Paralegal Certificate Program
American National University's Paralegal certificate program – approved by the American Bar Association (ABA) – is designed exclusively for students and professionals who have previously earned an associate's or bachelor's degree
American National University’s Paralegal certificate program – approved by the American Bar Association (ABA) – is designed exclusively for students and professionals who have previously earned an associate’s or bachelor’s degree:
- recent college graduates seeking a legal career
- experienced professionals seeking a career change to the legal industry
Paralegals, whether they are employed on a full, part-time, or contracted basis, are increasingly in demand by corporate, government agencies, law firms, and other organizations because of the specific legal skills and knowledge they possess, making them indispensable to attorneys and the legal system. Please remember that paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public, except as permitted by law.
We offer one of the first DEAC Accredited, online paralegal certificate programs that is approved by the American Bar Association (ABA)!
The ABA-approved paralegal certificate program’s content was developed with careful consideration toward satisfying the American Bar Association’s recommendations for paralegals’ continuing education, as well as their preparation for the national paralegal certification exam. Students must take at least nine semester credits or the equivalent of legal specialty courses through synchronous instruction. Students will have the opportunity to earn their Lexis+® Paralegal Certificate as part of the PLG207 Legal Research and Writing course.
Also see Paralegal associate’s degree program.
Your learning experience
American National University's Paralegal studies program combines academic rigor with legal, technical and leadership skills to develop well-rounded paralegal professionals. Our graduates are prepared to pursue careers as paralegals to perform tasks in legal, corporate, non-profit or government organizations.
Upon successful completion of this degree program, students will be able to:
Understand the education and training required of a paralegal and recognize the guidelines and ethical responsibilities of the profession and the importance of legal research and writing.
Demonstrate an understanding of the history, origin and structure of the American legal system, identify and use major tools, software, and sources of American law.
Explain the difference between criminal and civil law and interpret various categories of civil law, such as torts, contract law, corporate law, property law, family law, and wills and estates.
Draft basic legal documents such as complaints, answers, and contracts, interview clients, conduct independent research of non-legal matters and simple legal questions, and draft legal memoranda.
In addition to the program outcomes listed, students will have the opportunity to earn their Lexis+ Paralegal Certificate as part of PLG207 Legal Research and Writing course.
Online Tuition Comparison
Total tuition for an certificate in Paralegal at ANU is only $13,664. Large online colleges with course-based programs are up to 77% higher and do not include fees or textbooks.(1) ANU tuition includes all fees (application, course, technology, graduation, etc.), textbooks, and lab equipment (where applicable).
(1) Online tuition pages on the internet at:
- https://www.south.edu/admissions/financial-aid/tuition-and-fees/, (viewed 12/11/25)
- https://www.bryantstratton.edu/degrees/catalog/tuition-and-fees/, (viewed 12/11/25)
Required Courses
For all courses: See catalog for complete course descriptions and prerequisites.
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