Looking for a career as a paralegal? At the IU School of Liberal Arts, you can earn your bachelor’s degree and paralegal certificate together through our ABA-approved paralegal studies program and graduate ready to start your career and thrive as a law professional.
Paralegal Studies Program
Choose your future in Liberal Arts
Explore admissions, connect with advisors, and see what makes Liberal Arts Indy the perfect place to begin your next chapter. Learn how to apply now.
What is a paralegal?
A paralegal is someone trained to do legal work under the supervision of a lawyer. They help with important tasks like researching laws, preparing documents, and supporting cases, making them a key part of any legal team.
Start your legal journey in Indianapolis
Our in-person program takes place on campus in downtown Indianapolis, right in the heart of Indiana’s leading legal community. From day one, you’ll get hands-on experience and build practical legal skills while exploring a wide range of law topics.
You’ll also build strong communication, problem-solving, and tech skills that prepare you to succeed as a paralegal professional. It’s the foundation you need to launch your career with confidence.
Our faculty includes licensed, practicing attorneys from a wide range of specialties—bringing real-world experience straight into the classroom. And we’re proud to offer Indianapolis’s only paralegal program approved by the American Bar Association.
From personalized advising to hands-on internships and career support, we’re here to guide you every step of the way, inside and outside the classroom.
Law in Liberal Arts BA
The Law in Liberal Arts BA is approved by the American Bar Association and is designed to prepare you for a career as a paralegal. Students who complete the Law in Liberal Arts major will simultaneously complete the requirements for the Paralegal Certificate and receive the BA and the certificate together. This major focuses on providing students with practical legal skills as well as a background in legal concepts so you will graduate with immediate job prospects in a rapidly expanding profession.
Disclaimer: Paralegals must not engage in the unauthorized practice of law and must work under the supervision of a licensed attorney except as otherwise permitted by law.
Paralegal Certificate
This ABA-approved certificate is for students who already have a bachelor’s degree. If you don’t yet have one, you’ll need to complete our Law in Liberal Arts bachelor’s degree program.
The Paralegal Certificate program covers a wide range of legal topics and helps you build the skills needed for success in law-related careers. You’ll learn from experienced, licensed attorneys right here in Indianapolis—giving you real-world insight and valuable connections in the legal field.
Paralegal careers
Most law firms require paralegals to have both a certificate and a bachelor’s degree. Our ABA-approved program provides the legal knowledge and practical skills you need to succeed in this fast-growing field—expected to grow 15% over the next decade.
Graduates of our program have a 90% employment rate within six months, based on those actively seeking legal work.
Interested in law school instead?
Explore our Pre-Law and BA/JD programs to learn more about preparing for law school. These programs are separate from our ABA-approved Paralegal Studies Program and do not train students to become paralegals.
More information
Contact the program director, Shana Stump.Explore degrees and certificates
Undergraduate majors
Every student in the School of Liberal Arts must complete a major to graduate.
Major in Law in Liberal Arts
Certificates
IU School of Liberal Arts students are not required to complete a certificate, but it can be a way to pursue a secondary interest. Any IU Indy student is invited to earn a certificate in the IU School of Liberal Arts.
Get involved
College is more than going to class and taking exams. It’s about discovering who you are, building connections, and having fun along the way. In other words, get involved!
Student Organizations
Level up your college experience:
- Meet awesome people who share your interests
- Grow your leadership skills
- Stand out on campus and in the community
- Make real friends and great college memories
- Leave your mark
Internships & Jobs
Living and learning in Indianapolis means you’re surrounded by real-world opportunities. You’ll gain more experience, connections, and confidence when it’s time to land that first job.
Student support and resources
Everything you need to thrive academically, intellectually, and personally during your time at the IU School of Liberal Arts.