies programs, make sure you account for all your potential expenses. In addition to tuition, your costs may include textbooks, lab fees, technology fees, software purchases or even upgrades to your home internet to ensure you have reliable access to your program.
Accreditation assurance
Ensure that you’re receiving a quality online education by checking school and program accreditation. Accreditation is a review process that determines whether your school or program meets established criteria of set educational standards. You can verify a school’s accreditation on a database maintained by the U.S. Department of Education.
You must attend an accredited institution to qualify for federal financial aid and scholarships, and most state licensing applications and professional specialty certifications. You also need credits from an accredited program if you want to transfer those credits to another accredited institution or use your degree to pursue advanced studies.
Next steps
If you’re ready to take the first step toward working in the legal profession, an online associate degree in legal studies is a great place to start. This degree can help you qualify for entry-level positions working with an attorney, in government agencies or industries such as business or healthcare. It can also equip you with the educational foundation you need to support a shift in your career focus or a total career change. When you’re ready, you can use the college credits from this degree toward a bachelor’s degree, potentially leading to law school.
Working as a legal assistant or in related roles can be a rewarding career. Your contributions to the legal process can have a direct impact on individuals, organizations and your community. “In our increasingly complex society that we live in, on any given day, businesses and individuals are going to have legal issues and they need somebody to help them out. They need a legal team of attorneys and paralegals,” says Gulley.
Take the first step toward this rewarding career and explore online associate degree in legal studies programs using the Find Schools button on this page.
With professional insight from:
Jeffrey Gulley, JD
Professor, Department of Legal Studies, Purdue Global
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All Online Schools is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
All Online Schools is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.