The Fast Track Into the Legal Field
With about 39,300 new openings every year, there’s a strong demand for paralegals. So, now is the best time to consider programs that offer the fastest online paralegal degrees. These programs have a time-to-completion between 12 and 18 months.
If you’re interested in these accelerated paralegal programs, read on. Here, we’ll cover their timelines, costs, and career impact. This way, you can make a smart decision based on your individual interests and goals.
Why online learning in the first place? Online programs offer quality, flexibility, and convenience, especially for non-traditional learners. These programs also allow transfer of credits, which makes legal careers more accessible.
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Why Speed Matters: The Rise of Accelerated Paralegal Programs
Accelerated paralegal programs appeal to:
- Career changers who want to pivot into the legal industry quickly. Their transferred credits from a prior degree and experience mean faster completion.
- Working adults seeking a good work-life balance while pursuing a degree. Online paralegal programs for working adults offer flexible schedules and other accommodations.
- Recent graduates who want to earn relevant legal credentials. They want to improve their job prospects in the competitive industry.
You can also enter the job market sooner and still earn good pay (i.e., time-to-career advantage).
Lest you think that accelerated programs mean lower quality or easier work, they aren’t. But it’s important to choose programs offered by regionally accredited colleges.
You may also want to prioritize ABA-approved programs. While ABA approval isn’t mandatory for paralegal programs, it’s highly recommended.
On a related note, technology and asynchronous learning allow faster completion. You can learn at your own pace and get access to the LMS 24/7. If you’re in a competency-based program, you can also move faster through the coursework.
How Long Does It Take to Earn a Paralegal Degree Online?
If you’re wondering, “How long does it take to become a paralegal?”, the answer is: It depends. Your prior education and transferred credits are primary factors. Then, the program’s structure and curriculum also determine completion time.
For your quick reference, here’s a comparison chart of average completion times.
| Program Type | Typical Length | Accelerated Option | Learning Format |
| Traditional Associate’s Degree | 2 years | 12-18 months | 100% online or hybrid |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 18-24 months | Transfer-credit eligible |
| Certificate | 6-12 months | N/A | Post-degree or entry-level |
So, the shortest online paralegal degree is an associate’s degree. You can earn it in under two years, especially if you have transfer credits. These shorten the time-to-completion by applying previously earned college credits toward your degree.
Sources of transfer credits include:
- Advanced Placement (AP) courses
- College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) exams
- International Baccalaureate (IB) courses
- Dual enrollment or early college credits
- Military training and experience
- Professional certifications (e.g., Certified Legal Assistant)
- Prior learning assessments (PLA)
- Portfolio assessments
- State and regional articulation agreements
- Online competency-based programs
- Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) credits (e.g., Coursera and edX)
Year-round enrollment can also speed up your completion time. You can enroll during the summer breaks, for example.
Key Features of the Fastest Online Paralegal Degrees
Every accelerated online paralegal degree program has unique features. But these programs share many key features, too.
Compressed terms
Many accelerated programs use between five- and eight-week sessions. Students can then complete more courses per term.
Asynchronous learning
Their courses are usually self-paced, meaning students can progress at their own pace. The schedule flexibility is ideal for working adults and other non-traditional learners.
Transfer-friendly format
Again, transfer credits shortens the time spent earning a paralegal degree. Be sure to work with the proper college officer (e.g., transfer counselor or admissions officer).
Internship or capstone flexibility
The choice of either one means gaining practical experience and skills. You’ll then be more prepared for the challenges of paralegal work.
We cannot overemphasize the importance of choosing only from accredited paralegal schools online. You can verify regional accreditation via CHEA’s website. If you’re looking for ABA-approved online paralegal programs, check this link.
Top Accelerated Online Paralegal Degree Programs
Here’s a comparison table of the fastest online paralegal degrees.
| School | Program Type | Format | Duration (in months) | Estimated Cost | Accreditation |
| Liberty University | AAS in Paralegal Studies | 100% online | 12 | $12,000 | SACSCOC, ABA-approved |
| Purdue Global University | AS in Legal Support and Services | Online | 15 | $14,000 | HLC |
| Rasmussen University | Associate in Paralegal Studies | Accelerated | 18 | $13,000 | HLC, ABA-approved |
| National University | BA in Paralegal Studies | Online | 16 | $15,000 | WASC |
| Bryan University | AAS in Paralegal Studies | Fully online | 14 | $11,000 | DEAC |
So, if you’re looking for a 12-month paralegal degree online program, consider Liberty. You can transfer up to 75% of the total credit hours needed to earn the degree. The transfer credits can come from:
- Prior college courses from a regionally accredited college
- Military training
- Professional/experiential learning
Liberty also offers tuition and textbook cost savings. There are also military and first responder benefits.
