Marian University’s Online Paralegal Studies Certificate is designed for individuals seeking a flexible, accelerated practical training in the legal field. This 4-course, fully online program can be completed in as little as two semesters and provides practical training in legal research, writing, and civil litigation.
You’ll build the foundational skills needed to support attorneys in law firms, corporate legal departments, government agencies, and other legal settings. Whether you’re beginning your career journey or looking to transition into the legal field, this certificate offers focused, career-relevant preparation in a convenient online format.
What You’ll Learn: Foundational Legal Skills & Core Knowledge
Through Marian University’s Online Paralegal Studies Certificate, you’ll learn key legal concepts, ethical practices, and the foundational procedures, helping you develop the knowledge needed to support attorneys and legal teams across a variety of settings.
You’ll also strengthen soft skills such as critical thinking, attention to detail, organization, and document management. Designed to be completed in just two semesters, this focused certificate program provides a strong introduction to the legal field and prepares you for entry-level legal support roles or continued academic study.
Accelerated Online Format – Finish in Just One Semester
Marian University’s Online Paralegal Studies Certificate is designed for busy adults seeking a convenient, accelerated introduction to the legal field. This fully online, 4-course program can be completed in as little as two semesters, making it an efficient option for career changers, working professionals, or students looking to build foundational legal skills quickly.
With asynchronous online coursework, you can complete assignments on your own schedule while balancing work, family, and other responsibilities. Multiple start dates and a streamlined curriculum make it easy to begin progressing toward your educational and career goals without putting your life on hold.
- First Term LAW 200 (5 weeks)
- First Session LAW 220 (7 weeks)
- Second Term LAW 256 (5 weeks)
- Third Term LAW 270 (5 weeks)
Career Paths & Growing Demand for Paralegals
Graduates of Marian University’s Online Paralegal Studies Certificate can pursue entry-level legal support opportunities in law firms, corporate legal departments, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and other professional settings. Career pathways may include roles such as legal assistant, administrative legal support specialist, compliance support staff, contract support coordinator, or litigation support assistant.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 15% employment growth for paralegals between 2019 and 2029, much higher than the average growth for other occupations. This reflects a continued demand for skilled legal support professionals across all industries. The certificate also provides a strong foundation for continued education in paralegal studies or related legal fields.
Legal support professionals continue to play an important role across a wide range of industries, including law, business, healthcare, insurance, finance, and real estate. Organizations value professionals who can assist with legal research, document preparation, case organization, and professional communication, which are all skills developed through Marian’s focused certificate curriculum.
Online Paralegal Studies Curriculum
Marian’s fully online paralegal certificate program helps students develop the skills to work confidently in a variety of legal settings after graduation. The program includes coursework that spans career paths, legal research and writing, professional responsibility, and civil litigation. Additionally, this flexible, skills-focused credential allows learners to gain foundational legal knowledge and practical competencies without committing to a full degree program.
- LAW 200: Introduction to Industry & Career Pathways 1 credit
- LAW 220: Legal Research & Writing 4 credits
- LAW 256 Professional Responsibilities and Ethical Decision Making 3 credits
- LAW 270 Civil Litigation Practice and Procedure Capstone 4 credits
How to Get Started
Admission to Marian’s Certificate in Paralegal Studies . 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.
- Submit high school transcripts and college transcripts if applicable
- Submit online application and pay $25 application fee
- View Schedules
- Please visit the Business Office "Tuition Rates" page.
Questions? Contact Us!
Marc Bradley
Senior Online Enrollment Specialist
mbradley@marian.edu | 317.955.6655