Marian University’s Online Associate in Paralegal Studies Degree is designed for students seeking a flexible, accelerated pathway into legal support careers. With fully online coursework and practical training in legal research, writing, and case management, this program equips you to support attorneys in law firms, corporate legal departments, or government agencies. Whether you’re entering the workforce after high school or switching careers, the associate-level degree offers foundational legal education that prepares you for real-world responsibilities in as little as two years.
Take control of your professional trajectory with an online Associate of Science in Paralegal Studies degree from Marian University. Prepare to become a leader in this fast-growing field. Our paralegal program consists of 66 credit hours which can be completed in as little as 14 months. Five-week, accelerated classes are taught 100 percent online and start nine times a year, so you can earn your degree at a pace that best fits your schedule.
Attorneys and paralegals serve as adjunct instructors in our online paralegal studies program. You will also benefit from the insights and experiences of a legal professional in our 1:1 student-mentor program. Administrators and faculty carefully pair mentors with students who share a specialization interest to build relationships and network within the industry, even before graduation.
What You’ll Learn: Paralegal Core Skills & Legal Knowledge
Through Marian’s online paralegal program, you’ll gain in-depth skills in legal research, legal writing, civil litigation support, contract review, case management, and ethical/legal compliance. Coursework covers areas like civil procedure, torts, contracts, and legal ethics — giving you the knowledge and hands-on experience needed to support attorneys, corporations, government agencies, and nonprofits.
You’ll also develop critical soft-skills: attention to detail, organized documentation management, effective communication, and the ability to work under supervision — all essential competencies for successful paralegals.
Flexible, Accelerated Online Format — Complete in As Few as 14 Months
Marian University offers a streamlined, accelerated pathway for busy adults. The online paralegal studies associate degree uses five- and eight-week course blocks and starts multiple times per year — allowing you to adjust your schedule around work, family, or other obligations.
Because courses are online, and assignments are asynchronous, you can study at your own pace. Many students complete the program in as little as 14 months, making this an efficient route for career changers and working professionals seeking a fast transition into the legal field.
Career Paths & Growing Demand for Paralegals
Graduates with an Associate in Paralegal Studies can pursue many roles — as paralegals, legal assistants, compliance support staff, contract administrators, litigation support specialists, or corporate/paralegal support across industries such as law firms, government agencies, insurance companies, real estate, and corporate legal departments.
The demand for paralegals remains strong: nationally, paralegal roles offer stable job growth and competitive starting salaries. Paralegals are needed in law firms, corporations, government agencies, insurance and mortgage companies, and even banks. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 10 percent employment growth for paralegals between 2019 and 2029. With your online paralegal degree, you’ll be well-equipped for early-career opportunities and future advancement — whether working under attorneys or specializing in fields like corporate law, real estate, or litigation support.
Possible areas of specialization include: family, criminal, environmental, personal injury, healthcare, medical malpractice, civil litigation, sports and entertainment, and international law. Regardless of the legal specialization you select, Marian will prepare you to become a leader in the field with the critical thinking, communication, and technology skills that are highly desired by employers.
Online Paralegal Studies Curriculum
Marian’s fully online paralegal program develops the skills students need to succeed after graduating. The program includes courses in legal research, legal writing and communication, civil litigation for the paralegal, and more. Additionally, some classes are devoted to preparing students for their careers, such as legal career preparation and development and the internship in pre-law studies/paralegal studies.
Admissions, Transfer Credit & How to Get Started
Admission to Marian’s AS in Paralegal Studies typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent. Prospective students with previous college coursework (or vocational/legal-field experience) are encouraged to submit official transcripts for evaluation — eligible credits may reduce time to degree completion.
Because of the program’s accelerated, online format, students can begin multiple times per year — reducing waiting periods. After admission, your courses begin immediately, helping you launch a legal-support career quickly.
Beyond the classroom, local law firms offer valuable career-building opportunities with internships, externships, and job shadowing. In fact, many of our graduates have gone on to work where they’ve interned.
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Marian University Online Programs
Marian University’s paralegal studies program is offered fully online and provides internship opportunities and support from local law firms. Getting started is easy.
Questions? Contact Us!
Marc Bradley
Senior Online Enrollment Specialist
mbradley@marian.edu | 317.955.6655