Paralegal Studies
Two ABA-approved paths into the legal field.
Study 100% online in live video classes and self-paced coursework, built with input from working legal professionals. Start your career with the associate degree, or add the certificate to a degree you already have.
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Next Term Starts January 3, 2027! Limited spots are available.
Choose the path that fits your background.
Start with the associate degree, or build on a degree you already have with the certificate.
Paralegal Associate Degree
$31,740 total, all-inclusive
Build a foundation in legal research and writing, family law, torts, criminal law and procedure, pretrial discovery and trial preparation, and legal office procedures, plus legal electives and general education.
Leads to: Entry-level paralegal and legal assistant roles
Paralegal Studies Certificate
$13,664 total, all-inclusive
A focused set of legal specialty courses in legal research and writing, torts, criminal law and procedure, pretrial discovery, and legal office procedures, built for career changers and recent graduates.
Leads to: Paralegal roles for professionals who already hold a degree
Why Paralegal Studies at American National University
ABA-approved programs, built for working adults.
100% online, live instruction
Classes meet by live video, with self-paced coursework in between. At least nine credits of legal specialty courses are taught live.
Approved by the American Bar Association
Both the associate degree and the certificate are ABA-approved, and ANU is an institutional member of the American Association for Paralegal Education (AAfPE).
Built with legal professionals
The curriculum was designed with input from working professionals in the legal industry, with courses in the areas paralegals use every day.
All-inclusive tuition
Tuition covers application, course, technology, and graduation fees, plus textbooks.
Lexis+® Paralegal Certificate
You’ll have the opportunity to earn the Lexis+® Paralegal Certificate in your Legal Research and Writing course.
An advisor who knows your name
One point of contact from enrollment through graduation — not a rotating call queue.
How it works
Built for people already juggling a full life.
Choose your path
No college degree yet? Start with the associate degree. Already have an associate or bachelor’s degree? The certificate focuses on legal specialty courses.
Learn online
Join live video classes and complete self-paced coursework in legal research, writing, and the major areas of law.
Build practical skills
Draft complaints, answers, contracts, and legal memoranda, and learn industry-standard legal research tools.
Get real-world experience
Associate degree students may take an optional 120-hour externship at a local business or organization.
Where this program leads
Law firms, corporations, and government agencies rely on paralegals. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects tens of thousands of openings each year, mostly from the need to replace workers who retire or change careers.
Paralegal & Legal Assistant
via the associate degree or certificate 40,800 projected openings per year, 2025–2035 Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, reviewed September 24, 2026Getting started
Start dates, admissions, and paying for it.
Start dates
New terms begin multiple times a year — American National University runs roughly five main terms annually, plus mid-session start options, so you’re rarely far from your next start date.
Admissions requirements
Generally you’ll need a high school diploma or GED (or equivalent college credit), plus English and math placement evaluations before your first term. The Paralegal Studies Certificate is for students who have already earned an associate or bachelor’s degree.
Financial aid
Federal aid (FAFSA-based grants, loans, and work-study) is available to those who qualify and can be combined with American National University’s own institutional grants and scholarships, including options for military families and employer tuition assistance.
Technology
A computer with reliable internet access for live video classes and online coursework.
Frequently asked questions
Are these programs fully online?
Yes. All coursework is online, with live video classes and self-paced work. At least nine credits of legal specialty courses are taught live.
Which program is right for me?
If you don’t have a college degree yet, start with the Paralegal Associate Degree. If you already have an associate or bachelor’s degree, the Paralegal Studies Certificate focuses on the legal specialty courses you need.
Are the programs ABA-approved?
Yes. Both the associate degree and the certificate are approved by the American Bar Association.
Can I keep working while I’m in school?
Yes. The programs are designed for working adults, with live online classes and self-paced coursework.
What does tuition include?
Tuition includes application, course, technology, and graduation fees, plus textbooks. The associate degree is $31,740 total and the certificate is $13,664 total.
How long does it take to finish?
The Paralegal Associate Degree is 92 credit hours and takes 24 months. The Paralegal Studies Certificate is 28 credit hours and takes 9 months.
Is there an externship?
Associate degree students may take an optional 120-hour externship at a local business or organization.
Can paralegals give legal advice?
No. Paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public, except as permitted by law.
Accreditation you can check yourself
DEAC-accredited
American National University is institutionally accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission, recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. The paralegal programs are offered through the Salem, Virginia campus.
ABA-approved
Both paralegal programs are approved by the American Bar Association.
AAfPE member
American National University is an institutional member of the American Association for Paralegal Education.
Ready to start your legal career?
Talk to an advisor about which program fits, cost, and your start date — no pressure, no obligation.
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