What You’ll Learn in an Accelerated Paralegal Degree
A paralegal associate degree online program shares similarities with a bachelor’s program. First, both must be offered by regionally accredited institutions. Regional accreditation signals instructional quality and employer recognition, among others.
Second, their learning structure provides flexible schedules, student support services, and more. These features accommodate non-traditional students, including working professionals.
Third, both cover foundational legal subjects, including:
- Legal research and writing
- Civil litigation
- Ethics in the legal profession
- Contract and tort law
- Technology in legal practice
But it isn’t only accelerated paralegal courses that students must tackle. Most programs require students to complete either an internship or a practicum. The practical experience results in practical skills development that boosts job readiness.
As a result, graduates are ready for diverse roles. These include legal assistant, litigation support, and compliance roles. Furthermore, advanced studies and training can boost career advancement.
Career Outcomes: How Fast Programs Lead to Quick Employment
Accelerated programs offer a short runway to employment. You can get into the paralegal workforce within months after graduation.
This is because these programs focus on the acquisition of employer-aligned, job-ready skills. You’re then prepared to transition from the classroom to the workplace.
Here are popular paralegal careers for online graduates you can consider.
- Paralegal
- Legal assistant
- Corporate compliance specialist
The paralegal job outlook and salary are favorable, too. While there’s little to no change in projected growth, about 39,300 new openings every year are expected. This is for the 2024-2034 period (BLS).
Paralegals earned $61,010/year in median wages (BLS, May 2024). But the highest earners raked in more than $98,990/year.
Also, legal employers recognize the quality of accredited online degree programs. This is particularly true for ABA-approved programs.
Who Benefits Most from Accelerated Paralegal Programs?
Online paralegal programs for working adults are ideal for:
- Career changers seeking fast entry into law
- Administrative professionals or legal secretaries
- Military students and parents seeking flexibility
- Students leveraging prior credits
But fast paralegal degrees for career changers and others have their challenges, too. The intensive workload demands that you master legalese in a condensed timeframe. There are also fewer networking opportunities and internships than in in-person programs.
Then again, you can overcome these challenges; read about them in the next section. Once you do, you’ll agree that the benefits outweigh the cost and challenges.
You can, for example, progress from a receptionist to a paralegal in 14 months. Your earning potential can increase by as much as 25% or more.
Tips for Success in a Fast-Track Paralegal Program
Here are measures you can adopt to thrive in accelerated paralegal programs.
- Manage your time effectively. Flexible online paralegal courses may allow for self-paced study and 24/7 access. But you shouldn’t be complacent either. You must adopt effective time management habits, such as setting study schedules.
- Engage with your professors and peers. You’ll get support, insights, and networking opportunities as a result.
- Master legal research tools early. You’ll strengthen your research skills and confidence in the process.
- Gain practical experience to strengthen your knowledge base. Your practical skills will be better for it, too. Internships and volunteering at legal aid clinics are great examples.
Being proactive and active in skills development is your responsibility.
Conclusion: Your Accelerated Path to a Legal Career
Paralegal degree programs with flexible schedules are the quickest way to start in law. Furthermore, accredited + accelerated means you’re employable faster. So, you should explore programs from accredited universities with flexible schedules now.
And remember to compare the top accelerated online paralegal programs. You should find one that fits your schedule, budget, and career goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fastest online paralegal degree?
The associate’s degree with 12-18 months completion time.
Can I finish a paralegal degree in 12 months?
Yes, especially in programs that offer year-round enrollment.
Do employers respect accelerated paralegal degrees?
Yes, particularly if these are from regionally accredited colleges.
What’s the average salary for online paralegal graduates?
$61,010/year in median wages.
Is ABA approval required to work as a paralegal?
No, it isn’t mandatory. But it’s highly recommended.
