July 8, 2026
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- LSU’s Paralegal Studies Certificate delivered through LSU Online provides an ABA-approved, flexible path to start a legal career without committing to a full paralegal degree.
- Paralegals support attorneys with research, documentation, and case preparation.
- Completing an online Paralegal Studies Certificate can help you gain real-world skills faster and may strengthen your candidacy for roles or future law school.
- The average certified paralegal salary is about $61,010 per year, with opportunities to increase earnings through experience and certifications.
- The total paralegal certificate cost is approximately $5,810, making it a cost-effective option for career changers and working professionals.
LSU’s online Paralegal Studies Certificate Program prepares aspiring legal professionals with practical, ABA-approved training designed to build real-world legal skills and career readiness.
Deciding to pursue a career in law is a major commitment. A traditional path, earning a law degree, passing the bar, and gaining experience, can take years. But for many, becoming a paralegal offers a faster, more accessible entry point into the legal field.
Through LSU’s Paralegal Studies Certificate delivered through LSU Online, you can gain real-world legal skills, build experience, and explore whether advancing from paralegal to lawyer is the right long-term goal.
What is a paralegal?
A paralegal plays a critical role in the legal system, often serving as the “right hand” to attorneys. This paralegal job description typically includes conducting legal research, drafting documents, organizing case files, and supporting trial preparation.
While the distinction between paralegal and legal assistant can vary by employer, paralegals are typically more involved in substantive legal work that supports case strategy. These professionals work in law firms, corporations, and government agencies.
What are the benefits of becoming a paralegal?
Becoming a paralegal can be a strong option for individuals interested in law, research, and client advocacy.
Key benefits include:
- Faster entry into the legal field compared to earning a full paralegal degree
- Hands-on experience that supports future law school applications
- Opportunities to specialize in areas like corporate, healthcare, or litigation law
- Professional networking with attorneys and legal teams
Completing an online Paralegal Studies Certificate helps you build these skills efficiently while maintaining flexibility.
How much do paralegals earn?
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that the average certified paralegal salary is $61,010.
However, earning potential can vary based on factors such as location, years of experience, industry, and level of education. Paralegals working in corporate legal departments or specialized areas of law may earn higher salaries.
How do I obtain a paralegal certificate?
Most paralegal certificate programs require some prior college experience. LSU’s online ABA-approved Paralegal Studies Certificate requires applicants to have completed at least 45 college credit hours and maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA.
This paralegal certification online program provides a structured path to gaining legal knowledge without committing to a full paralegal degree.
What is an ABA-approved paralegal program?
An ABA-approved paralegal certificate program meets strict standards set by the American Bar Association. These programs are recognized for delivering high-quality legal training aligned with employer expectations.
Choosing an ABA-approved program demonstrates that you’ve completed a rigorous and credible legal education.
How do programs gain ABA approval?
ABA approval is a comprehensive process that ensures programs meet high academic and professional standards.
Paralegal programs should be around one or two academic years to be approved by the ABA. The program itself must be at least two years old.
ABA-approved educational programs must also:
- Have a team of advisors that includes practicing lawyers and paralegals, faculty and school administrators, and members of the public
- Abide by all discrimination law
- Have enough financial resources to maintain a quality paralegal education program
- Create a program that qualifies graduates to be employed as paralegals
- Include at least 60 hours of general education and legal concentration courses
- Have instructors with the appropriate education and experience
- Have a full-time director of the program
A school also needs to undergo self-evaluation to verify that its paralegal program curriculum satisfies ABA guidelines.
Schools are required to send their program’s complete curriculum, including any legal-specialty electives, to the ABA Approval Committee. The committee also requires information about the legal faculty and program advisors. Lastly, the committee completes an evaluation on-campus to determine if the program meets all other requirements.
After this process, a school is approved for seven years. The curriculum evaluation must happen every seven years to maintain ABA approval.
Does it matter if my paralegal certificate is ABA-approved?
