Associate of Applied Business in Law & Paralegal Studies

The Associate of Applied Business in Law & Paralegal Studies program at the University of Cincinnati Online is designed to prepare graduates for a variety of job opportunities. Our program is American Bar Association (ABA) approved with a curriculum that will equip students with skills that will allow them to make an immediate impact in their professional careers. There are jobs out there for individuals with paralegal skills in private practice as well as in most areas of government, business, and nonprofit organizations.

The ABA approves programs that meet top-tier education guidelines which ensures that each student is well equipped with the best education in the field. While you can become a paralegal without this accreditation, most prospects seek out ABA-approved programs in order to increase job placement success as many employers seek out those who graduated from an accredited program.

What is a Paralegal?

While there are no formal requirements to become a paralegal, an associate degree provides a broad foundation in general education subjects, such as communications and English, as well as a solid foundation in the US legal systems.

Prospective students should be aware that paralegal education is not equivalent to a law degree. Graduates of paralegal programs are not qualified or eligible to take the bar examination. Academic credit for paralegal courses is not transferable for advanced standing in law school. Paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public, except as permitted by law.

Paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public, except as permitted by law.

Students must take at least nine semester credits or the equivalent of legal specialty courses through synchronous instruction.

Graduates of our paralegal studies program will be able to:

1. Demonstrate workplace readiness skills, including basic skills in legal research and writing and various substantive areas of the law, and be prepared for employment in an entry-level paralegal position or other related field.
2. Analyze and evaluate the law and modify standardized forms found in form books, pleading files, form files, or computer databases to create the appropriate work product of a typical entry-level paralegal working under the supervision of an attorney.
3. Demonstrate proficiency with legal software and other technology used in the practice of law.
4. Demonstrate knowledge of legal and ethical principles that guide paralegal conduct and demonstrate an understanding of the role of the paralegal in the delivery of legal services.

UC Online Paralegal Studies Associate Program Highlights:

• 100% online: no campus visits are required.
• According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, paralegal employment is projected to grow by 10% through 2029 (above average compared to other career fields). As the legal system becomes more complex, lawyers are increasingly turning to qualified paralegals to provide essential services.
• Part-time and full-time scheduling: flexibility to balance work and family obligations while completing your degree.
• Bachelor Degree Transfer Program: graduates can transition into UC’s 100% online Bachelor of Science in Law & Paralegal Studies program.
• Certificate in Law & Paralegal Studies available.
• American Bar Association approved.
• All classes are taught by licensed attorneys with extensive experience working with paralegals. High job placement rates.

Read more details about this program in our Guide to Paralegal Studies.

Paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public, except as permitted by law.

Students must take at least nine semester credits or the equivalent of legal specialty courses through synchronous instruction.