Online Bachelor of Science in Law and Paralegal Studies
A bachelor’s degree in law and paralegal studies opens many doors for many career opportunities, including, but not limited to, a paralegal — one of the lawyer’s most valuable resources. University of Cincinnati’s online Bachelor of Science in Law and Paralegal Studies program provides you with the in-demand skills needed to increase responsibility and earnings as you start or advance your legal career. Our program is 100% online with no campus visits required and approved by the American Bar Association (ABA).
What is a Paralegal?
Paralegals perform substantive behind-the-scenes legal work that enables the law and court systems to make positive impacts on their communities. Job duties vary, as there is a wide range of paralegal careers to pursue—many paralegals support lawyers by assisting with trial preparation, drafting legal documents, conducting research, and client communication. Most paralegals work in law firms, but paralegal skills are also coveted by government agencies, businesses, and non-profit organizations.
BS Law & Paralegal Studies Program Overview
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
- All classes are taught by well-connected licensed attorneys and practitionersPart-time and full-time scheduling: flexibility to balance work and family obligations while completing your degree.
Flexibility
- 100% online - no campus visits are required
- Option to transfer credits
- Multiple program start dates per year
- Part-time and full-time scheduling: flexibility to balance work and family obligations while completing your degree. *
- * Students must take at least nine semester credits or the equivalent of legal specialty courses through synchronous instruction.
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 Bachelor of Science in Law & Paralegal Studies degree program is selective and based on meeting the requirements outlined below. Please note: Those who have earned fewer than 60 college credit hours should consider first starting in the Associate of Applied Business in Law and Paralegal Studies program.
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.
Complete the online application and submit the application fee.
Standard Application Fees:
- $65.00 for domestic applicants to most degree programs
- $70.00 for international applicants to most degree programs
- $20.00 for domestic applicants to Graduate Certificates
- $25.00 for international applicants to Graduate Certificates
- Application fees for UC Online programs are waived through Fall 2026 for all applicants who apply by July 1, 2026
- Fee waivers are automatically applied for applicants who: are currently serving in the US armed forces, or are veterans of the US armed forces.
Applications are accepted continuously throughout the year. Please review and submit the following materials:
A cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher (from all prior institutions combined) will be considered for acceptance.
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
In order to apply to University of Cincinnati as a transfer student, learners must submit a transfer application form and have official transcripts sent directly to UC from all prior institutions they’ve attended.
To request these transcripts, please contact your previous institution’s registrar and ask them to send the official transcript to the University of Cincinnati via an approved electronic method such as Parchment, eScrip-Safe, National Student Clearinghouse, or similar services. This is the preferred method. If electronic submission isn’t available, transcripts may be mailed to the Office of Admissions at:
University of Cincinnati
Office of Admissions
PO Box 210091
Cincinnati, OH 45221
| Term | Application Deadline | Classes Start |
|---|---|---|
Summer 2026 Fall 2026 |
March 15, 2026 July 15, 2026 |
May 11, 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.
- The University of Cincinnati College of Law is top ranked by Study.com.
- The University of Cincinnati and all of its regional campuses are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
- We are ranked #1 in Ohio and #16 nationally as an online college leader by TheBestSchools.org.
“Everyone is so supportive — the program directors, advisors, coordinators, professors, and the classmates. Even studying online, I make friends with classmates.”
Paige W.
Law and Paralegal Studies Student
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