While not required, earning an ABA-approved paralegal certificate can strengthen your resume and improve job prospects. Employers often view graduates of ABA-approved programs as more prepared for legal work.
According to the American Bar Association, paralegals can become eligible for employment through education, training, or work experience. Since there are less than 300 ABA-approved paralegal programs in the U.S., many people may be unable to access one. Fortunately, LSU’s ABA-approved paralegal program is online, so students all across Louisiana can apply to this program.
While an ABA-approved program can be extremely beneficial for a long-term career, it is not mandatory. Still, it can be difficult to earn the skills necessary for success without completing a certified program.
Do employers care if my certificate program is approved by the ABA?
Many times, U.S. employers look for paralegals who have studied in an ABA-approved program. Although earning an ABA-approved education isn’t required to enter the profession, it may provide an advantage to job seekers.
Certain paralegal associations also require completion of an ABA-approved program to qualify candidates for certification. In turn, a professional credential can provide paralegals with more opportunities for career advancement or increased pay.
What’s special about the Paralegal Studies Certificate from LSU?
The Paralegal Studies Certificate Program from LSU provides the best of both worlds: the resources of the state’s largest university combined with the personal support of a small, student-friendly program. We offer the only non-credit ABA-approved paralegal program in Louisiana. Our courses are taught by field professionals, including lawyers and certified paralegals.
LSU’s Paralegal Studies Certificate delivered through LSU Online is a virtual live-online professional development program. Most courses take place in the evening throughout the semester. This affordable paralegal studies program is designed so that students can continue to work full time while earning their certificates.
How long will it take to become a paralegal?
LSU offers two program-length options: full-time and part-time. If you take classes full-time, you can complete the certificate in just one year. Finishing the part-time program can take up to 2 and a half years.
You must complete eight academic courses, a 150-hour internship, and an online legal ethics seminar. Most classes are in the evening on weekdays.
How much does a paralegal certificate cost?
The total Paralegal Studies Certificate cost at LSU is approximately $5,810, excluding textbooks. This makes it a cost-effective alternative to a full paralegal degree while still providing industry-recognized training.
Paralegal degree vs certificate
| Feature |
Paralegal Certificate |
Paralegal Degree |
| Time Commitment |
1-2.5 years |
2-4 years |
| Focus |
Practical legal skills |
Broader academic education |
| Cost |
Lower overall cost |
Higher tuition investment |
| Career Entry |
Faster entry into the workforce |
May offer long-term advancement |
| Ideal For |
Career changers, professionals |
Students starting from scratch |
Which paralegal certification is best?
The best paralegal certification depends on your career goals. For many students, completing an ABA-approved certificate program is a strong first step. From there, certifications such as those offered by national organizations (like NALA or NFPA) can further validate your expertise and enhance career opportunities.
What is the difference between NALA and NFPA?
NALA and NFPA are two leading organizations that offer professional certifications for paralegals, each with different requirements and focus areas.
NALA vs NFPA
| Feature |
NALA (CP Certification) |
NFPA (PACE Certification) |
| Full Name |
National Association of Legal Assistants |
National Federation of Paralegal Associations |
| Certification |
Certified Paralegal (CP) |
Registered Paralegal (RP) |
| Experience Level |
Entry to mid-level |
Mid to advanced |
| Exam Focus |
Legal knowledge and skills |
Advanced competency and experience |
| Eligibility |
Education or experience-based |
Requires work experience |
Start building your career with LSU’s online ABA-approved Paralegal Certificate Program
LSU’s Paralegal Studies Certificate delivered through LSU Online provides a flexible, proven path into the legal field. With structured start dates and a streamlined admissions process, you can plan your next step with confidence.
Whether you’re exploring a new career, advancing your current role, or considering the path from paralegal to lawyer, this program offers the training, credibility, and support to help you move forward.
Applying to the LSU Paralegal Studies Program is a simple process, but you might have questions. Review the Admission requirements on our website, and if you have any concerns, contact the program coordinator, Alanna Clanton, at aclant1@lsu.edu or 225-578-6760.