Online Learning
Build practical legal skills on your schedule with the UT San Antonio Online Paralegal Certificate Program. Designed and taught by practicing Texas attorneys, this asynchronous program allows students to access instructional materials, complete assignments and progress through legal coursework without attending regularly scheduled classroom sessions.
Ideal for working professionals, career changers and students balancing competing commitments, the online format combines independent learning with structured assignments and established deadlines. Students develop skills in legal research, writing, litigation and Texas law while benefiting from instructor guidance and feedback.
Curriculum Overview
The Online Paralegal Certificate Program provides practical legal training through flexible, asynchronous coursework. Students study legal research and writing, civil litigation, contracts and business organizations, family law, wills and probate, and criminal law and procedure. Online assignments, legal research activities, and instructor feedback help students apply their knowledge while progressing through established course deadlines.
Family Law
The paralegal's role in a family law practice, including the substantive law and procedures relating to divorce, community property, conservatorship and child support.
Criminal Law
The paralegal's role in the criminal justice system with emphasis on legal research and drafting projects. Includes criminal law discovery lab and career skills workshops.
Wills and Probate
The paralegal's role in a wills and probate practice, including the law of intestate succession, preparation of basic wills and other estate planning documents.
Civil Litigation
Interviewing clients and witnesses; recognizing causes of action underlying civil litigation, including intentional torts, negligence and professional malpractice.
Legal Research
Hands-on use of digests, case reporters, statutory codes and secondary sources to locate relevant law; introduction to legal analysis and legal writing.
Nexis Uni and TXdocs
Learn to leverage technology to complement traditional legal research methods and streamline legal document drafting.
Is Online Paralegal Learning Right for You?
The Online Paralegal Certificate Program combines flexible, asynchronous instruction with practical legal training from experienced Texas attorneys. Complete coursework on your schedule while meeting established assignment deadlines.
Program Highlights
- Flexible coursework without scheduled classroom attendance.
- Recorded lectures and discussion board activities.
- Practical legal research, writing and document preparation assignments.
- Optional courthouse visits and law library research experiences.
- Optional workshops covering resumes, cover letters and mock interviews.
- Access to Nexis Uni and TXdocs legal research and document tools.
- Instructor guidance and feedback from practicing Texas attorneys.
Prefer Live Instruction?
UT San Antonio also offers a Live Virtual Paralegal Certificate Program for students who prefer scheduled classes, direct instructor interaction and collaborative learning.
Attend Saturday classes led by practicing Texas attorneys, participate in real-time discussions and develop practical legal skills through interactive exercises.
Virtual Information Sessions
Explore the UT San Antonio Paralegal Certificate Program before enrolling. Join a free virtual information session to learn about the curriculum, career opportunities and differences between live virtual and online learning.
What You'll Learn
Led by the PaCE Paralegal Program Coordinator, each session provides an opportunity to explore the program and ask questions before registering.
- Program curriculum, structure and expectations.
- Differences between live virtual and online instruction.
- Paralegal career opportunities and professional skills.
- Tuition, registration and payment options.
10% Registration Discount
Attend an eligible virtual information session and receive a 10% discount on first-semester tuition.
Registered attendees will receive an email with virtual session access information approximately one week before the session.
Students must register within three months of attending. The discount applies only to first-semester tuition and cannot be applied to processing, late or payment-plan fees.
Paralegal Career Outlook
Paralegals and legal assistants support attorneys through legal research, document preparation, case management and litigation support. These professionals work in law firms, corporate legal departments, government agencies and other industries.
Salary and Employment Outlook
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the national median annual wage for paralegals and legal assistants was $62,890 in May 2025. Approximately 40,800 job openings are projected annually nationwide from 2025 to 2035, primarily due to workers changing occupations or retiring.
Overall employment is projected to show little or no change during this period. Salaries and career opportunities vary by experience, employer, specialization and geographic location.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook .
Career Opportunities
Common positions include Paralegal, Legal Assistant, Litigation Paralegal, Corporate Paralegal, Real Estate Paralegal and Immigration Paralegal. Education and experience requirements vary by employer.
Explore the full Paralegal Certificate Program for additional information about paralegal education and career pathways.
Program Cost & Policies
Review tuition, estimated expenses, payment options, discounts and important enrollment policies for the UT San Antonio Online Paralegal Certificate Program.
Program Cost
$1,785 per semester
$5,355 total tuition
The Online Paralegal Certificate Program is completed through three consecutive phases over approximately 11 months. Textbooks and personal expenses are not included in tuition.
Payment Options
Up to three payments per semester
Financing options may be available
Students may pay each semester in full or request an installment plan. Continuing education loans and approved education-benefit programs may also be available.
Policies & Discounts
10% first-semester discount
Refund restrictions apply
Students who attend an eligible virtual information session may receive a first-semester discount. Review refund, withdrawal and consecutive-enrollment requirements.
