Online Associate of Applied Business in Law and Paralegal Studies
As the legal system becomes more complex, paralegals are in greater demand than ever and lawyers are increasingly turning to qualified paralegals to provide essential services. The University of Cincinnati’s online Associate of Applied Business in Law and Paralegal Studies equips graduates with the skills needed to start and advance dynamic careers in the legal sector.
What Is a Paralegal?
Paralegals perform behind-the-scenes legal work that enables the law and court systems to make positive impacts on their communities. They function in a supportive capacity, assisting substantive tasks such as gathering facts for trial preparation, drafting legal documents, and conducting research.
Paralegals often work for private practices but are also sought in many areas of government, business, and nonprofit organizations.
AAB Law & Paralegal Studies Program Overview
Through the fully online, American Bar Association (ABA)-approved program, you’ll learn from licensed attorneys, graduate with a solid understanding of the US legal system, and be prepared for a variety of job opportunities in a growing field.
Law & Paralegal Studies Program Highlights
High Quality Education
- American Bar Association approval ensures a top quality education and boosted marketability
- Connection and networking: Since some courses are taken synchronously, meaning they’re held virtually at a specific time, students have the opportunity to make valuable networking connections with classmates and instructors
- Bachelor’s degree transfer program: Graduates can seamlessly transition into UC’s online Bachelor of Science in Law & Paralegal Studies program
- All classes are taught by well-connected licensed attorneys and practitioners
Flexibility
- 100% online - no campus visits are required
- Option to transfer credits
- Multiple program start dates per year
Support from Application to Graduation
At UC, you’ll have a full support team behind you:
Enrollment Services Advisor: Your go-to resource during the application process
Student Success Coordinator: Helping you prepare for classes and stay on track
Access to Resources: Access to university resources that will support you through your program including online learning expectations and resources, health and wellness resources, and academic support
Paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public, except as permitted by law.
Admission into the University of Cincinnati’s online Associate of Applied Business in Law & Paralegal Studies degree program is open to all students with a high school diploma or GED and the desire to succeed in college. Although admission is open, students accepted into the program must meet the academic standards of the program to advance to upper levels of study.
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.
Prerequisites
First-Year:
You are currently a high school senior or have a high school diploma, GED, or home-school equivalent.
Transfer:
Students who have completed paralegal courses at other institutions may petition to the program director to have those courses transferred into the University of Cincinnati Clermont program. You must include the following:
- A school catalog/bulletin from the institution; and
- A course syllabus from the specific paralegal course.
Transferability is based on the following:
- Accreditation of the former institution;
- Comparability of the course including evaluation of practical assignments;
- Year the course was taken;
- Assurance that the student will have at least 9 semester credits of legal specialty courses through synchronous instruction;
- Documented proof that the grade received was a ‘C’ or above;
- Transfer from schools that are not regionally accredited will not be allowed
Transfer from schools that are not ABA-approved or members of American Association of Paralegal Education (AAPE) will be not be allowed. Courses more than seven years old will not be transferred into the program. Students may not transfer more than four courses.
If you have not obtained the minimum ACT/SAT score required for exemption, you will be required to take an English and mathematics placement test. These tests do not affect your admission; however, the results are essential for proper class placement. The placement test(s) are free and must be completed before you can register for English and/or math courses.
Complete the online application and submit a $50 application fee.
Applications are accepted continuously throughout the year. Our staff will review your application based on the following:
After submitting your application form, all applicants are required to have official transcripts sent directly to University of Cincinnati in order to be eligible for admissions review.
- First-Year and Transfer Applicants with Fewer Than 24 Completed Semester Hours at a Prior College:
- Order official transcripts from your high school and all prior colleges (if applicable) for delivery directly to University of Cincinnati.
- Transfer Applicants with 24+ Completed Semester Hours at a Prior College:
- Order official transcripts from all prior colleges for delivery directly to University of Cincinnati.
- You are exempt from the High School transcript requirement, this item will be removed from your application checklist once your college documents are received.
Please review the section below for guidance on how to submit your transcripts.
Online transcript request systems are the preferred method to deliver official transcripts electronically. To see if your transcript(s) can be ordered electronically, visit the links below and search for your previous school(s).
- Parchment
- Please select “University of Cincinnati – Main Campus” as the recipient of your transcript.
- National Student Clearinghouse
- Please have your transcript sent directly to admissions@uc.edu.
If you do not see your past school(s) listed on either site, please contact the school(s) directly to determine their ordering process.
If a physical copy must be sent, DO NOT request it be delivered to you. It must be sent directly from your prior school to the following address:
University of Cincinnati
Office of Admissions
PO Box 210091
Cincinnati, Ohio 45221-0091
| Term | Application Deadline | Classes Start |
|---|---|---|
Summer 2026 | First Half Summer 2026 | Second Half Fall 2026 | First Half |
March 15, 2026 April 1, 2026 July 15, 2026 |
May 11, 2026 June 25, 2026 August 24, 2026 |
The University of Cincinnati's online course fees differ depending on the program. On average, students will accrue fewer fees than students attending on-campus classes.
The one fee applied across all UC Online programs is the distance learning fee. Students living outside the state of Ohio must also pay an additional “non-resident” fee to enroll in courses at UC Online. This fee is lower than the out-of-state fee for traditional on-campus programs.
To view tuition information and program costs, visit the Online Program Fees page.
Graduates will be prepared to:
- Demonstrate workplace readiness skills, including legal research and writing and various substantive areas of the law.
- 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.
- Demonstrate proficiency with legal software and other technology used in the practice of law.
- Demonstrate knowledge of legal and ethical principles that guide paralegal conduct and the role of the paralegal in the delivery of legal services.
“I highly recommend that you consider this program! Walking out with my associate degree, I feel completely prepared to begin a career as a paralegal or continue my education.”
Alexis D. Associate of Applied Business in Law and Paralegal Studies Graduate
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