Certificate in Paralegal Studies vs. General Legal Studies Degree: Which Is Right for You?

If you're exploring a future in law, understanding your study options is the first step.

Both a certificate and a degree can lead to rewarding roles in legal support, but they serve different goals depending on your background and ambitions.

At the Tulane School of Professional Advancement (SoPA), we offer both options as part of the region’s oldest ABA-approved legal studies programs. Our online-friendly, flexible curriculum is taught by practicing attorneys and paralegals, providing the professional edge that today’s legal employers expect.

In this guide, we’ll break down the differences between our two legal programs to help you choose the right path.

Certificate in Paralegal Studies

Our Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Paralegal Studies is designed specifically for those who want to build a focused legal skill set and pursue a career as a paralegal*. Rather than offering a broad education, this program zeroes in on what legal assistants need to succeed, from drafting legal documents and managing case files to understanding court procedures and ethical standards. 

With a structure that blends academic instruction and real-world experience, the certificate in paralegal studies prepares you to work confidently in law firms, corporate legal departments, or public agencies. It’s a direct path into the paralegal field — professional, practical, and ABA-approved.

*Paralegals are not attorneys and may not provide legal services to the public, except as permitted by law. They work under the supervision of licensed lawyers.

Who it’s for 

This program is ideal for:

• - Individuals who already hold a bachelor’s degree
• - Those aiming to become paralegals or legal assistants
• - Career changers seeking quick entry into the legal field
• - Professionals already working in legal settings who want to advance
• - Students who prefer a focused, skills-based program that can be completed in about a year

Whether you’re starting fresh or pivoting from another industry, this certificate offers a fast, affordable entry point into the paralegal profession. 

Program details and requirements

The paralegal certificate program includes:

• - 9 courses (27 credit hours) focused on core legal topics
• - 100-hour law office internship 
• - At least 9 credit hours completed synchronously or in person, per ABA guidelines
• - Courses taught by practicing legal professionals with real-world insight
• - Fully online format, with flexible scheduling to fit your life
• - 20% tuition discount for eligible students and credit for prior experience, where applicable

This program is structured to prepare you quickly for the demands of a legal support role.

What you’ll learn

In the paralegal studies program, students gain:

• - Legal research and writing skills, including how to cite using the Bluebook
• - Civil procedure and trial preparation strategies
• - Proficiency in legal technology for file management, billing, and case tracking
• - Understanding of professional ethics following ABA, NALA, and NFPA standards
• - Real-world experience through an internship in a legal setting

Graduates are equipped to draft legal documents, support trial preparation, and work confidently in law firms, corporate legal departments, and government agencies.

General Legal Studies Degree

Our Bachelor of Arts in General Legal Studies is a comprehensive academic pathway for students seeking a well-rounded foundation in law and beyond. Whether you're starting college for the first time or returning to complete your degree, this program helps you develop the knowledge, critical thinking, and professional skills needed in today’s legal and policy-driven workplaces. 

The curriculum balances legal coursework with general education, supporting both career readiness and graduate school aspirations. With flexible scheduling, transfer credit options, and practical internship experience, this degree equips you to pursue a wide range of opportunities in the legal field and related industries.

Who it’s for

The general legal studies degree is best for:

• - Students seeking a bachelor’s degree to pursue a legal career
• - Adult learners with transfer credits or past college experience
• - Those planning to apply to law school after graduation
• - Individuals interested in both legal studies and a well-rounded academic foundation
• - Students interested in a longer-term path with broader career flexibility

If you’re looking to establish a legal foundation with additional opportunities in policy, business, or graduate school, our general legal studies program offers that depth.

Program details and requirements

The general legal studies degree includes:

• - 120 credit hours: 84 general education/electives + 36 legal studies
• - A 100-hour internship through the capstone practicum
• - At least 9 legal studies credits (3 courses) completed synchronously or in person
• - Up to 60 transfer credits accepted (ABA-approved coursework preferred)
• - Fully online format with flexible course options
• - 20% tuition discounts and credit for prior experience available

The curriculum is built to support diverse learners, from first-time students to working adults returning to school.

What you’ll learn

In this legal studies program, students explore:

• - Legal research and writing, with hands-on practice drafting memos and briefs
• - Use of legal technology to manage documentation, billing, and court processes
• - Deep dives into civil and criminal law, administrative procedures, and litigation
• - Ethics and professional conduct in legal environments
• - Career readiness through the development of a Benchbook (professional portfolio)

This degree prepares students for work in law firms, corporate compliance, court systems, or graduate education.

At-a-Glance Comparison

Entry requirement

• - Certificate: Must already hold a bachelor’s degree
• - Degree: Open to new students, returning learners, and transfer students

Credits & duration

• - Certificate: 27 credits, typically completed in one year
• - Degree: 120 credits, usually completed in two to four years

Career goals

• - Certificate: Best for those seeking quick entry into the paralegal field or building experience for law school
• - Degree: Ideal for students pursuing a long-term legal career or graduate-level education

Curriculum focus

• - Certificate: Legal skills and paralegal training
• - Degree: Legal coursework and general education for broader academic growth

Explore the Right Legal Path for You

Whether you’re looking for a fast-track route into a paralegal career or want to earn a bachelor’s degree with a legal focus, Tulane SoPA makes it possible to move forward on your terms.

Both our certificate in paralegal studies and general legal studies degree are ABA-approved, designed for flexibility, and taught by practicing legal professionals who bring real-world experience into every course. Each program includes a 100-hour internship, ensuring you leave with practical skills and relevant experience in a legal setting.

Our admissions process is simple — with three start dates, no required test scores, and support from advisors every step of the way.

Ready to take the next step? Request more information today to explore which path fits your goals.