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 Maryland have come to rely on paralegals with the kind of expertise that can only come from earning a certificate or degree in paralegal studies.
Maryland punches above its weight when it comes to the paralegal profession with the 11th highest number of paralegals of any state in the nation (US Department of Labor, 2016).
It’s important to be as competitive as possible in a job market where law firms expect you to hit the ground running on day one. In Maryland and the surrounding area you could be going up against paralegals that already have experience in multinational corporations, international lobbyist groups, and the most important federal offices in the nation. Distinguishing yourself in this pack starts with the right education.
To help you make an informed decision about what’s out there, we’ve made some recommendations for the best online paralegal schools. These institutions have programs for aspiring paralegals from all types of backgrounds. This includes those making a career change, students who are fresh out of high school, and experienced paralegals who want to add to their professional qualifications.
Allegany College of Maryland
Associate’s Degree in Legal Studies – Campus, hybrid
Legal Studies Certificate – Campus, online
Anne Arundel Community College
AAS Paralegal Studies, Business – Campus
AAS Paralegal Studies, General Practice – Campus
AAS Paralegal Studies, Litigation – Campus
Paralegal Studies Business Certificate – Campus
Paralegal Studies General Practice Certificate – Campus
Paralegal Studies Litigation Certificate – Campus
Baltimore City Community College
AAS Legal Assistant – Campus, blended, and online
Cecil College
AA in Paralegal Studies – Campus
Community College of Baltimore County
AAS in Legal Studies – Campus
Paralegal Studies Certificate (post-associate) – Campus
Frederick Community College
AAS in Paralegal Studies – Campus
Paralegal Certificate – Campus
Hagerstown Community College
AA Paralegal Studies – Campus
Paralegal Studies Certificate – Campus
Harford Community College
AS in Paralegal Studies – Campus
Paralegal Studies Certificate (post-associate) – Campus
Montgomery College
AAS Paralegal Studies – Campus
Paralegal Studies Certificate – Campus
Legal Analysis Letter of Recognition – Campus
Prince George’s Community College
AAS in Paralegal/Legal Assistant Studies – Campus and online
Paralegal/Legal Assistant Certificate – Campus and online
Stevenson University
BS in Legal Studies – Campus and hybrid
University of Baltimore
BA in Legal Studies – Campus
MA in Legal Studies – Campus
University of Maryland Global Campus
BS in Legal Studies – Online