The body of knowledge required to effectively perform legal support services can only come from a formal education in paralegal studies. As attorneys, corporations and government agencies work within an increasingly complex legal framework, the level of responsibility they expect paralegals to be able to take on has also increased. Law offices and other employers in Massachusetts have come to rely on paralegals with the kind of expertise that can only come from earning a certificate or degree in paralegal studies.
Massachusetts has one of the oldest legal systems in the nation. This is a place where everyone knows that law firms are only as good as their staff – and this includes paralegals.
With the 10th-highest average paralegal salary in the nation (US Department of Labor, 2016), legal support staff in Massachusetts have a lot to look forward to. The demand for paralegals is strong, and if you want to stand out among the competition you need solid credentials.
We’ve put together some recommendations for the best online education options in legal studies. The schools above offer programs for career changers, high-school graduates, and experienced paralegals who are looking to add to their qualifications.
Bay Path University
AS in Paralegal Studies – Campus
BS/BA in Legal Studies – Campus
Certificate of Advanced Paralegal Studies (post-associate) – Campus
Becker College
BS in Legal Studies – Campus, online
Bentley University
Minor in Law – Campus
Boston University
Paralegal Certification – Online
Bristol Community College
AS in Paralegal and Legal Studies – Campus, hybrid
Certificate of Achievement in Paralegal Studies – Campus, hybrid
Bunker Hill Community College
AS in Paralegal Studies – Campus
Paralegal Certificate (post-associate) – Campus
Cape Cod Community College
Paralegal Certificate – Campus and partial online
Hampshire College
Bachelor’s Degree in Legal Studies – Campus
Lasell University
BA in Legal Studies – Campus
Massachusetts Bay Community College
AS Paralegal Studies – Campus and partial online
Paralegal Certificate – Campus and partial online
Middlesex Community College
AS in Paralegal Studies – Campus and hybrid
Paralegal Studies Certificate (post-associate) – Campus and hybrid
Mount Wachusett Community College
Associate Degree in Legal Studies – Campus and online
Paralegal Certificate – Campus and online
North Shore Community College
AS Paralegal Studies – Campus
Paralegal Certificate (post-associate) – Campus
Northeastern University
Master of Legal Studies – Online
Quincy College
AS in Paralegal Studies – Campus
Paralegal Studies Certificate – Campus
Suffolk University
AS Paralegal Studies – Campus
Certificate in Paralegal Studies (post-associate) – Campus
University of Massachusetts-Amherst
Bachelor’s Degree in Legal Studies – Campus