EKU’s 100% online associate degree in paralegal studies is designed to prepare students to quickly and successfully enter the workforce in a number of entry-level paralegal jobs. Graduates are well positioned to complete their bachelor’s degree and further increase their employment opportunities.
Note: Online paralegal students have the opportunity to complete all but 9 semester credit hours according to their own schedule, studying anytime and anywhere that is convenient. The remaining 9 semester credit hours of legal specialty coursework are completed through synchronous online instruction.
Focused on paralegal best practices and producing excellent student outcomes, EKU’s curriculum blends academic and professional preparation through course topics such as legal research and writing, litigation, legal administration and computer applications, family law, criminal law and probate practice.
The EKU Online Paralegal Program is approved by the American Bar Association and meets the guidelines set forth by the ABA. The American Bar Association’s Standing Committee on Paralegals states that its purpose in approving programs is “to foster high quality paralegal education and training and the development of educational standards.”
Each ABA-approved paralegal program goes through a rigorous approval process and is subject to ongoing review by ABA representatives, including periodic on-site visits and review of detailed reports submitted by the program.
Students who graduate from an ABA-approved course of paralegal studies are automatically qualified to sit for the Certified Kentucky Paralegal Exam.
Paralegal careers are fast-paced and challenging. The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics* (BLS) estimates that the number of individuals employed as paralegals and legal assistants will rise 12 percent through 2028, much faster than average for all occupations.
The Eastern Kentucky University paralegal program is one of approximately 260 ABA-approved paralegal programs (out of over 1,000 paralegal programs overall) in the United States. The ABA requires ABA-approved programs to go through a rigorous review process, ensuring that the programs meet the ABA’s stringent requirements for program quality.
This occupation attracts many applicants and competition for paralegal jobs is strong. Those with a degree or post-baccalaureate certificate from ABA-approved institutions, like Eastern Kentucky University, will have the best job prospects. According to BLS the median paralegal salary in 2018 was $50,940 per year or $24.49 per hour.
Learn MoreEKU’s online paralegal programs focus on best practices and producing excellent student outcomes.
Note: The paralegal program is a 100% online program. A minimum of 9 semester credit hours of legal specialty coursework are completed through synchronous online instruction.
The laws of Kentucky and other states prohibit paralegals from engaging in the practice of law or providing legal services directly to the public, except as permitted by law. Therefore, completion of a major, minor, or certificate in Paralegal Studies/Sciences does not entitle one to practice law, provide legal services directly to the public, or render legal advice, except as provided by law.
Call or email Enrollment Advisor Laquanda Miller for information about the EKU Online Paralegal Studies program.
Contact Info:
859-622-9959
Laquanda.Miller@eku.edu
EKU Online offers veterans and active duty military students an unparalleled online learning experience that provides accessibility, convenience and flexibility.
Special Tuition for Active Duty* Military
Eastern Kentucky University offers reduced tuition expenses to $250 per credit hour for undergraduate and $325 per credit hour for graduate courses to all service members currently serving on active duty.
“I’d like to thank the EKU College of Justice & Safety for the opportunity to complete my degree online. It’s very user-friendly, and everyone has bent over backwards to make this happen.”
– 1LT Heath Bergmann, EKU Online Graduate